Creating shape layers
You create a shape layer using a shape tool or a pen tool. The shape is automatically filled with the current foreground color; however, you can easily change the fill to a different color, a gradient, or a pattern. The shape's outline is stored in a vector mask that is linked to the layer. In Photoshop, you can draw multiple shapes in a layer and specify how overlapping shapes interact.
To create a new shape layer: - Select a shape tool or a pen tool, and click the Shape Layers button in the options bar.
- To apply a style to the shape layer, select a preset style from the Style pop-up menu. (See Applying preset styles.)
- To change the color of the shape layer, click the color swatch in the options bar and choose a color.
- Set additional tool-specific options, and draw a shape. For more information, see Using the shape tools and Using the pen tools (Photoshop).
To draw multiple shapes in a layer (Photoshop): - Select the layer to which you want to add shapes.
- Select a drawing tool, and set tool-specific options.
- Choose one of the following in the options bar:
- Add to Shape Area to add the new area to the existing shapes or path.
- Subtract from Shape Area to remove the overlapping area from the existing shapes or path.
- Intersect Shape Areas to restrict the area to the intersection of the new area and the existing shapes or path.
- Exclude Overlapping Shape Areas to exclude the overlap area in the consolidated new and existing areas.
Use the following keyboard shortcuts while drawing with a shape tool: Hold down Shift to temporarily select the Add to Shape Area option; hold down Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac OS) to temporarily select the Subtract from Shape Area option. - Draw in the image. You can easily switch between drawing tools by clicking a tool button in the options bar.
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