Using the Standard Shape Tool
Creating standard shapes, such as polygons or rectangles with rounded corners used to be a hassle. That is until Photoshop released its standard shape drawing tools. Now, it's a simple matter of selecting the correct tool, choosing a color, and then drawing the shape. As with any of Photoshop's drawing functions, control is maintained with the use of additional layers. Photoshop's standard shapes consist of rectangles, rounded rectangles, ellipses, polygons; and each one of the shape tools comes with additional options to control exactly how the shape appears when drawn.
Work with the Standard Shape Tool
Select the Rectangle tool on the toolbox.
Click the Fill Pixels button to create raster shapes in the active foreground color.
Click the Rounded Rectangle, Ellipse , or Polygon tool buttons.
Click the Geometry list arrow, and then select from the following drawing options or check boxes:
Unconstrained.
(Rectangle, Rounded Rectangle, Ellipse)
Square.
(Rectangle, Rounded Rectangle)
Circle.
(Ellipse)
Fixed Size.
(Rectangle, Rounded Rectangle, Ellipse)
Proportional.
(Rectangle, Rounded Rectangle, Ellipse)
From Center.
(Rectangle, Rounded Rectangle, Ellipse)
Snap to Pixels.
(Rectangle, Rounded Rectangle)
Radius.
(Polygon)
Smooth Corners.
(Polygon)
Star.
(Polygon)
Indent Sides By.
(Polygon)
Smooth Indents.
(Polygon)
Click the Mode list arrow, and then select a blending mode.
Enter an Opacity percentage value (1 to 100).
Select the Anti-alias check box to create a visually smoother image.Useful when drawing shapes with curved edges.
Drag in the document window to create the shape.IMPORTANT
Maintain control over your design by drawing shapes in separate layers.[View full size image]
[View full size image]
For Your InformationUsing the Standard Shape Tool Once a shape has been created, you can use Photoshop's extensive layer effects options to colorize the shape, add a drop shadow or bevel, even apply a gradient or pattern to the shape. Remember that in order to apply layer effects to the shape it must be isolated in its own layer. |