Adobe Photoshop CS2 On Demand [Electronic resources]

Creating Shape Layers

When you convert a type layer into a shape layer, the type layer is converted into a layer with a vector mask. In essence, Photoshop fills the layer with the color of the text, and then creates a vector mask to define the type. Once created, the vector mask can be edited just like any other vector shape.

Create Shape Layers

Open a document containing a type layer.

Select the

Layers palette, and then select one of the type layers.

Click the

Layer menu, point to

Type , and then click

Convert To Shape .

IMPORTANT

When you convert a type layer into a shape layer, Photoshop removes the type layer and replaces it with the shape layer. You gain the ability of manipulating the image as a vector shape; however, you lose the ability to edit the type.

Click the

Vector Mask thumbnail in the Layers palette, and then edit the mask using any of Photoshop's Pen tools.