Web Design » Photoshop » How Do I Create a Free Shape in Photoshop?

How Do I Create a Free Shape in Photoshop?

Last updated on January 25, 2023 @ 1:56 pm

Creating a free shape in Photoshop is a great way to add unique, custom elements to your designs. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

  1. Open Photoshop and create a new document or open an existing one.
  2. Select the Pen tool from the toolbar on the left side of the screen.
  3. Start creating your shape by clicking on the canvas to create anchor points. As you move your cursor, you’ll see a line connecting the anchor points, which will create the shape.
  4. Continue clicking to add more anchor points, and use the Direct Selection tool to adjust and reposition them as needed.
  5. To close the shape, hover over the first anchor point and click when the pen tool icon changes to a circle with a line through it.
  6. Once you’ve created your shape, you can use the brush tool to add color and texture, or use layer styles to add effects like drop shadows and gradients.
  7. To save your shape, you can use the “Layer via Copy” or “Layer via Cut” option under the Layer menu.
  8. You can also select the shape layer in the Layers panel, and then go to Layer > Vector Mask > Current Path. This will convert the path into a vector mask.

By following these steps, you’ll be able to create a free shape in Photoshop that you can use in your designs. Remember to experiment and have fun with it!

PRO TIP: To create a more precise shape in Photoshop, hold down the “Shift” key while clicking to create anchor points. This will constrain the lines to 45-degree angles, making it easier to create straight lines and symmetrical shapes.
Madison Geldart

Madison Geldart

Cloud infrastructure engineer and tech mess solver.