How do you invert a rectangle in Photoshop?

The provided reference focuses on inverting custom shapes to create a stencil effect, which is a relevant, although potentially indirect, way to address inverting a rectangle in Photoshop. The most common interpretation would be inverting the colors of a rectangular selection or shape. Here's how you can invert a rectangle's appearance in Photoshop, covering various interpretations:

1. Inverting the Colors Within a Rectangular Selection

This inverts the colors only within the selected rectangular area.

1. Select the Rectangular Marquee Tool: Choose the Rectangular Marquee Tool (M) from the toolbar.

2. Create the Rectangle: Click and drag on your image to create a rectangular selection.

3. Invert the Colors: Go to Image > Adjustments > Invert (or press Ctrl+I / Cmd+I). This will invert the colors within the selected rectangle. Black becomes white, red becomes cyan, and so on.

4. Deselect: Go to Select > Deselect (or press Ctrl+D / Cmd+D) to remove the selection.

2. Inverting a Rectangle Shape Layer

If you've drawn a rectangle using the Shape tool, you can invert its color like this:

1. Select the Rectangle Layer: In the Layers panel, select the rectangle shape layer.

2. Access Layer Style: Double-click the layer in the Layers panel to open the Layer Style dialog box. Alternatively, click the "fx" icon at the bottom of the layers panel and choose "Color Overlay."

3. Apply Color Overlay: In the Layer Style dialog, select "Color Overlay."

4. Choose the Inverted Color: Click the color swatch next to "Blend Mode" in the Color Overlay options. The Color Picker will open. Select the color you want to replace the current color with. Click "OK."

5. Alternatively, Use Invert Adjustment Layer: Create an "Invert" adjustment layer above the rectangle layer. Right-click on the adjustment layer and select "Create Clipping Mask". This will apply the inversion only to the rectangle shape. You may need to adjust the layer blending mode if this doesn't produce the desired result.

3. Creating a "Stencil" Effect (Inverting the Mask)

As the video suggests, you can invert a shape mask for a stencil effect. This means the area outside the rectangle becomes visible, and the rectangle itself becomes "cut out."

1. Create a Rectangle Shape: Use the Rectangle Tool to draw a rectangle on your canvas. Ensure it is a Shape layer (not a path).

2. Add a Layer Mask: In the Layers panel, click the "Add Layer Mask" button (it looks like a rectangle with a circle in the middle). This creates a mask linked to your rectangle shape layer. The rectangle becomes visible, and the rest is hidden.

3. Invert the Mask: With the layer mask selected (click on the mask thumbnail in the Layers panel), go to Image > Adjustments > Invert (or press Ctrl+I / Cmd+I). This inverts the mask, making the rectangle area transparent (or revealing the layers beneath) and the surrounding area visible.

This creates a stencil effect, where the rectangle acts like a cut-out shape.