How to Change Shape Properties in Photoshop?

You can easily change shape properties in Photoshop primarily through the dedicated Properties panel and by using on-canvas transform controls.

Editing Properties Directly

According to the reference, you can easily edit your Custom Shape Tool properties directly from Shape Properties under the Properties panel. This panel is your central hub for making specific adjustments to the shape's attributes after it has been created.

• Access the Properties Panel: If the Properties panel is not visible, go to Window > Properties to open it.
• Select Your Shape Layer: Ensure the shape layer you want to edit is selected in the Layers panel.
• Adjust Properties: Within the Properties panel, look for the "Shape Properties" section. Here, you can typically find options to modify aspects like:
  • Fill color or type (solid color, gradient, pattern)
  • Stroke (border) color, thickness, and style
  • Other shape-specific options depending on the shape type

Using On-Canvas Transform Controls

The reference also notes that you can use on-canvas Transform controls to transform a custom shape while keeping intact its shape properties. These controls are useful for quickly resizing, rotating, or skewing your shape visually on the canvas.

• Select the Move Tool (V) or Path Selection Tool (A): Ensure the shape layer is selected.
• Activate Transform Controls: If they aren't visible, make sure "Show Transform Controls" is checked in the Options bar (usually when the Move Tool is selected).
• Drag Handles: Click and drag the handles around the shape's bounding box to perform transformations like scaling or rotating.
• Purpose: These controls change the shape's size and orientation but generally do not alter its fundamental properties like fill or stroke color, which are managed in the Properties panel.

Drawing Your Shape

Before you can change its properties, you first need to create the shape. As mentioned in the reference, you would Click and drag anywhere on the canvas to draw your custom shape. Once drawn, Photoshop creates a shape layer, allowing you to then edit its properties as described above.

In summary, for direct editing of properties like fill or stroke, use the Shape Properties under the Properties panel. For transforming the size, rotation, or position, use the on-canvas Transform controls.