Removing the fill from a shape in Photoshop depends on whether you are working with a vector Shape Layer or a pixel-based area. Both methods allow you to make the interior of the shape transparent.
Method 1: Removing Fill from Vector Shape Layers
This is the most common way to handle shapes created with the Shape tools (Rectangle, Ellipse, Polygon, Custom Shape, etc.). Vector shapes maintain crisp edges and can be scaled without losing quality.
To remove the fill from a vector Shape Layer:
- Select the Shape Layer: In the Layers panel, click on the Shape Layer you want to modify.
- Access Fill Options: Look at the Options Bar at the top of the Photoshop window or open the Properties panel (
Window > Properties). You will see options for the shape, including Fill and Stroke. - Choose "No Fill": Click on the Fill color box. This will open the Fill Options pop-up.
- Select the transparent icon: Click on the icon that looks like a white box with a red diagonal line through it. This represents "No Fill" or transparency.
Once selected, the shape will lose its solid fill color, leaving only the stroke (if one is applied) visible, or just the shape path if there's no stroke either.
Method 2: Removing Fill from Rasterized Shapes or Pixel Areas
If your shape is on a regular pixel layer (either created there or rasterized from a Shape Layer), you cannot use the vector fill options. Instead, you must erase or delete the pixels that make up the fill.
One way to do this, as demonstrated in some tutorials, is using the Magic Eraser Tool. This method works well for areas of solid color.
To remove fill using the Magic Eraser Tool:
- Select the Pixel Layer: Ensure the layer containing the rasterized shape or colored area is selected in the Layers panel.
- Choose the Magic Eraser Tool: Select the Magic Eraser Tool from the Toolbar. It may be nested under the Eraser Tool.
- Click the fill area: As described in a video reference, you can "use the magic eraser tool and now let's click in the red Area."
- Remove the fill: Clicking the colored area with the Magic Eraser Tool will delete adjacent pixels of similar color based on your Tolerance setting. "So it gets rid of it." This process can leave you with a transparent area inside the shape, effectively creating a "no fill circle" or shape outline depending on what was clicked.
This method is effective for simple, solid-color fills on pixel layers but may require adjusting the Tolerance setting for best results and can leave behind artifacts or partially erase edges if the colors aren't perfectly uniform or if antialiasing is present.
Summary of Methods
| Method | Applies To | How to Remove Fill |
|---|---|---|
| Vector Shape Layer | Shape Layers | Use Fill option in Options Bar or Properties panel. |
| Rasterized/Pixel Area | Pixel Layers | Use Eraser tools (like Magic Eraser) or Selections. |
Choosing the right method depends on the type of layer you are working with. For flexibility and quality, using Vector Shape Layers is generally recommended when creating shapes.
