You can easily round the corners of certain custom shapes, like rectangles, directly using the **Properties panel** in Photoshop.
While the term "custom shape" can refer to many things in Photoshop, the most straightforward method for rounding corners directly applies to shapes created using the **Shape tools** (like the Rectangle Tool, Rounded Rectangle Tool, etc.), which are known as **Live Shapes**.
## Rounding Corners Using the Properties Panel (For Live Shapes)
This is the primary and most flexible method for rounding corners on shapes drawn with Photoshop's shape tools.
Here's how to do it, specifically focusing on a rectangle as referenced:
1. **Select a Shape Tool:** Choose the **Rectangle Tool (U)** or another shape tool from the toolbar.
2. **Draw Your Shape:** Click and drag on your canvas to draw your shape. For example, draw a rectangle.
3. **Access the Properties Panel:** **Once you finish drawing your rectangle, notice that the Properties panel automatically opens.** This panel allows you to edit the shape's properties in real-time. **If you don't see it, go to `Window > Properties`** in the menu bar to open it.
4. **Adjust Corner Radius:** In the **Properties panel**, locate the "Corners" section. You'll see input fields for controlling the radius of each corner (Top Left, Top Right, Bottom Right, Bottom Left).
* **Linked Corners:** By default, the link icon between the corner values is active (looks like a chain). This means that changing one value will change all four corners simultaneously, keeping them uniform.
* **Unlinked Corners:** Click the link icon to unlink the corners. This allows you to **change the corner radius of your newly-drawn live rectangle** for each corner individually, creating unique shapes.
* Enter a pixel value (e.g., `10px`, `50px`) or click and drag on the value boxes to interactively increase or decrease the radius.
### Key Advantages of This Method
* **Non-Destructive:** You can change the corner radius anytime without affecting the original shape data.
* **Live Editing:** See the changes update instantly as you adjust the values.
* **Individual Control:** Round each corner differently if needed.
## Understanding Different Types of "Custom Shapes"
It's important to note that the ease of rounding corners directly via the Properties panel applies mainly to **Live Shapes** created with the dedicated shape tools.
| Shape Type | Corner Rounding Method | Notes |
| :---------------------- | :------------------------------------------------------- | :-------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Live Shapes** | Properties panel (as described above) | Rectangle, Rounded Rectangle, Ellipse, Polygon, Line, Custom Shape tool |
| **Paths (Pen Tool)** | Need to convert to a shape layer or use path operations | Requires more steps; corners aren't a direct path property |
| **Rasterized Shapes** | Requires selection tools, filters, or layer masks | Destructive editing; less flexible |
| **Smart Objects (Vector)** | Edit original vector source (e.g., Illustrator) or use vector masks | Depends on the source and how it's imported |
For shapes other than Live Shapes, you might need to employ different techniques like applying a rounded rectangle shape mask, using the Round Corner filter (less common and less flexible), or converting paths to shape layers if possible. However, for shapes drawn with the standard shape tools, the Properties panel is your go-to method.
