To add shapes in Photoshop CS6, use the Shape tools located in the Tools panel. Here's a step-by-step guide:
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Select a Shape Tool: In the Tools panel on the left side of your screen, find the Shape tools. By default, you might see the Rectangle tool visible. Click and hold the Rectangle tool icon to reveal a fly-out menu containing other shape tools like the Ellipse tool, Polygon tool, Line tool, and Custom Shape tool. Select the tool for the shape you want to create.
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Choose Fill and Stroke Options: Look at the options bar at the top of the screen. Here, you can specify the Fill color, Stroke (outline) color, Stroke width, and other properties for your shape. You can change these settings before or after drawing the shape.
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Fill: Click the Fill color swatch to choose a solid color, gradient, or pattern for the shape's interior. You can also select "No Color" (a white box with a red diagonal line) to make the shape transparent.
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Stroke: Click the Stroke color swatch to choose a color, gradient, or pattern for the shape's outline. Set the stroke width next to the color swatch. You can also choose "No Color" for no outline.
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Shape Options: Depending on the tool selected (e.g., Polygon tool), you may have additional options like the number of sides.
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Draw the Shape: Click and drag on your canvas to draw the shape.
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Constrain Proportions: Hold down the Shift key while dragging to constrain the shape's proportions. For example, holding Shift while drawing a rectangle creates a perfect square; holding Shift while drawing an ellipse creates a perfect circle.
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Draw from Center: Hold down the Alt (Option on Mac) key while dragging to draw the shape from the center outward.
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Modify the Shape (Optional): After drawing the shape, you can still modify its properties. Make sure the shape layer is selected in the Layers panel. You can then adjust the Fill, Stroke, and other options in the options bar or in the Properties panel (Window > Properties).
Example:
Let's say you want to add a red circle with a 2px black outline:
- Select the Ellipse Tool.
- In the options bar:
- Set the Fill to red.
- Set the Stroke to black and the stroke width to 2px.
- Hold Shift to constrain to a perfect circle, click and drag on the canvas to create your red circle with a black outline.
The shape will be created on a new Shape layer in your Layers panel, making it easy to edit and adjust independently from other elements in your document.
