To add an outline in Photoshop, use the Stroke (Outline) Selection option under the Edit menu. Here's a detailed breakdown:
Adding an Outline to a Selection or Layer
This process allows you to easily add a colored outline (stroke) to any selection or existing layer in Photoshop.
Steps:
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Select the Area or Layer: You can either select an area directly on your image using a selection tool (like the Rectangular Marquee Tool, Lasso Tool, or Magic Wand Tool), or select a layer in the Layers panel that you want to outline.
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Navigate to the Stroke Option: Go to the Edit menu and choose Stroke (Outline) Selection.
- Edit > Stroke (Outline) Selection...
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Configure the Stroke: A dialog box will appear, allowing you to customize the outline.
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Width: Enter the desired width of the outline in pixels. Experiment to find the right thickness.
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Color: Click the color swatch to choose a color for the outline. The Color Picker will open, allowing you to select any color.
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Location: Choose the location of the stroke relative to the selection or layer boundary. You have three options:
- Inside: The outline will be drawn inside the selection/layer.
- Center: The outline will be centered on the selection/layer boundary. This is often the most common and visually appealing choice.
- Outside: The outline will be drawn outside the selection/layer.
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Blending: Choose a blending mode for the stroke. "Normal" is the most common, but you can experiment with other modes for different effects. Also, set the Opacity of the stroke.
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Apply the Stroke: Click OK to apply the stroke with your chosen settings.
Outlining a Background Layer
If you are trying to outline the background layer, which is locked by default, you will first need to convert it to a regular layer:
- Unlock the Background Layer: In the Layers panel, double-click the Background layer. A New Layer dialog box will appear.
- Rename and Convert: You can rename the layer if you wish, then click OK. This will convert the background layer into a regular, editable layer (Layer 0, by default).
- Apply the Stroke: Follow the steps outlined above to add the stroke to this new layer. Be aware that because the background layer contains no transparency initially, the entire layer will be outlined. You may want to create a selection on this layer before applying the stroke to only outline a portion of it.
Example
Imagine you have a simple shape selected with the Rectangular Marquee Tool. Using the Edit > Stroke (Outline) Selection option with a width of 5 pixels, a color of red, and the location set to "Center," will create a 5-pixel wide red border around the outside of the rectangular selection.
