A forum member wants to know how to create shape outlines in Photoshop Elements. BoulderBum writes: "I know about the shape tool, but I can only create a solid shape with it. There has to be a way to draw just the outline of a shape! After all, the outline appears when the shape is selected… Is that possible?"
Creating Custom Shapes in Photoshop Elements
We are happy to say that it is possible, although the procedure is not at all obvious! To begin with, let's understand the nature of shapes in Photoshop Elements.
In Photoshop Elements, shapes are vector graphics, meaning that these objects are made up of lines and curves. These objects can consist of lines, curves, and shapes with editable attributes such as color, fill, and outline. Changing the attributes of a vector object does not affect the object itself. You can change any number of object attributes without destroying the base object. In addition to changing its attributes, an object can be modified by shaping and transforming it using nodes and control handles.
Because they are scalable, vector-based graphics are resolution-independent. You can increase or decrease the size of vector graphics as needed and your lines will remain crisp and sharp, both on your screen and in print. Fonts are a type of vector object.
