A forum member wants to know how to create shape outlines using Photoshop Elements.
There has to be a way to draw only the outline of a shape!
After all, the outline appears when the shape is selected… Is it possible?"
We’re happy to say that it is possible, although the procedure is not at all obvious!
To start, let’s understand the nature ofshapesin Photoshop Elements.
Changing the attributes of a vector object does not affect the object itself.
you could freely change any number of object attributes without destroying the basic object.
Because they’re scalable, vector-based images areresolutionindependent.
Fonts are a pop in of vector object.
Another advantage of vector images is that they’re not restricted to a rectangular shape like bitmaps.
Vector objects can be placed over other objects, and the object below will show through.
you’re free to move, resize, or change them without losing the quality of the graphic.
Because computer monitors display images on a pixel grid, vector data is displayed on-screen as pixels.
you’re free to choose to have more than one shape in a layer.
Select thecustom shape tool.
In theoptions bar, choose acustom shapefrom theshape palette.
In this example, we’re using ‘Butterfly 2’ from the default shapes in Elements 2.0.
Click next toStyleto bring up thestyles palette.
Click thesmall arrowin the top right corner of the styles palette.
Choosevisibilityfrom the menu, and pick thehidestyle from thestyles palette.
Click in your document window and drag out a shape.
We’re going to convert this path to a selection, then stroke it.
Now the path outline will start to sparkle.
That’s because the selection marque is overlapping the path so it looks a little strange.
Click thenew layerbutton on thelayers palette.
Theselection marqueewill look normal now.
Go toEdit>Stroke.
In thestroke dialog, choose awidth,color, andlocationfor the outline.
In this example, we’ve chosen 2 pixels, bright yellow, and center.
You may delete the shape layer now it’s no longer needed.
Steps for Photoshop Elements 14
Draw theButterfly Shapeand fill it withBlack.
Draw out your shape and click once on theShape layer.
Click Simplifywhich turns the shape into a vector object.
SelectEdit>Stroke (Outline) Selection.
When theStroke panelopens choose astroke colorand astroke width.
Your butterfly is now sporting an outline.
Switch to theQuick Selectiontool and click and drag through theFill color.
PressDeleteand you have an outline.
