How to Insert a Shape in Photoshop

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This wikiHow will show you how to create or import a shape in Photoshop when you're using Windows or macOS. To make your own shape, you can use your desired shape tool (e.g., square, polygon) or draw one with the pen tool.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Drawing a Shape

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  1. You can do this from the Photoshop File menu. Alternatively, you can open Windows File Explorer or Finder, right-click the file, select Open With , and then Photoshop .
  2. This is in the menu along the left of the application window.
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  3. You can choose a preset line, square, rectangle, polygon, ellipse, or circle. You can create a custom shape by clicking the sloppy star icon.
  4. This will start your shape.
  5. Your shape doesn't have to be perfect, as you can edit your shape once it's created on the canvas.
  6. You can access the Move Tool from the menu on the left, or you can press M . When your cursor is over the shape, it will turn into a cross-hair icon with four arrows pointing out. This allows you to move the shape to a different location.
    • To resize the shape, drag-and-drop the handles on any of its sides.
    • You can change the shape's color by clicking on the colored boxes in the menu along the left side of the application window. [1]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Inserting a Shape from Another File

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  1. You can do this from the Photoshop File menu. Alternatively, you can open Windows File Explorer or Finder, right-click the file, select Open With , and then Photoshop .
  2. You can do this the same way you opened the current project.
  3. This will be easiest to accomplish if you have the project and image/shape open side-by-side.
    • You can access the Move Tool from the menu on the left, or you can press M . When your cursor is over the image/shape, it will turn into a cross-hair icon with four arrows pointing out.
    • To resize the shape, drag-and-drop the handles on any of its sides.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How can I insert a shape in Illustrator?
    Shari Fairclough
    Social Media & Graphic Design Expert
    Shari Fairclough is a Social Media & Graphic Design Expert based in Atlanta, Georgia. Shari is a versatile designer with extensive experience in social media marketing, UX/UI design, and graphic print production. She has over 4 years of both freelance and in-house experience working as a UX and Graphic Designer. She currently works as the Social Media & Marketing Coordinator at Guidepost Montessori. In this role, Shari curates engaging content and enhances the school's online presence. In 2022, Shari founded Sunni Aesthetics, a design platform that blends culture, design, and art. Shari holds a Google UX Design certification. Additionally, she studied graphic design at The Creative Circus, has four years of experience working as an assistant teacher, and is certified as a TEFL instructor. Shari has contributed to various publications, including Canvas Rebel, VoyageATL, and 11 Alive, and has film credits on IMDb for her work in "Black Lightning," "The Color Purple," and "The Staircase." She received a BA in Film & Media from Georgia State University.
    Shari Fairclough
    Social Media & Graphic Design Expert
    Expert Answer
    You can insert shapes by using the shapes tool. You can then choose from various shapes such as a rectangle, ellipse, polygon, or star, and start drawing. Click and drag on your canvas to draw the shape to your desired size. If you want a perfect square or circle, just hold down the shift key while dragging your shape. Once your shape is created, you can adjust its properties such as the fill color, stroke color, and stroke weight, in the control or properties panel.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/using/drawing-shapes.html#shape_tool_options

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Open your Photoshop project.
      2. Click the Shape Tool icon.
      3. Click a shape preset.
      4. Click and hold the canvas to start your shape.
      5. Drag and drop to end your shape.

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