Photoshop Tutorials: Create custom shapes

01. Open image

To get started open your selected guide image. We will be creating a custom shape based on a photograph of a penguin. Any image is OK but something with a bold shape is easier to work with.

02. Outline shape

First, carefully and precisely as possible make an outline selection. To acheive this choose the Magnetic Lasso tool and work your way around the outline of the penguin. Move around the edge slowly to ensure an  accurate selection.

03. From selection to path

To create a path from your lasso selection choose Window>Paths. Now click on the Make Work Path From Selection icon at the bottom of the window. Your path will appear in the Paths window.

04. Get into shape

Now choose Edit>Define Custom Shape and enter a name into the Shape Name window. Choose the Custom Shape tool, click on the arrow beside the Shape title in the Options bar and your shape swatch will appear at the bottom.

05. Locating your custom shape

You can use your custom shape in different ways by selecting from the Options bar. Select from Shape Layers, Paths or Fill Pixels. There are other ways you can customise it depending on which option you select.

More Photoshop Custom Shapes Tutorials