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Question: Adding paths to an existing shape in Photoshop CC?

10 years ago from , Designer - Pinterest

Things have changed. In Photoshop CS5, with a shape layer selected, I can add paths to the selected shape and they are added on-screen. In CS6, the behavior changed, adding additional paths to the "Work Path" instead. OK, maddening, but whatever. I can get over that. In Photoshop CC, there doesn't seem to be any logical way to add a path to an existing shape layer… Am I missing something?

Adobe… If you're listening… Pathing was perfectly fine in CS5. It's now broke.

7 comments

  • Adam KissAdam Kiss, 10 years ago

    Right under the title bar, you have options. In the top left corner of the screen (i.e. left side of the option bar), there is a dropdown with options on where to draw the shape. You currently have it set to 'Path'. Switch it to 'Shape', and then it'll go to existing layer if you hold shift for addition, alt for substraction, etc.

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  • Marc EdwardsMarc Edwards, 10 years ago

    When drawing a shape with a shape layer already selected…

    Shift = add the shape. Option = subtract the shape. Shift-option = intersect the shape.

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  • Lauren GolembiewskiLauren Golembiewski, 10 years ago

    Actually, 'alt' key will exclude the paths while 'shift' will add the shape.

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    • AJ MAJ M, 10 years ago

      In theory, yes, but it seems like it's not working. This might actually be a bug.

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      • Lauren GolembiewskiLauren Golembiewski, 10 years ago

        I've noticed in CC that hotkeys, and keyboard command will sometimes just not work. It's been everything from 'Delete' to 'a' or 'v.' I have no clue what causes it or how to fix it other than banging on my keyboard until it registers. That could be something your experiencing.

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  • Lauren GolembiewskiLauren Golembiewski, 10 years ago

    If you have the shape layer selected in your layers panel, you can add to the existing shape by holding 'alt' key and drawing with the shape tool. If you forget to hold alt, and want to add an existing shape to another shape layer, just use direct select (a) and cut/paste it onto the shape layer you want. Is this what you're looking for?

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  • AJ MAJ M, 10 years ago

    I just created a video to explain my situation. (might take a minute to show up) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EO3gST-UDps

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