[ArizonaAngel]

I've heard about Vector Shapes and I think I know what they are but I'm not sure. I think I know that they can be resized without losing a crisp edge but is there more to it than just that? And, how can I make my own?

[Cheri T]

Not sure what program you use and what is available in PSE...In PS, the shape tool (shortcut U) makes vector shapes. The standard circle/ellipse and rectangle are built in, and PS has a fairly wide variety of shapes that come with it in a drop-down menu at the top. I think there was an arrow, flowers, leaf, and many other misc. things. I have added to my collection so it's hard for me to remember what was there originally. Also any of the Scrap Simple custom Shapes in the boutique are vector images: Custom Shapes

[teecee]

PSE also has a long list of vector shapes under the custom shape tool. Animals, arrows, banners, faces, flowers, food, frames, nature, obects, ornaments, signs and symbols are just some of them. As Cheri mentioned, there are also some available in the boutique. I don't know how you would go about making your own though. Maybe someone else more knowledgeable will come along with that info. HTH

[ArizonaAngel]

Thanks for the info. I use PSE8. I'd love to know if I can make my own with PSE8.

[BarbaraC1977]

I'm not sure, but I think you need a DRAWing program such as Adobe Illustrator or CorelDraw or another program like this to make vector-based shapes. They can be imported/brought into Photoshop. I'm sure someone who knows more will fill this topic out further.

[PattyBee]

In Photoshop... ANY selection outline can be turned into a vector shape. For example... just using the lasso tool, you can draw out any sort of weird amoeba-like shape you want. Then right-click inside the marching ants, and choose "make work path". Then a "tolerance" window will pop up that sorta smooths out your edges. I leave it at 2 pixels most of the time. The marching ants outline will then turn into a solid line "work path". Next go to edit>define custom shape. Save it and voila! It will then show up at the end of your custom-shape choices. You must save your new shape[s] into a custom-shapes folder or they will disappear when you close Photoshop.

[BarbaraC1977]

Thanks, Patty--I didn't know that. I don't know if it works in PSE, but for me, PS is fine.

[Schwabby]

Illustrator made by adobe does vector drawing, it is a great program but pricey if you aren't going to be doing vectors professionally. There is a open source program called InkScape that rivals Illustrator and it's free! http://inkscape.org/ excellent program.
As for scrapbooking in photoshop the shape tool is vector and those shapes can be further edited by using the pen tool on them. You can also use the pen tool to create your own shapes, just make sure you go to the paths pallette and save your path for later use. The path pallette is in the layer pallette window.
I often times create vectors in illustrator and then import them into photoshop, I use it mostly for very complicated images I am working on, for scrapbooking I find photoshop does a great job!