Combines two shapes

[Lynge]

Hi
I have been searching the web for a way to combine two shapes in photoshop, but with no luck.

I want to combine two shapes, that has already been drawn, into one. Like the "Add to shape area" when creating a new shape, but for use with shapes that already exist...

Anyone her know hwo to do that?

Many thanks in advance

[X-force]

Shapes are just nothing but vector paths, so if you want to modify a shape, you just need to modify the path or add new paths. That's what you have the pen tool for.

[X-force]

Or you can combine tow existing paths by drawing one and then drawing the second one with the "Add to shape area" button in the options bar selected.

[Lynge]

But is it not possible to combine two shapes that has already been drawn? I am asking since when adding text to a shape that would seem the only way to do it.
As you know, one has to complete the text and then convert it to a shape, but when that is done it is too late to add it to another shape.

One solution is to make the text-shape first and the add another shape to that one, but when combining multiple text-shapes with one block-shape that wont work.

Is there really no way to do this, other than attempting to draw another shape in freehand with the pen-tool?
That is gonna produce some funny looking shapes

[X-force]

As you know, one has to complete the text and then convert it to a shape, but when that is done it is too late to add it to another shape.

And how do you convert it to a shape and are you sure that result actually IS a shape?
I'm saying this, because converting text can only be done by converting it to a selection and then to a path, but the result looks bad.

[Lynge]

I just right-click the text-layer and choose "Convert to shape".
The layer then changes to look just like the other layers that contain nothing but one shape.

I assume that it is then a real shape, but I might be wrong.
I'm using CS4 btw if that could be the cause of the misunderstanding.

I thank you for spending time helping me with this, but I just wan't to know if it is possible to merge two (or more) shapes into one after they have been created. So that they share layer-styles and such.

[X-force]

Sorry, I'm going to leave this forum, with all the spam it's not fun anymore and this problem has already been on this forum for months and nothing gets solved.


Bye

[Lynge]

ehm, what? Are you sure that was not meant for another thread?

[Lynge]

Oh well, I found the solution

If anyone else finds this thread looking for it, they can just go here:

[Lynge]

stupid post count thingy...
Here's the link

merge shapes - Team Photoshop Forum