Missing Custom Shapes

[skgreer]

I was working on a tutorial to create a "rusty" key shape to add to a scrapbook page. When I selected the Custom Shape tool I was able to find the key shape in the Options section at the top of the page but it did not appear in the Artwork and Effects palette under the shapes under the Shapes, Show all. Any reason why? The tut instructions were to click and drag it to the background layer and it would create a new layer. I could do this with any shape I selected in the palette but not from the drop down shape box in the options area. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[TonyW]

With PSE5 Shapes are stored in two different places. Custom Shapes are stored in Program Files>Adobe>Photoshop Elements 5.0>Presets>Custom Shapes but the Artwork and Effects ones are stored in C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Adobe\Photoshop Elements\5.0\Photo Creations\artwork\shapes. So if you want to keep them the same and add a new one you have to add it to both places - personally I don't bother with the Artwork and Effects one as I never use it to get shapes.

Not sure about the second question - I always just drag the shape out with the custom shape tool holding down Shift to keep the proportions right. Doing it from Artwork and Effects does seem to work a bit different.

Tony

[Inspeqtor]

With the Custom Shape tools, once you have the shape selected, you drag your mouse cursor accross the page and the selcted shape will be drawn out for you on a new layer.

1226

[TonyW]

I just noticed that the Artworks and Effects one is indeed missing a set of standard shapes - it's the Objects folder (that has the key in it) - it's in the Custom Shapes location but not the Artwork and Effects location. Looks like Adobe missed that one out - a mistake I would think. You could copy the folder from one place to the other or do what I do and don't use the Artwork and Effects Shapes.

Tony

[skgreer]

Thanks, Charles. I tried the click and drag across the background and the new layer was created for me as the tut said it would be.

You guys and gals on this website are the best. :):) It is so great to know there is a place for us newbies to go and get the answers we need.

Onward and upward...
Sharon K.

[skgreer]

See post below, Charles, for my acknowledgement of your suggestion which worked perfectly. I couldn't figure out how to post my reply directly to you. Still learning.
Sharon K.

[Inspeqtor]

Sharon,
You did just fine in your posting. I am so glad you got the key shape to work for you. If you have any more questions or problems do not hesitate to ask. This is the best forum in the universe!!! Someone will be along with a suggestion soon.

[Inspeqtor]

Sharon,

I should have mentioned, if you want to move the shape after it is made, click on the move tool. At that time you can drag it to a new location, or you can also rotate it to a new angle.