The custom shape tool is at the bottom of the shape tool group in the toolbox.

 

 

If you choose the custom shape tool, you can right click on your image canvas and display a set of custom shapes to choose from. These shapes are also available in the Shapes drop list in the options bar.

 

 

 

You choose a shape by clicking on its thumbnail in the list. When you drag your mouse over the image canvas, the shape you specify will be drawn.

 

If you click the small arrow in the upper right of the palette, you will reveal options for loading even more custom shapes.

 

As with the other shape tools, if the shape layers option button is selected, each custom shape will be created on its own layer (unless you hold the shift or alt key when you draw your shapes). As before, the shape will be filled with the style chosen from the preset style list, unless you hold the Alt key while you draw it.

 

If you select the paths button in the option bar, (pen tip with a box around it) the custom shape will be drawn as an outline, and it will not have a special layer created for it.

 

 If you want to apply bitmap image tools to a custom shape, it must be rasterized first. To rasterize a custom vector graphic, right click on its layer in the layers palette, and choosing Rasterize layer from the pop up menu.

 

If you create any shape (custom or other), and then choose Edit -> Free Transform Path, a box with move handles will appear around the shape.

 

 

If you drag your mouse pointer around the outside of the box in a circular motion, the shape will be rotated in the direction that you drag.

 

 

 

If you grab one of the corner move handles and drag with your mouse, the graphic will increase in size (or decrease depending on the direction you drag) in both dimensions.

 

 

If you drag a handle on the top or side of the transformation box, the graphic will increase or decrease in size along the dimension that you drag. 

 

 

You can draw even draw your own shape using the pen tool, (discussion of the pen tool will soon follow), and then choose Edit -> Define Custom Shape to create your own custom shape from scratch. Your shape will be appended at the end of the custom shape list. To delete a shape from the list, right click on its thumbnail, and choose the delete option.

 

The best way to get used to drawing with these vector shape tools is to have fun and experiment with them.