shape tools picture inside

[MELISSIA]

Is there a way use the shape tools and put a picture inside -- for example I want use the star shape but I would like a picture inside of the star -- can anyone tell me how to do this -- Thanks, oh I am using Photoshop 6 :confused:

[raynebair]

Not quite sure exactly how you would do that, but I think you could try going into quick mask mode, creating your shape, then going back to standard mode. Once back in standard mode, your shape will be the selection (marching ants) and you can create a layer mask from it on the layer where your picture is. This is about how I would attempt this in CS. It could be different in v6 though.

[sandra]

I use PS7. I'm not sure if this is the best way to do it, but for me it works.

I would first make a copy of the picture I want to use so you can protect the original. I would open the original, save-as a new name like "Suzy Star" or whatever the subject's name is. With the copy open, create a new layer on top of it. Use your shape tool to make the shape of your choice... color doesn't matter.

Position and size the shape over the part of the photo you wish to appear inside the shape. If it is too hard to tell if it's positioned correctly, adjust the opacity or fill so you can see through it a bit.

When you are satisfied, hold down the control key and click on the shape layer in the layers palette. This should make marching ants around the shape.

Next, go to Select-- Inverse to select everything around the shape.

In the layers palette, click on the photo layer to make it active (you should still see marching ants around your shape layer.) Now if you hit delete or cut, it will remove the area around the new "photo-shape."

What you should be left with is your shaped picture with the colored shape on top of it, with marching ants still all around. Go to Select-- deselect, and then in layers palette, delete the colored shape layer. Your pic should be ready to copy or drag into a layout.

I hope my instructions work! Good luck!