How to Merge Shapes

Step 1: Create or Select Your Shapes

1. Open Your Document: Start by opening your Photoshop document that contains the shapes you want to merge.
2. Create Shapes: If you haven’t already, use the shape tools (Rectangle Tool, Ellipse Tool, etc.) to create the shapes you need. Make sure each shape is on its own layer or is a vector shape within a single layer.

Step 2: Select the Shape Layers

1. Select Multiple Layers: In the Layers panel, click on the first shape layer, then hold down the Ctrl (Cmd on Mac) key and click on the other shape layers you want to merge. This selects multiple layers.
2. Convert to Shape Layers (if necessary): If your shapes are not vector shapes, you’ll need to convert them. Right-click on the layer and choose “Convert to Shape.”

Step 3: Merge the Shapes

1. Use the Path Selection Tool: Press A to select the Path Selection Tool, or choose it from the toolbar.
2. Select All Shapes: Click and drag to select all the shapes you want to merge.
3. Combine Shapes:

• With all shapes selected, go to the top options bar and find the “Path Operations” drop-down menu.
• Choose “Combine Shapes” from the options. This will merge the selected shapes into a single shape layer.

Step 4: Fine-Tune the Merged Shape

1. Edit the Combined Shape: After merging, you can still edit the individual paths. Use the Direct Selection Tool (A) to adjust individual points and curves.
2. Refine the Shape: You can use the Pen Tool (P) to add or delete anchor points, and the Path Selection Tool (A) to move entire shapes within the combined shape.

Step 5: Apply Styles and Adjustments

1. Apply Layer Styles: With the merged shape layer selected, apply any layer styles (such as strokes, fills, gradients) as needed.
2. Make Adjustments: Use the Transform tool (Ctrl + T or Cmd + T on Mac) to resize, rotate, or otherwise transform your merged shape.