Photoshop 6 or Higher: Creating Custom Shapes
Step 4: Define the Custom Shape
If you have more than one layer (discounting the background), merge all the layers together (minus the background). Then
use the magic wand to select the color black. Go to the select menu and pick "Select Similar" to pick up the remaining black
shapes.
Then to go the paths palette and click on the convert selection to path icon. You should now see a work path surrounding
all the various edges of your design.
Use the magnifying glass to examine the initial conversion to a work path. You'll see that the conversion isn't a perfect mapping of the outline. Use the pen tool to adjust the cusp points, curve points, curve handles and corner points as needed.
It is time to define the custom shape! Go to the Edit menu and select "Define Custom Shape." A window will popup to ask you for a name. Give your custom shape a name and click OK.
Now in the custom shape menu (reachable via the shape tools: hold down on the rectangle shape to pop the other options out. Custom shape is the last in the list) you will see a preview of the ladybug. Click on the custom shape to use it. Then drag and draw. You can make it as large or as small as you want. By setting it to draw as a path you can fill the shape with a gradient or pattern. Have fun!
Custom shape tutorial ©2004 Sarah Sammis