How to combine 2 shape layers in Photoshop

Posted By hannah on Oct 14, 2011 | 1 comment

The best way to combine 2 shape layers in Photoshop is to keep both shapes in a vector format so they will still be editable. However, there is a quicker option available if you are happy for the finished product to become a raster layer.

The 2 separate shapes

Shape 1

Shape 2

2 separate shape layers

The raster option
The easiest way to combine 2 shape layers in photoshop is to select the 2 layers in the layers palette (press shift to select more than one layer at a time) and right click on one of the layers in the layers palette and choose merge layers. This will combine both your shapes into one raster layer but the individual Shapes will no longer be editable or scalable.

Select both shape layers

Right click & choose merge layers

Combined in 1 raster layer

The vector option
The best way to join 2 shape layers is to select all the path points on one shape layer. To do this, use the direct selection tool and press shift to select multiple points.

Use the direct selection tool

select all the points in one of the shapes

Once all the points are selected you can press Apple C / Ctrl C or Edit > Copy. Apple X / Ctrl X or Edit > Cut to delete the layer.

Select the other vector shape which you want to combine it with and select the shape area in the layers palette.

Select the vector mask thumbnail

With the pen tool selected choose ‘Add to Shape area’ from the shape option tool bar.

Pen Tool

Add to shape area

Apple V / Ctrl V or Edit Paste. Your 2 shapes will now be combined within one shape layer.

Combined Shapes

Combined within 1 shape layer

To combine shapes whilst drawing new shapes
To combine shapes whilst drawing with the shape tools, make sure the ‘Add to Shape area’ option is pressed as you start drawing each new shape.

Why combine shape layers?
The advantages of combining 2 shape layers means that you can not only move and scale shapes together whilst keeping them in proportion to each other but also apply layer styles such as gradients and shadows to what appears to be one seamless shape.