From the toolbar, click and hold the Shape tool group icon to display available shape tools, then select Rectangle.
Last updated on
Oct 4, 2026
Create vector rectangles with fill, stroke, and corner radius options using the Rectangle tool.
The Rectangle tool creates vector rectangles that remain editable and scalable. Adjust corner radii to create standard or rounded rectangles for layout design, buttons, frames, and graphic elements.
Note
Use the corner radius field to create rounded rectangles. This replaces the Rounded Rectangle tool removed in Photoshop 22.3 (March 2021).
Configure the Rectangle tool
In the options bar, select Shape from the Mode dropdown to create a vector shape layer.
Select a Fill color by clicking the fill swatch and choosing your desired color, gradient, or pattern.
Configure Stroke properties by clicking the stroke swatch to set color, then enter a width value in pixels.
Set the corner Radius value to create rounded corners, or leave it at 0 for sharp corners.
The Rectangle tool creates a new shape layer in the Layers panel when you draw a shape. All rectangles remain fully editable.
Draw a rectangle on the canvas
Position your pointer where you want to start the rectangle, then click and drag diagonally to create the shape.
Hold Shift while dragging to constrain the rectangle to a perfect square.
Hold Alt (Windows) or Option (macOS) while dragging to draw the rectangle from its center point.
Release the mouse button to complete the shape.
Create rectangles with specific dimensions
With the Rectangle tool selected, click the canvas once without dragging.
In the Create Rectangle dialog, enter values for Width and Height.
Enter Radius values to set corner rounding for each corner individually or link them for uniform rounding.
Select From Center to position the rectangle centered at your click point.
Select OK to create the rectangle with your specified dimensions.
Modify properties using on-canvas controls or the Properties panel.
Modify rectangle properties
Select the Path Selection tool or the Direct Selection tool from the toolbar.
Select the rectangle shape you want to modify.
Drag the circular corner widgets that appear on the shape to adjust corner radii interactively.
Open the Properties panel and adjust values for Fill, Stroke, Width, Height, and Radius as needed.
Select Edit > Free Transform or press Ctrl + T (Windows) or Command + T (macOS) to scale, rotate, or transform your rectangle.
Set advanced options
The options bar controls how shapes interact on the same layer.
Select Path operations to control how new rectangles interact with existing shapes on the same layer—choose Combine Shapes, Subtract Front Shape, Intersect Shape Areas, or Exclude Overlapping Shapes.
Use Path alignment options to align multiple selected shapes relative to each other or the canvas.
Use Path arrangement to control the stacking order of shapes on the same layer.
Select the gear icon to access additional options for path display settings and drawing constraints.
For detailed information about customizing stroke appearance, including caps, joins, and alignment options, see Set shape stroke options.
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