Set and manage shape stroke options

Last updated on Oct 9, 2026

Configure alignment, caps, and corners for shape strokes, then save settings for reuse.

Customizing stroke properties controls how lines appear on shape edges—their position relative to the path, how ends appear on open paths, and how corners are rendered.

These options apply to all shape types in Photoshop, including rectangles, ellipses, polygons, and custom shapes. You must create a shape layer before modifying its stroke properties. The Path Selection tool provides access to stroke settings for any existing shape.

Configure stroke properties

Select the Path Selection tool from the toolbar.

Select the shape whose stroke you want to modify.

In the Properties panel or tool options bar, select the Set Shape Stroke Type menu icon to open the Stroke Options panel.

Select the stroke type: solid, dashed, or dotted.

Select an Align option to position the stroke relative to the shape path: Inside, Center, or Outside.

Select a Caps style: Butt Cap creates squared ends at endpoints, Round Cap creates semicircular ends extending half the stroke width beyond endpoints, or Projecting Cap creates squared ends extending half the stroke width beyond endpoints.

Select a Corners option: Miter Join creates pointed corners that extend beyond the endpoint when the miter's length is within the miter limit, Round Join creates rounded corners extending half the stroke width beyond endpoints, or Bevel Join creates squared corners at endpoints.

Note

Cap styles are only visible on open paths. Both caps and corner styles are easier to see at thicker stroke weights.

Save custom stroke settings

Configure your stroke options in the Stroke Options panel.

Select the gear icon in the upper-right corner of the Stroke Options panel.

Select Save Stroke from the menu.

Your saved stroke becomes available in the stroke type menu for future use across all shape tools.

Copy and paste stroke settings between shapes

Select the shape with the stroke settings you want to copy.

Open the Stroke Options panel from the Properties panel or tool options bar.

Select the gear icon in the upper-right corner of the Stroke Options panel.

Select Copy Stroke Details.

Select the shape you want to apply the stroke settings to.

Open the Stroke Options panel for the target shape.

Select the gear icon and choose Paste Stroke Details.

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