Shape, path, and pixel mode options

When using the Line tool or other shape tools in Photoshop, you can choose between three different drawing modes: Shape, Path, or Pixels. Each mode determines how your lines and shapes are created and what editing options are available afterward.

Shape mode options

• Fill color: Select a color from the color picker or swatches to fill the center of shapes or arrowheads.
• Stroke color: Select a color for the line and outline of shapes.
• Stroke width: Set the thickness of the stroke in pixels.
• Stroke type: Select between solid, dashed, or dotted lines, and set the following:
• Align: Select Inside, Center, or Outside alignment.
• Caps: Select between Butt, Round, or Square line cap shapes for the ends of lines.
• Corners: Select how corners appear for shapes with corners (not applicable to the Line tool).
• Weight: Set the width of the path in pixels (visual reference only).

Live Shapes controls

• Enable on-canvas transform controls by selecting the gear icon and selecting Live Shapes Controls.
• Adjust shape properties directly on the canvas.
• Access additional options in the Properties panel.

Path mode options

• Operation: Select how new paths interact with existing paths (Add, Subtract, Intersect, or Exclude).
• Path arrangement: Set the stacking order when working with multiple paths.
• Path alignment: Align and distribute path components.
• Weight: Set the width of the path in pixels (visual reference only).

After creating a path, you can:

• Convert it to a selection using Select > Load Selection.
• Fill it with color using Edit > Fill.
• Stroke it with color using Edit > Stroke.
• Save it as a named path in the Paths panel for future use.

Pixel mode options

• Mode: Select the blend mode to determine how pixels interact with underlying content
• Opacity: Set the transparency level from 1-100%
• Weight: Set the width of the line or shape edge in pixels
• Anti-alias: Enable to create smoother edges (automatically applied)

Additional settings

For all drawing modes, you can access some of these additional settings:

• Path Operations icon: Show or hide path operation buttons.
• Path Arrangement icon: Show or hide path arrangement buttons.
• Path Alignment icon: Show or hide path alignment buttons.
• Set additional shape and path options icon: Set additional Path options, Live Shapes Controls, Arrowheads, and more.
• Set number of sides (or points of a star) icon: Set the number of sides while using the Polygon tool, or points while using the Star tool.
• Set radius of rounded corners icon: Set the curve width of rounded corners (not applicable to the Line tool).