Why do my boxes disappear in PSE 15?

Forum|Forum|9 years ago
March 21, 2017
3 replies
318 views

First, my apologies if I'm so incredibly dense that you all are laughing at this question. : )

I draw a box on a flyer I'm making. It looks great. The moment I move to another layer, that box disappears. I can only see it if I'm on it's layer. This makes doing some layout really, really hard.

Some dude on online chat help told me I need to draw four separate lines to make a box that shows up. I don't think this is right, but if it is, let me know, because it seems ridiculous to have a shape feature that won't let you actually make the shape. All I want is a clear box with a black line around the outside. AND I want to be able to see that box when I'm in another layer.

Is there a way to do that? It's driving me nuts.

Thank you!

This topic has been closed for replies.

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HMMostAuthor

Participant

I've lowered the opacity of every other layer to zero. I still can't see the box unless I'm on that particular layer. I also went step by step with one of those "for dummies" books about making a shape, which is crazy, because I totally know how to make a shape, for goodness' sake. It tells me to make the shape, and while it's selected, go to the stroke option. But the stroke option is always ghosted. I can't use it. What am I doing wrong?

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annetteb56823648

Participant

All I want is a clear box with a black line around the outside. AND I want to be able to see that box when I'm in another layer.

If I understand you correctly, this is what I would do to accomplish your task.

1. File > New > Blank File and select your options (In my case, I chose a PSE default size with a WHITE background)

2. Since you want your shape to be a box, take the RECTANGULAR MARQUEE tool and create your box on this white layer. Remember that SHIFT creates the square and the SPACE BAR allows you to move your rectangular selection. (This kind of a selection is already simplified).

3. Create a new transparent layer above your white layer by clicking the New Layer icon. Click on this transparent layer. The selection should still be visible.(marching ants)

4. Edit > Stroke Outline Selection. Make settings and click OK. You should now have a transparent, but stroked or outlined square/rectangle that is on a transparent background.

NOTES: If you use the SHAPE tool to create your box, the box is a smart object and would need to be simplified (Layer Options > Simplify Layer) before the Stroke Outline Section option is available.

I think I remembered everything. Let me know how you make out.

I'm thinking that the boxes that appear only on the active layer could either be just a selection or a bounding box. Not sure.

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HMMostAuthor

Participant

Hi, Peru Bob, and thanks.

I've tried that, but it doesn't remedy the problem. It still disappears unless I'm actively ON that layer.