How to define a custom shape from a saved path?

[lc55472355]

I've defined a custom shapes made up of multiple disconnected shapes before, but I can't get Photoshop to do it this time.   Initially I got the message "Could not complete your request because the current path is empty."  I'm able to stroke the path but the Fill With Foreground Color doesn't respond.  I tried activating each section individually and filling them but still got the "Could not complete . . . current path is empty" message. I've tried half a dozen other things, including turning the saved path into a shape path, but either Edit > Define Custom Shape... is greyed out or I get the "Could not complete . . . current path is empty" message.  

I've seen it recommended to reset Preferences recommended, but all of my preferences are customized so it's the nuclear option.

Running Photoshop for Mac v. 25.3.1 on Mac mini M1.

[kglad]

in the future, to find the best place to post your message, use the list here, https://community.adobe.com/

p.s. i don't think the adobe website, and forums in particular, are easy to navigate, so don't spend a lot of time searching that forum list. do your best and we'll move the post (like this one has already been moved) if it helps you get responses.

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[Jeff Arola]

Set the Path operations to Exclude Overlapping Shapes and see if that makes a difference

[Trevor.Dennis]

It looks like you are not closing your path segments.  Can you see the tiny offset between the line ends?

That's the only way you'd see a fully grey background for the Path thumbnail

When you finish each segment, hover over the start of the path till you see the little circle icon and then click to close.  This is regardless of what Path operation you have set.

[EDIT]  To continue building the same path, hit the Escape key after closing each segment.

To combine separate paths, Ctrl drag a window around the path to make all points active (solid). Select another path and Ctrl V to paste.  You can chose how the two paths will merge with Path Operations, and see what is happening in the thumbnail.

If you have the space, Setting thumnails to Large in Panel Options, makes it much easier to see what is going on

[lc55472355]

That's good to know about the thumbnail sizes--all this time and I never realized there were options for the Layers panel!  Hopefully I'll remember that a greyed-out shape in the Paths panel means there is an unclosed path.  

It turns out there was a glitch hanging up the Fill path command and I forgot the first rule of fixing mystery problems:  reload the program or restart the computer!  

[Trevor.Dennis]

Most of the main panels have Options.  The Layers Panel has to be the most relevant after all the hassle about layer mask badges,

I particularly like the Info panel options, as it gives you options to display a lot of additional useful/interesting information.