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TomH07
Known Participant
September 26, 2019
Question

How to import vector graphic as a Shape in Photoshop

  • September 26, 2019
  • 6 replies
  • 12700 views

I have an EPS file that is a simple shape. I'd like to import that into Photoshop as a shape, not as a Smart Vector Object, which seems to be the only option. Is there a way to do this? 

 

If not, how do I add a vector object to one of my Libraries so that it isn't linked to the file on my disk that originally created that object? That's why I want a shape, something that isn't linked to someother file on my computer, because if that file is moved or deleted, it breaks the connection and creates problems. 


Thanks!

 

P.S. Nice new forums! 

6 replies

Jeff Arola
Community Expert
Jeff ArolaCommunity Expert
Community Expert
September 28, 2019

I just discovered there is a much better way that doesn't involve gimp.

 

Just open your EPS in Affinity Designer and Export As a PSD that should retain the paths when opened in photoshop.

    romeosoroka
    romeosoroka
    Participant
    May 17, 2021

    thank you so much! 🙏

    Jeff Arola
    Community Expert
    Jeff ArolaCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    September 27, 2019

    I have a solution, but it's a little convoluted.

     

    In addition to Affinity Designer and Photoshop you'll need Gimp.

    https://www.gimp.org/

     

    1. In Affinity Designer open your eps and Export it as a SVG

     

     

    2. In Gimp open the SVG with Import paths checked, go to Windos>Dockable Dialogs>Paths, click on the Eye next to the path to  

        make it active. Then go to File>Export As and select TIFF Image.

     

     

     

     

    3. In Photoshop open the TIFF Image, go to the paths panel, click on the path and then you should be able to define a custom shape.

        (Edit>Define Custom Shape)

     

    Jeff Arola
    Community Expert
    Jeff ArolaCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    September 27, 2019

    What operating system do you have?

    T
    TomH07Author
    Known Participant
    September 27, 2019
    macOS Mojave 10.14.6. Also, the illustration software I'm using is Affinity Designer. I'd love to use Adobe Illustrator instead, but, if I added that to my subscription it would cost 3X more per month and I can't justify the cost for how little I need to use it.
    Jeff Arola
    Community Expert
    Jeff ArolaCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    September 26, 2019

    If you have Adobe Illustrator you can open the eps in Illustrator, copy (Edit>Copy) the object, then in photoshop paste (Edit>Paste) and select Shape Layer.

     

      T
      TomH07Author
      Known Participant
      September 27, 2019
      I'm not using Illustrator.
        Nancy OShea
        Community Expert
        Nancy OSheaCommunity Expert
        Community Expert
        September 26, 2019

        See if this Photoshop Academy video helps you.  

         

         

         

         

         

        Nancy O'Shea— Product User & Community Expert
          T
          TomH07Author
          Known Participant
          September 27, 2019
          I'm not using Illustrator, it's a different software.
          Nancy OShea
          Community Expert
          Nancy OSheaCommunity Expert
          Community Expert
          September 26, 2019

          I stopped working with EPS files ages ago.  You say you want a simple shape.  Have you looked at the custom shapes that are included in Photoshop?   See screenshot.  If you don't see what you like in the drop-list, click the gear icon on the right for more shape options.

           

           

          Nancy O'Shea— Product User & Community Expert
          T
          TomH07Author
          Known Participant
          September 26, 2019
          No, the shape is a logo. I simply want to turn a vector version of that logo into a Photoshop shape. I thought this was possible at one time.
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