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speedygonzales9
Known Participant
April 2, 2023
Answered

"Imaginary" line created when two open paths are on the same layer

  • April 2, 2023
  • 2 replies
  • 1364 views

Hi, 

 

I'm using the latest version of Photoshop on my Windows 10 laptop. When I combine two shape layers (they contain open paths,) Photoshop automatically connects each individual shape together. In the screenshot below, I made two shape layers containing a three-point-path leaving the path open. I then merged the two shape layers into one. When I did this, Photoshop automatically created a stroke that connects point C to point A (the straight line) for each shape. 

 

Why is this? Can I make the "imaginary" line disappear for each path/shape in the same shape layer? 

 

Thank you 

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer Bojan Živković11378569

I have realized that I can "remove" the unwanted line by creating another shape layer filling it in with a color and putting it over top of the "imaginary" line. 

 

But let's say I don't want to fill any shape in for transparency reasons. I'm trying to draw a person scratching their head. Below is a screenshot of it. What I am trying to do is to join the left arm to the body (left shoulder,) so there is no stroke in between. As you can see, there is an "imaginary" line automatically created separating the arm and the hand. There is also an "imaginary" line automatically created in the neck. How do I fix this to maintain transparency and preferably without modifying the path? 


You may be able to achieve what you want by precisely positioning path points of two "separate shapes" which are on the same layer after merging two shape layers. Hovewer, this is dounting job (if even sometimes possible), I will recommend you Illustrator if you have acess to it. Photoshop does not have tools and functions to work with paths as Illustrator does. Wait for someone else to come with idea but beware of Ps limitations in the field of vector because it is pixel based application with some vector functionality.

2 replies

franzen
franzen
Participating Frequently
April 4, 2023

when you're done creating your combined shape, merge everything, then delete the segment you don't want.

    Myra Ferguson
    Community Expert
    Myra FergusonCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    April 2, 2023

    Instead of copying/pasting to make the copy, try going to the Layers panel, and in the Layers panel menu (the hamburger menu in the upper right of the Layers panel), select Duplicate Layer. Then the duplicate won't have the added segment.

      S
      speedygonzales9Author
      Known Participant
      April 3, 2023

      Thank you for your quick response. I am curious if I could "cut-out" a shape whose path is open? For example, I got an open rectangle at the top. You can see the bottom is "cut-off" by a circle. However, Photoshop automatically connects to point D to point A with an "imaginary" line. How can I delete this line? 

      Bojan Živković11378569
      Community Expert
      Bojan Živković11378569Community Expert
      Community Expert
      April 3, 2023

      Can you rather explain what is your goal and what are you trying to do?

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