Drawing a Polygon outline - stop sign? PhE14

[Buddycat]

I'm guessing this should be basic, but maybe I'm missing something.   Every online instruction I've looked at seems to make my eyes glaze over because there's something that should be obvious about the Tools Options, but it's not to me.    I'm seeing some of the options they refer to.

I'm trying to drew a polygon shape layer - an octagon.   The polygon tool only draws a filled shape.   I want a bold, octagonal line with a white center so I can use it as a layer to put another graphic within it.   Can someone please make this as simple as possible, step by step?

Also, is there a way to turn on a grid to I make sure I have the same size polygon when I combine graphics?   I'm trying to create graphics for playing cards.

Thanks.

[Buddycat]

Aha!   I think I see the problem.  I kept overlooking you said to click the Thumbnail  - I kept interpreting that as just the layer box.   Now, I just have to figure out why it's not displaying any other color except grey.   Thank I think I can make some progress!

[Buddycat]

Getting closer.   One more problem solved - New Projects were set to Greyscale for colors.   Girr..   Thanks Adobe Forums for that solution.   Now, let's see about my shapes......

[Buddycat]

Aha!   95% there!   Now I just have to figure out how to more easily pick my colors.   Thanks to everyone for your patience and your time!   Unless I have another problem, I believe I'm good to go!   Finally!

[Mark_Sand]

Buddycat wrote:

Okay, went back and looked at your example. My first misunderstanding was the "marching ants" are supposed to be around the Octagon itself, not the square box. But for some reason, I can't get it to stay selected after I control-click the new layer, which I've created above the Shape layer.

No, no, no!  Do not ctrl-click the blank layer!

1. Ctrl-click the octagon layer in the layers palette to select the outline.

2. Click (NOT ctrl-click) the blank layer in the layers palette to activate it. The selection should still be active.

3. Stroke away!

[Mark_Sand]

I am stumped. My instructions are as clear as I can make them. I don't know why you are losing the octagon selection when you switch to the blank layer.  Just out of curiosity try this: Simplify the octagon layer. Ctrl-click to select it, then see if the stroke works on the octagon layer. Be sure to stroke with a different color than the octagon. At least we will know if your select/stroke works at all.

Also, how are you trying to change the octagon color, and why change the color anyway since you won't be needing it?

What PSE version do you have?