How do I create a transparent box with only the colored border visible

[_d_2]

I'm trying to highlight something on a data sheet, and just need to make a simple box that outlines the content area I'm highlighting, but obviously the viewer needs to see through the box to the content.

Can't find anything on Elements for how this is done.

thanks

doug

[Guest]

One way would be to use the rectangular marquee tool to draw a box, then make a new blank layer and choose

Edit>Stroke (outline) Selection.

MTSTUNER

[_d_2]

Thanks, MTSTUNER

Is there a way to do it with the rectangle box, or just something that's more precise than the marquee tool? I need it to be precisely positioned, and find that tool difficult to have that level of control.

[Guest]

Anything you use in PSE will be limited by your skill at dragging and positioning an object.

MTSTUNER's suggestion is the best.  After you make a rectangular selection, use Selection...Transform Selection to re-size and re-position the marquee.

Ken

[Guest · Accepted solution]

If you want more control you could use the Rectangle Tool and either add a stroke with layer styles or turn down the opacity

and then you can move, resize or change the color at any time.

Highlight:

1. Draw the retangle, double click on the shape layer in the layers panel to choose the color and then lower the layer opacity to taste.

    You can use the move tool to reposition the box or resize by clicking on one of the corner handles.

Stroke:

1. Draw out the rectangle.

2. In the effects panel under Layer Styles choose Visibility and Hide

    (the rectangle color will diappear)

3. Go to Layer>Layer Style>Style Settings and choose Stroke in the dialog.

   (you can choose the color and size of the stroke in the dialog)

MTSTUNER

[_d_2]

Thank you very much, MTSTUNER. I actually liked your idea about making the box transparent better than my original outline idea, so that suggestion solved a lot of issues for me.

Appreciated your other angles, too. I'll probably use them all at some point.

gracias

[Guest]

If you just want an outline you can go to Window>Content, highlight the shape icon, select word and type outline in the search box.

These are custom shapes that for some reason aren't on the list of shapes with the custom shape tool.

MTSTUNER

[Guest]

That search feature is a good tip -- thanks.

Those outline shapes do show up when selecting "Show All".

The disadvantage of using those shapes is that re-sizing by dragging one of the sides distorts the shape line width.  Dragging one of the corners maintains the shape line width in proportion.

Ken