Converting a path to a shape layer .. and retaining the brush stroke.

[Debs_Ange2020]

Hello, 

Hope someone can help.

I have been trying to convert a path to a shape layer but every time I do it, I loose the brush stroke I applied on the path.

I am using the pen tool on a new layer. (on the pen menu, i choose path)

I draw out the path that I want and close it

I then activate the brush tool and set the brush stroke that I want.

I choose the pen tool again, right click on the path and choose stroke path, brush.

My brush stroke appears.

From the pen menu, I then choose shape - to turn the path into a shape layer. 

The shape layer appears but I have lost the brush stroke that was applied to the path. I just have a regular solid black stroke..

Thanks

[Mylenium]

It works as it should. A shape layer is a parametric layer type that does not accept conventional pixel data otehr than being rasterizede again. You're running in circles. Unless there is a reason you actualyl need shape layers, just leave it as it is and work with paths.

Mylenium

[c.pfaffenbichler]

Though the existing Pixel Layer with the applied Brush stroke should not disappear – so please post meaningful screenshots including the pertinent Panels. 

[Debs_Ange2020]

Hi, the original layer with the brush stroke applied does not disappear, it's still there but I was hoping that the brush stroke would also be on the shape layer as well.. so I could have it as a vector file.

If its not possible that fine, I will sort out a workaround. Do you know if it's possibe to do this in Illustrator?

[c.pfaffenbichler]

Illustrator has various Brushes (Art Brushes, Pattern Brushes, Scatter Brushes, …), quite likely it would need your needs. 

[Bojan Živković]

Try in Illustrator it is much better tool to work with vector objects. In Photoshop you can not combine vector and pixel based layer but there is workaround for some situations if you can not figure out how to use Illustrator for that task or you can not find apropriate brush.

To convert pixel based stroke to vector do the following:

• Create selection based on content on layer with brush stroke, so called selection from transparency. Hold down Ctrl or Cmd on Mac then click on layer's thumbnail to load selection.
• Activate any selection tool like Lasso then right-click to bring context menu and choose > Make Work Path. Same option is available from Paths panel, with selection active click on 4th icon from the left: Make work path from selection.
• Create shpe layer from path: select path in the paths panel then go to Layer > New Fill Layer > Solid Color.

This technique may work but also may not work perfectly for you. Just to mention that you have Feather option for selected shape layer in the Properties panel. This slider will soften edges of the shape layer contour.