Here is a very flexible way to draw outline shapes in CS3. which allows you to choose the thickness and hardness of the outline.

Like so much in PS it reads long and complicated but is actually very simple once you have done it a couple of times.

1) Select the shape tool required as per your own method.

2) In the property bar select path mode (The second button from the left with the pen nib in it. If you are not sure about this hover your cursor over it and the name “Paths” will appear.)

3) Draw your shape. It will be drawn as a vector path. You can adjust the size, height and width, of this path with the Move tool just like any object. If you need you can edit and change the shape of the path like any bezier curve using the Direct Selection tool (White Arrow in the tools Palette).

4) Select the brush tool. Set the brush size and hardness you want to use for your outline. Select the colour you want use.

5) Leaving the brush tool selected open the Paths palette. Menu: Windows > Paths. Make sure that “Work Path” is selected and highlighted in the palette.

6) In the Paths palette click the little outline circle button second from left at the bottom of the palette. (If you are not sure which button, hover your cursor over it and the name “Stroke Path with Brush” will appear.) The path will be “stroked” using the brush you defined in 4 above.

7) Check you are happy with the result. If not undo the last action and then repeat steps 4 – 6 adjusting the brush or colour as required.

8) Once you are happy with the result click the Trash button bottom right of the Paths palette to delete the path leaving only the brush stroke in the image.

That’s it. It may not look simple here but it really is ….. and it’s completely flexible.

As we say here in Belgium …. “Et Voilà!”