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John Stanowski
John Stanowski
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What's the difference between a Shape Layer and a Fill Layer anyway?

Apr 13, 2012 1:45 AM

I just realized that a Shape Layer is the same thing as a Fill Layer which has a Vector Mask.

Or that's how it looks anyway.

What's the difference?

445 Views   3 Replies   Latest reply: Chris Cox, Apr 13, 2012 5:15 PM
 
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  • c.pfaffenbichler
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    1. c.pfaffenbichler,
    Apr 13, 2012 1:52 AM   in reply to John Stanowski
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    The Shape Layer-setting usually results in a Solid Color Layer with a Vector Mask, but Fill Layers also include Pattern- and Gradient Layers.

     
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  • emil emil
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    2. emil emil,
    Apr 13, 2012 4:01 PM   in reply to John Stanowski
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    John Stanowski wrote:

     

    I just realized that a Shape Layer is the same thing as a Fill Layer which has a Vector Mask.

    ...

    This is correct, there is no difference, except the default names and the different steps of creation. The Shape layer is a Fill layer with a solid color and a vector mask. If you select a path from the Paths panel and choose  Layers > New Fill Layer > Solid Color, you get the same thing just not the same default name.

     
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  • Chris Cox
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    3. Chris Cox,
    Apr 13, 2012 5:15 PM   in reply to emil emil
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    Iin CS5 and earlier, there isn't much difference because you only have a simple fill and a simple vector mask.

     

    In CS6 there is a more distinct difference, because the shape layer has 2 content generators (fill and stroke) and other properties that a simple vector mask does not have.

     
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