Creating Preset Shapes from JPEG Images

This tutorial will show you how to make a preset shape from a JPEG image.  I used this technique to convert my Everything Gingerbread Man & Woman PSP shapes into Photoshop shapes.  First, I exported the shapes as JPEGs in PSP.

1.  Open JPEG in Photoshop.  I am using a B&W image of a Gingerbread Man PSP shape because a single color is much easier to convert.

2.  Use the Magic Wand to select the shape.

Add to Selection = Selected
Tolerance = 50
Anti-alias = Checked
Contiguous = Checked
Sample All Layers = Unchecked

Here is the image after I selected the black with the magic wand.

If you are having difficulty creating a smooth edge, here are my Refine Edge settings:

3. Go the Paths palette and click the Make Work Path from Selection button.

4.  Choose the Direct Selection Tool.

5.  Click on a work path on the image with the tool and activate the path and its nodes.  Now click on individual nodes to edit them (such as smoothing a curve).

6.  Once the path has been editted and smoothed to your liking, then right-click on the path to activate a menu.  Choose Define Custom Shape.

7.  Give the shape a name and click OK.

8.  Now the shape will be available under Custom Shapes.