Cropping image into hexagon shape.

[K***@adobeforums.com]

I'm still very very new to photoshop. Sorry...but as topic says, how do I crop an image into a hexagon shape??
Very sorry for the dummy question!

[M***@adobeforums.com]

Hi Karouna,

Not to worry, we´ve all been new sometime.

The answer is that an image must be rectangular in shape. You can add a border to your image so it will look like a hexagonal shape, depending on which background your image is placed (white border+white background = illusion of hexagonal image).

Mathias

[K***@adobeforums.com]

Thank you Mac and Mathias,

I went the with polygonal lasso option. Such an easy task...I feel embarrassed...

Cheers....

[M***@adobeforums.com]

I would have thought that would have been harder...
free hand and all, even contraining to 45 degree lines.

M

[M***@adobeforums.com]

As Mathias says, images are actually rectangular regardles...

But you can make a shaped image with transparency around.

Try this:

1. freehand. Use Polygon Lasso. Draw hexgon. Select/Inverse. Delete.
This makes hex image against background color if on background image.
Or make background a layer first, and will leave hex against
transparency.

2. Or (again make layer first or select background color if background
image, like white).
Polygon Tool, Paths Icon in Options, sides: 6. Draw hex. Right click
on what you've drawn/Make Selection/Select: Inverse/Delete.

If you've made white background will look hex image on white paper or
background. If you've made transparent, will need to be saved in format
that supports transparency, depending on what you're using it for: TIFF,
GIF, PNG.

M

[M***@adobeforums.com]

He didn't note that we're using Path option for shape, rather than fill
pixels or shape layers option.

You can't convert to selection from those, they make vector filled
shapes.

M

[M***@adobeforums.com]

I'm going to bed, yawn...

Try flattening your image before going through the same steps in orig
post. Works for me.

If you want transparent around instead of background color for final cut,
double click background layer after flattening all, to get single layer,
and do those steps.

works for me...I'll check in tomorrow :)


M

[M***@adobeforums.com]

it's a standing solid vector object.

[M***@adobeforums.com]

Not when you convert to selection, as was one of the steps.

M

[K***@adobeforums.com]

Your right Mac, but having problems with doing it through the 2nd option...
when I right click on the shape, then select new selection - delete, a box pops up with
"Could not complete your request because the contents of the layer is not directly editable."

What is causing this?

[M***@adobeforums.com]

Probably because you are not on the layer you drew it on, if you have
more than one layer? Try changing layers in layer palette.

Or flatten image to begin with before make the hex shape?

Or...other reason I can't think of right off?

M

[K***@adobeforums.com]

Mike

What does that mean?

[M***@adobeforums.com]

You are trying to use a tool to edit an object that is not editable by that tool.

Flattening the image allows the tool to function for that object / layer or lack there of.

[K***@adobeforums.com]

this is driving me nuts...
I've flattened the image, yet the same error message appears.
What am I doing wrong..?
If someone has the patience, can they please outline a step by step detailed procedure. I want to get to the buttom of this...

Cheers..

[M***@adobeforums.com]

Well, let's see...

I have an image open, happens to be RGB, no layers.
Works fine also if image is a single layer. The difference here is that
final image will have background color around it if not a layer, will
have transparent around it if a layer.
This is PS 7.

- choose Polygon tool
- In options bar at top, click Paths icon, the one in the middle between
Shape Layers and Fill Pixels
- Set Sides to 6 in box
- Draw hexagon (hint: press space bar without letting go of mouse button
to move around before completing)
- (additonal step, possibly) If you need to move, resize, rotate or
whatever, you can select the polygon with the Path Selection Tool or
Direct Selection Tool, and use Transform Path. Otherwise you don't even
need to use a selection tool.
- Right click in hexagon area/Make Selection/New Selection (only option
available), set any feathering, anti-alias on or off.
- Hex is now a selection, has marching ants
- Now Select/Inverse. Everything outside the hex is selected.
- Hit Delete key (or Edit/Clear)
- Maybe crop image to get ride of extra solid color around image.

Voila. Took a lot longer to type it than do it :)

Again, this is Photoshop 7, perhaps CS behaves differently on some step?

And of course, I'm sure there are other ways to accomplish this, always are.

hth,
M

[K***@adobeforums.com]

ok..I've done all that, but i'm having problems with making the background transparent. :s

[K***@adobeforums.com]

ok...I've got it!!! Finally!!!
Thank you Mac for all your help and patience!!

Cheers

[M***@adobeforums.com]

Good for you, Karouna..

M