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# Shape manipulation

To work with a shape, first, we should select the shape in the Layers panel. We can either click on the thumbnail of a vector mask, or a thumbnail of a Shape layer. We will see the outlines of paths after that.

## Path select

Path select allows us to manupulate paths within a shape. Click on the path to select it, or hold Shift to select multiple paths.

When one or more paths are selected, we can:

- move them with a mouse or cursor keys
- delete them by pressing Delete
- Cut / Copy / Paste paths using Edit - Cut / Copy / Paste (or Ctrl + X / C / V), even between different layers or different PSDs
- apply Free Transform (Edit - Free Transform)

We can also change the boolean operation (Subtract, Intersect ...) of each path in the top menu, or reorder paths with the Up and Down button. The drop-down menu also contains the Merge option, which will merge all paths into a single path. In case of the Shape layer, the top menu allows us to change the fill and the stroke of the shape.

## Direct select

Direct select allows us to manupulate knots within a shape. Click on the outline of the path to see the knots. Then click on a knot, or hold Shift to select multiple knots. We can even select separate knots from different paths.

When one or more knots are selected, we can:

- move them with a mouse or cursor keys
- delete them by pressing Delete
- move the anchor or handles of a knot

Double-clicking the handle will collapse it. When a handle is collapsed, double-clicking the anchor will give it back. Otherwise, double-clicking the anchor will convert the Linked (Smooth) knot to Unlinked (Corner) knot and vice versa.

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