{"id":31108,"date":"2026-04-10T00:01:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-10T04:01:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.photoshopessentials.com\/?p=31108"},"modified":"2026-04-10T10:47:22","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T14:47:22","slug":"place-image-in-shape","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.photoshopessentials.com\/newsite\/photo-effects\/place-image-in-shape\/","title":{"rendered":"Fill a Shape with a Photo in Photoshop 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"summary-novideo\">\n<p>Learn how to fill a shape with an image in Photoshop! This beginner-friendly, step-by-step tutorial teaches you how to use custom shapes and clipping masks to place any photo inside a shape. Fully updated for Photoshop 2026.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"pdf-download-link\">Download PDF: <a href=\"\/?s2member_file_download=pdf\/photo-effects\/Fill_A_Shape_With_A_Photo.pdf&s2member_skip_confirmation\" title=\"Download PDF\">Fill A Shape With A Photo<\/a><\/p>\n<div id=\"author\">Written by Steve Patterson.<\/div>\n<p>In this tutorial, you'll learn how to fill a shape with an image in Photoshop. Placing a photo inside any shape\u2014from a <a href=\"\/basics\/how-to-draw-shapes-with-the-shape-tools\/\" title=\"Learn more\">basic circle<\/a> to a custom design\u2014is easier than you might think. We'll use a custom shape for this effect, and I\u2019ll even show you how to load Photoshop's hidden legacy shapes to give you hundreds of options.<\/p>\n<p>Here's an example of the final effect. You'll also learn how to change the background color, or remove the background completely, so you can place your shape on any background you like.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-effects\/2022\/fill-shape-with-image\/photoshop-image-in-shape-effect.jpg\" alt=\"How to place an image in a shape in Photoshop\" width=\"512\" height=\"512\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The final <q>image in shape<\/q> effect.<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"sub\">Which Photoshop version do I need?<\/h2>\n<p>I'm using <strong>Photoshop 2026<\/strong>. You can <a href=\"https:\/\/adobe.prf.hn\/click\/camref:1100lrdjJ\/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.adobe.com%2Fproducts%2Fphotoshop.html\" title=\"Get Photoshop\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">get Photoshop here<\/a> or use the Creative Cloud Desktop app to make sure your copy is up to date.<\/p>\n<style type=\"text\/css\">\n.ads-middle { display: inline-block; width:300px; margin:6px 0px 24px 0px; padding-top: 16px; padding-bottom: 16px; }\n@media (max-width: 515px) { .ads-middle { margin:20px 0; } }\n@media (max-width: 480px) { .ads-middle { margin:20px 0; } }\n<\/style><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-6601556224092982\"\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\n<!-- photo effects 300x250 middle responsive -->\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle ads-middle\"\n     style=\"display:block\"\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6601556224092982\"\n     data-ad-slot=\"4216941496\"\n     data-ad-format=\"rectangle\"\n     data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script>\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n<\/script>\n<p>Let's get started!<\/p>\n<p class=\"members-ad-top\"><a href=\"\/print-ready-pdfs\/\">Download all of our Photoshop tutorials as PDFs!<\/a><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"sub\">Step 1: Create a new document<\/h2>\n<p>Start by <a href=\"\/basics\/create-new-documents-photoshop-cc\/\" title=\"Learn more\">creating a new Photoshop document<\/a>. <\/p>\n<p>If you are on Photoshop's Home Screen, click the <strong>New file<\/strong> button.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-effects\/2022\/fill-shape-with-image\/new-file-button.png\" alt=\"Clicking the New file button on Photoshop's Home Screen\" width=\"264\" height=\"283\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Clicking the New file button on Photoshop's Home Screen.<\/div>\n<p>Or go to <strong>File<\/strong> &gt; <strong>New<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-effects\/2022\/fill-shape-with-image\/file-new.png\" alt=\"Choosing New from the File menu in Photoshop\" width=\"307\" height=\"129\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Going to File &gt; New.<\/div>\n<p>In the New Document dialog box, enter your document settings in the right column. <\/p>\n<p>For a square canvas, set the <strong>Width<\/strong> and <strong>Height<\/strong> to <strong>2000 pixels<\/strong>. Because we are placing a high-resolution photo inside the shape, set the <strong>Resolution<\/strong> to <strong>300 Pixels\/Inch<\/strong>. Leave the <strong>Background Contents<\/strong> set to <strong>White<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-effects\/2022\/fill-shape-with-image\/new-document-settings.png\" alt=\"The new Photoshop document settings\" width=\"320\" height=\"466\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The new document settings.<\/div>\n<p>Click <strong>Create<\/strong>. <\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-effects\/2022\/fill-shape-with-image\/click-create.png\" alt=\"Clicking the Create button to create the new Photoshop document\" width=\"317\" height=\"128\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Clicking Create.<\/div>\n<p>Photoshop creates your new  document.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-effects\/2022\/fill-shape-with-image\/new-photoshop-document.jpg\" alt=\"The new Photoshop document\" width=\"804\" height=\"456\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The new document.<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"sub\">Step 2: Open the Shapes panel<\/h2>\n<p>The fastest way to <a href=\"\/basics\/how-to-draw-custom-shapes-in-photoshop\/\" title=\"Learn more\">draw custom shapes<\/a> in Photoshop is to add them from the <strong>Shapes panel<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>If your Shapes panel is not already open, go to <strong>Window<\/strong> &gt; <strong>Shapes<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-effects\/2022\/fill-shape-with-image\/open-shapes-panel-photoshop.png\" alt=\"Opening the Shapes panel from the Window menu\" width=\"259\" height=\"124\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Going to Window &gt; Shapes.<\/div>\n<p>The Shapes panel opens in the secondary panel column. <\/p>\n<p>Show or hide the panel by clicking its icon. <\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-effects\/2022\/fill-shape-with-image\/shapes-panel-photoshop.png\" alt=\"Photoshop's Shapes panel opens in the secondary panel column\" width=\"442\" height=\"407\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The Shapes panel opens in the narrow column panel.<\/div>\n<p>Initially, you will only see the default custom shapes, which are divided into groups (folders). <\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-effects\/2022\/fill-shape-with-image\/default-shape-groups-photoshop.png\" alt=\"Photoshop's default custom shape groups\" width=\"243\" height=\"223\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The default custom shape groups.<\/div>\n<p>Click the <strong>arrow<\/strong> next to any folder icon to view the shapes inside. <\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-effects\/2022\/fill-shape-with-image\/open-shape-group.png\" alt=\"Viewing the shapes inside a group\" width=\"261\" height=\"307\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Viewing the shapes inside a group.<\/div>\n<p>Drag the bottom of the Shapes panel downward to expand it and view more shapes at once. <\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-effects\/2022\/fill-shape-with-image\/expand-shapes-panel.png\" alt=\"Expanding the shapes panel\" width=\"183\" height=\"500\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Expanding the Shapes panel.<\/div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\">\n.ads-middle { display: inline-block; width:300px; margin:6px 0px 24px 0px; padding-top: 16px; padding-bottom: 16px; }\n@media (max-width: 515px) { .ads-middle { margin:20px 0; } }\n@media (max-width: 480px) { .ads-middle { margin:20px 0; } }\n<\/style><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-6601556224092982\"\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\n<!-- photo effects 300x250 middle responsive -->\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle ads-middle\"\n     style=\"display:block\"\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6601556224092982\"\n     data-ad-slot=\"4216941496\"\n     data-ad-format=\"rectangle\"\n     data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script>\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n<\/script>\n<h2 class=\"sub\">Step 3: Load the missing shapes<\/h2>\n<p>To load Photoshop's many <a href=\"\/basics\/find-missing-shapes-gradients-and-patterns-in-photoshop-cc-2020\/\" title=\"Learn more\">hidden shapes<\/a>, click the Shapes panel <strong>menu icon<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-effects\/2022\/fill-shape-with-image\/click-shapes-panel-menu-icon.png\" alt=\"Clicking the Shapes panel menu icon\" width=\"291\" height=\"204\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Clicking the menu icon.<\/div>\n<p>Choose <strong>Legacy Shapes and More<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-effects\/2022\/fill-shape-with-image\/choose-legacy-shapes-and-more.png\" alt=\"Loading the Legacy Shapes and More group\" width=\"184\" height=\"140\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Loading the Legacy Shapes and More group.<\/div>\n<p>A new <strong>Legacy Shapes and More<\/strong> group appears below the defaults. <\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-effects\/2022\/fill-shape-with-image\/legacy-shapes-and-more-group.png\" alt=\"Photoshop's Shapes panel showing the Legacy Shapes and More group\" width=\"243\" height=\"278\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The new Legacy Shapes and More group.<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"sub\">Step 4: Select a shape<\/h2>\n<p>Inside this group are two more folders. <strong>2019 Shapes<\/strong> holds newer shapes added in Photoshop 2020, while <strong>All Legacy Default Shapes<\/strong> holds the classic shapes from older versions. <\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-effects\/2022\/fill-shape-with-image\/2019-shapes-all-legacy-default-shapes.png\" alt=\"The 2019 Shapes and All Legacy Default Shapes groups\" width=\"243\" height=\"164\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The 2019 Shapes and All Legacy Default Shapes folders.<\/div>\n<p>For this tutorial, we will use a classic shape. Click the arrow to open the <strong>All Legacy Default Shapes<\/strong> group. <\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-effects\/2022\/fill-shape-with-image\/all-legacy-default-shapes-group.png\" alt=\"Opening the All Legacy Default Shapes group\" width=\"243\" height=\"184\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Opening All Legacy Default Shapes.<\/div>\n<p>Scroll down to the <strong>Nature<\/strong> set and open it. <\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-effects\/2022\/fill-shape-with-image\/open-nature-shapes-group.png\" alt=\"Opening the Nature group\" width=\"243\" height=\"192\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Opening the Nature folder.<\/div>\n<p>Select the <strong>Butterfly<\/strong> shape. <\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-effects\/2022\/fill-shape-with-image\/select-butterfly-shape.png\" alt=\"Selecting the Butterfly shape\" width=\"243\" height=\"232\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Selecting the Butterfly shape.<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"sub\">Step 5: Drag and drop the shape onto the canvas<\/h2>\n<p>To add the shape, click and drag its <strong>thumbnail<\/strong> from the Shapes panel and drop it onto the canvas. <\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-effects\/2022\/fill-shape-with-image\/drag-shape-onto-canvas.png\" alt=\"Dragging a shape from the Shapes panel onto the canvas.\" width=\"804\" height=\"456\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Dragging a shape from the Shapes panel onto the canvas.<\/div>\n<p>Photoshop draws the shape when you release your mouse button. <\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-effects\/2022\/fill-shape-with-image\/shape-drawn.png\" alt=\"Photoshop draws the shape.\" width=\"803\" height=\"496\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Photoshop draws the shape.<\/div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\">\n.ads-middle { display: inline-block; width:300px; margin:6px 0px 24px 0px; padding-top: 16px; padding-bottom: 16px; }\n@media (max-width: 515px) { .ads-middle { margin:20px 0; } }\n@media (max-width: 480px) { .ads-middle { margin:20px 0; } }\n<\/style><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-6601556224092982\"\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\n<!-- photo effects 300x250 middle responsive -->\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle ads-middle\"\n     style=\"display:block\"\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6601556224092982\"\n     data-ad-slot=\"4216941496\"\n     data-ad-format=\"rectangle\"\n     data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script>\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n<\/script>\n<h3>Step 6: Resize and center the shape<\/h3>\n<p>Before resizing the shape, check the <strong>Options Bar<\/strong>. Make sure the <strong>link<\/strong> icon between the <strong>Width<\/strong> and <strong>Height<\/strong> fields is selected to lock the shape\u2019s aspect ratio. <\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-effects\/2022\/fill-shape-with-image\/width-height-link-icon.png\" alt=\"Making sure the link icon for the width and height is selected.\" width=\"429\" height=\"106\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Making sure the width and height are linked together.<\/div>\n<p>Resize the shape by clicking and dragging any of the <a href=\"\/basics\/transform-and-warp-images-with-free-transform-in-photoshop-cc-2019\/\">transform handles<\/a>  (the small squares around the shape). <\/p>\n<p>Hold the <strong>Alt<\/strong> (Win) \/ <strong>Option<\/strong> (Mac) key as you drag to resize the shape from its center.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-effects\/2022\/fill-shape-with-image\/resize-shape.png\" alt=\"Resizing the shape by dragging a transform handle.\" width=\"803\" height=\"496\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Dragging a handle to resize the shape.<\/div>\n<p>Click and drag the shape into the center of the canvas. It will snap into place when you get close to the center. <\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-effects\/2022\/fill-shape-with-image\/drag-shape-into-center.png\" alt=\"Dragging the shape into the center of the canvas.\" width=\"803\" height=\"496\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Dragging the shape into the center.<\/div>\n<p>Click the <strong>checkmark<\/strong> in the Options Bar to accept it. <\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-effects\/2022\/fill-shape-with-image\/click-checkmark.png\" alt=\"Clicking the checkmark to accept the size and position of the shape.\" width=\"284\" height=\"104\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Clicking the checkmark.<\/div>\n<p>In the <a href=\"\/basics\/layers\/layers-panel\/\" title=\"Learn more\">Layers panel<\/a>, the shape appears on its own <strong>shape layer<\/strong>. <\/p>\n<p>The small icon in the lower right of the thumbnail indicates it is a shape layer.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-effects\/2022\/fill-shape-with-image\/layers-panel-shape-layer.png\" alt=\"Photoshop's Layers panel showing the new shape layer.\" width=\"295\" height=\"272\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The new shape layer in the Layers panel.<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"sub\">Step 7: Check the fill and stroke options in the Properties panel<\/h2>\n<p>With the shape layer selected, use the <a href=\"\/basics\/using-the-enhanced-properties-panel-in-photoshop\/\" title=\"Learn more\">Properties panel<\/a> to access the shape\u2019s options, including the fill and stroke.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-effects\/2022\/fill-shape-with-image\/properties-panel-shape-options.png\" alt=\"The shape options in Photoshop's Properties panel.\" width=\"295\" height=\"430\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The fill and stroke options in the Properties panel.<\/div>\n<p>By default, Photoshop uses black for the fill color. This is fine since the photo will cover it up. <\/p>\n<p>However, Photoshop also adds a <strong>1-pixel black stroke<\/strong> around the shape.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-effects\/2022\/fill-shape-with-image\/shape-fill-stroke-options.png\" alt=\"The default fill and stroke for the shape.\" width=\"295\" height=\"155\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The default fill and stroke.<\/div>\n<p>We can add a custom stroke later, but for now, turn it off. <\/p>\n<p>Click the Stroke <strong>color swatch<\/strong>.: <\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-effects\/2022\/fill-shape-with-image\/click-stroke-color-swatch.png\" alt=\"Clicking the stroke color swatch.\" width=\"295\" height=\"153\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Clicking the stroke color swatch.<\/div>\n<p>Click the <strong>No Color<\/strong> icon in the upper left of the panel. Click outside the panel to close it, or press <strong>Enter<\/strong> (Win) \/ <strong>Return<\/strong> (Mac). <\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-effects\/2022\/fill-shape-with-image\/no-color-stroke-option.png\" alt=\"Setting the stroke to No Color.\" width=\"332\" height=\"174\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Setting the stroke to No Color.<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"sub\">Step 8: Place your image into the document<\/h2>\n<p>To place your photo into the same document as your shape, use the <a href=\"\/basics\/open-image-vs-place-image\/\" title=\"Learn more\">Place Embedded<\/a> command. <\/p>\n<p>Go to <strong>File<\/strong> &gt; <strong>Place Embedded<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-effects\/2022\/fill-shape-with-image\/file-place-embedded.png\" alt=\"Choosing the Place Embedded command from the File menu.\" width=\"268\" height=\"114\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Selecting the Place Embedded command.<\/div>\n<p>Navigate to the image on your computer, click on it to select it, and click <strong>Place<\/strong>. <\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-effects\/2022\/fill-shape-with-image\/choose-image-to-place.png\" alt=\"Selecting the image to add to the shape and clicking Place.\" width=\"732\" height=\"415\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Selecting the image and clicking Place.<\/div>\n<p>Photoshop adds the image in front of the shape, resizing it to fit if it is larger than your document. <\/p>\n<p>The image I'm using is from <a href=\"https:\/\/adobe.prf.hn\/click\/camref:1100lrdjJ\/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fstock.adobe.com%2Fstock-photo%2Flaughing-girl-with-a-butterfly-on-his-nose%2F72319945\" title=\"View image on Adobe Stock\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Adobe Stock<\/a>.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-effects\/2022\/fill-shape-with-image\/image-placed-in-document.jpg\" alt=\"The image is placed in front of the shape.\" width=\"803\" height=\"496\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The image is placed in front of the shape.<\/div>\n<p>We will resize the image again after placing it inside the shape. For now, click the <strong>checkmark<\/strong> in the Options Bar to accept it. <\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-effects\/2022\/fill-shape-with-image\/click-checkmark-to-accept-place.png\" alt=\"Clicking the checkmark in the Options Bar.\" width=\"271\" height=\"104\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Clicking the checkmark.<\/div>\n<p>In the Layers panel, the image appears on a new layer above the shape layer. Photoshop automatically converted the image into a <a href=\"\/basics\/how-to-create-smart-objects-in-photoshop\/\" title=\"Learn more\">smart object<\/a> (indicated by the icon in the thumbnail's lower right). This ensures <a href=\"\/basics\/scale-resize-images-smart-objects-photoshop\/\" title=\"Learn more\">the image  won\u2019t lose quality<\/a> when resized.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-effects\/2022\/fill-shape-with-image\/image-placed-as-smart-object.png\" alt=\"Photoshop places the image as a smart object.\" width=\"295\" height=\"240\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Photoshop places the image as a smart object.<\/div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\">\n.ads-middle { display: inline-block; width:300px; margin:6px 0px 24px 0px; padding-top: 16px; padding-bottom: 16px; }\n@media (max-width: 515px) { .ads-middle { margin:20px 0; } }\n@media (max-width: 480px) { .ads-middle { margin:20px 0; } }\n<\/style><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-6601556224092982\"\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\n<!-- photo effects 300x250 middle responsive -->\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle ads-middle\"\n     style=\"display:block\"\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6601556224092982\"\n     data-ad-slot=\"4216941496\"\n     data-ad-format=\"rectangle\"\n     data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script>\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n<\/script>\n<h2 class=\"sub\">Step 9: Create a clipping mask<\/h2>\n<p>Currently, the image is sitting in front of the shape. To place it inside the shape, click the Layers panel <strong>menu icon<\/strong>. <\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-effects\/2022\/fill-shape-with-image\/click-layers-panel-menu-icon.png\" alt=\"Clicking the Layers panel menu icon.\" width=\"302\" height=\"213\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Clicking the Layers panel menu icon.<\/div>\n<p>Choose <strong>Create Clipping Mask<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-effects\/2022\/fill-shape-with-image\/choose-create-clipping-mask.png\" alt=\"Choosing Photoshop's Create Clipping Mask command.\" width=\"239\" height=\"120\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Choosing the Create Clipping Mask command.<\/div>\n<p>A <a href=\"\/basics\/clipping-masks-essentials\/\" title=\"Learn more\">clipping mask<\/a> <em><\/em>restricts the visible area of the image to the boundaries of the shape layer below it. Any part of the image outside the shape is hidden from view, creating the illusion that the photo is inside the shape.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-effects\/2022\/fill-shape-with-image\/image-clipped-in-shape.jpg\" alt=\"The image is now clipped to the shape.\" width=\"803\" height=\"496\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The result after clipping the image to the shape.<\/div>\n<p>In the Layers panel, the image layer is now indented to the right with a small downward arrow pointing to the shape layer. This indicates an active clipping mask.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-effects\/2022\/fill-shape-with-image\/clipping-mask-layers-panel.png\" alt=\"The Layers panel showing the clipping mask.\" width=\"295\" height=\"235\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The Layers panel showing the clipping mask.<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"sub\">Step 10: Resize and reposition the image with Free Transform<\/h2>\n<p>To resize and reposition the image within the shape, go to <strong>Edit<\/strong> &gt; <strong>Free Transform<\/strong>. <\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-effects\/2022\/fill-shape-with-image\/edit-free-transform.png\" alt=\"The image is now clipped to the shape.\" width=\"269\" height=\"124\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The result after clipping the image to the shape.<\/div>\n<p>In the Options Bar, ensure the <strong>link<\/strong> icon is selected between the <strong>Width<\/strong> and <strong>Height<\/strong> fields. <\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-effects\/2022\/fill-shape-with-image\/link-icon.png\" alt=\"Making sure the link icon is selected.\" width=\"437\" height=\"103\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Making sure the link icon is selected.<\/div>\n<p>Resize the image by dragging any of the <strong>transform handles<\/strong>. Hold the <strong>Alt<\/strong> (Win) \/ <strong>Option<\/strong> (Mac) key as you drag to resize the image from its center. <\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-effects\/2022\/fill-shape-with-image\/resize-image-in-shape.jpg\" alt=\"Resizing the image inside the shape.\" width=\"803\" height=\"496\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Resizing the image inside the shape.<\/div>\n<p>Drag the image to position your subject within the shape. Adjust the size and position until it looks right. <\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-effects\/2022\/fill-shape-with-image\/reposition-image-in-shape.jpg\" alt=\"Positiong the image inside the shape.\" width=\"803\" height=\"496\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Positioning the image in the shape.<\/div>\n<p>When finished, click the <strong>checkmark<\/strong> in the Options Bar.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-effects\/2022\/fill-shape-with-image\/click-checkmark-to-accept-place.png\" alt=\"Clicking the checkmark in the Options Bar.\" width=\"271\" height=\"104\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Clicking the checkmark.<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"sub\">How to change the background color<\/h2>\n<p>At this point, the main effect is complete. Next, let's explore how to change the background color behind the shape using a Solid Color fill layer. <\/p>\n<h3>Step 1: Add a Solid Color fill layer<\/h3>\n<p>We want the Solid Color fill layer to appear directly above the Background layer. <\/p>\n<p>In the Layers panel, click the <strong>Background layer<\/strong> to select it. <\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-effects\/2022\/fill-shape-with-image\/select-background-layer.png\" alt=\"Selecting the Background layer in the Layers panel.\" width=\"295\" height=\"221\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Selecting the Background layer.<\/div>\n<p>Click the <strong>New Fill or Adjustment Layer<\/strong> icon at the bottom of the Layers panel. <\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-effects\/2022\/fill-shape-with-image\/new-fill-adjustment-layer-icon.png\" alt=\"Clicking the New Fill or Adjustment Layer icon.\" width=\"295\" height=\"150\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Clicking the New Fill or Adjustment Layer icon.<\/div>\n<p>Choose <strong>Solid Color<\/strong> from the list. <\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-effects\/2022\/fill-shape-with-image\/choose-solid-color-fill-layer.png\" alt=\"Adding a Solid Color fill layer.\" width=\"196\" height=\"123\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Adding a Solid Color fill layer.<\/div>\n<h3>Step 2: Choose a new background color<\/h3>\n<p>Photoshop opens the <strong>Color Picker<\/strong> so you can choose a new background color. <\/p>\n<p>The default color is black, which works nicely to bring out the details of the shape. <\/p>\n<p>However, in this case, it\u2019s too dark for a butterfly. <\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-effects\/2022\/fill-shape-with-image\/shape-black-background.jpg\" alt=\"The image in shape effect with black as the background color.\" width=\"803\" height=\"496\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The effect with black as the background color.<\/div>\n<p>You can choose a new color from the Color Picker, or sample a color directly from your image. <\/p>\n<p>Move your mouse cursor over the image to temporarily switch to the <strong>Eyedropper Tool<\/strong>. Click on a color to sample it. <\/p>\n<p>Here, sampling a light skin tone from the girl\u2019s forehead instantly changes the background color. <\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-effects\/2022\/fill-shape-with-image\/sample-new-background-color-from-image.jpg\" alt=\"Sampling a new background color from the image inside the shape.\" width=\"803\" height=\"496\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Sampling a new background color from the image inside the shape.<\/div>\n<p>Click <strong>OK<\/strong> to close the Color Picker. <\/p>\n<p>In the Layers panel, the new Solid Color fill layer sits between the Background layer and the shape layer. <\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-effects\/2022\/fill-shape-with-image\/solid-color-fill-layer-added.png\" alt=\"Photoshop's Layers panel showing the new Solid Color fill layer.\" width=\"295\" height=\"270\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The Layers panel showing the new Solid Color fill layer.<\/div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\">\n.ads-middle { display: inline-block; width:300px; margin:6px 0px 24px 0px; padding-top: 16px; padding-bottom: 16px; }\n@media (max-width: 515px) { .ads-middle { margin:20px 0; } }\n@media (max-width: 480px) { .ads-middle { margin:20px 0; } }\n<\/style><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-6601556224092982\"\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\n<!-- photo effects 300x250 middle responsive -->\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle ads-middle\"\n     style=\"display:block\"\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6601556224092982\"\n     data-ad-slot=\"4216941496\"\n     data-ad-format=\"rectangle\"\n     data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script>\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n<\/script>\n<h2 class=\"sub\">How to add a stroke around the shape<\/h2>\n<p>Another way to enhance the effect is by adding a stroke. <\/p>\n<h3>Step 1: Select the shape layer<\/h3>\n<p>In the Layers panel, click the shape layer to select it. <\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-effects\/2022\/fill-shape-with-image\/select-shape-layer.png\" alt=\"Selecting the shape layer in the Layers panel.\" width=\"295\" height=\"270\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Selecting the shape layer.<\/div>\n<h3>Step 2: Add a stroke layer effect<\/h3>\n<p>While you can add a stroke from the Properties panel, using layer effects provides more flexibility. <\/p>\n<p>Click the <strong>fx icon<\/strong> at the bottom of the Layers panel. <\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-effects\/2022\/fill-shape-with-image\/click-fx-icon.png\" alt=\"Clicking the layer effects icon in Photoshop's Layers panel.\" width=\"295\" height=\"269\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Clicking the layer effects icon.<\/div>\n<p>Choose <strong>Stroke<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-effects\/2022\/fill-shape-with-image\/choose-stroke.png\" alt=\"Adding a Stroke layer effect.\" width=\"295\" height=\"236\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Adding a Stroke layer effect.<\/div>\n<p>In the Layer Style dialog box, click the <strong>color swatch<\/strong> to change the stroke\u2019s color. <\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-effects\/2022\/fill-shape-with-image\/click-color-swatch.png\" alt=\"Clicking the stroke color swatch in Photoshop's Layer Style dialog box.\" width=\"355\" height=\"301\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Clicking the color swatch in the Layer Style dialog box.<\/div>\n<p>Choose a new color from the Color Picker. To use white, set the <strong>R<\/strong>, <strong>G<\/strong>, and <strong>B<\/strong> values to <strong>255<\/strong>. <\/p>\n<p>Click <strong>OK<\/strong>. <\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-effects\/2022\/fill-shape-with-image\/color-picker-choose-white.jpg\" alt=\"Choosing white for the stroke from the Color Picker.\" width=\"544\" height=\"412\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Choosing white for the stroke from the Color Picker.<\/div>\n<p>Back in the Layer Style dialog box, set the <strong>Position<\/strong> to <strong>Outside<\/strong> so the stroke sits outside the shape's edges. <\/p>\n<p>Increase the <strong>Size<\/strong> value to adjust the thickness. For this image, a size of <strong>18 px<\/strong> works well. <\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-effects\/2022\/fill-shape-with-image\/stroke-size-position.png\" alt=\"Setting the position and size of the stroke in the Layer Style dialog box.\" width=\"349\" height=\"184\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Setting the position and size of the stroke.<\/div>\n<p>Click <strong>OK<\/strong> to close the Layer Style dialog box. Here is the result with the stroke applied. <\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-effects\/2022\/fill-shape-with-image\/photoshop-image-in-shape-with-stroke.jpg\" alt=\"The result with a white stroke added around the shape.\" width=\"512\" height=\"512\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The result with a stroke added around the shape.<\/div>\n<p>If you decide you don\u2019t like the stroke, turn it off by clicking the <strong>visibility icon<\/strong> (the eyeball) next to the word Stroke in the Layers panel. <\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-effects\/2022\/fill-shape-with-image\/turn-off-stroke-layer-effect.png\" alt=\"Clicking the visibility icon for the stroke layer effect.\" width=\"295\" height=\"242\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Toggle the stroke on or off by clicking the visibility icon.<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"sub\">How to remove the background behind the shape<\/h2>\n<p>Finally, let\u2019s look at how to completely remove the background so you can place the shape onto a different background or save it with transparency. <\/p>\n<style type=\"text\/css\">\n.ads-middle { display: inline-block; width:300px; margin:6px 0px 24px 0px; padding-top: 16px; padding-bottom: 16px; }\n@media (max-width: 515px) { .ads-middle { margin:20px 0; } }\n@media (max-width: 480px) { .ads-middle { margin:20px 0; } }\n<\/style><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-6601556224092982\"\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\n<!-- photo effects 300x250 middle responsive -->\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle ads-middle\"\n     style=\"display:block\"\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6601556224092982\"\n     data-ad-slot=\"4216941496\"\n     data-ad-format=\"rectangle\"\n     data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script>\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n<\/script>\n<h3>Step 1: Turn off the Background layer and Solid Color fill layer<\/h3>\n<p>To remove the background, turn off the <strong>Background layer<\/strong> by clicking its <strong>visibility icon<\/strong> in the Layers panel. <\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-effects\/2022\/fill-shape-with-image\/turn-off-background-layer.png\" alt=\"Turning off the Background layer behind the shape.\" width=\"331\" height=\"158\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Turning off the Background layer.<\/div>\n<p>If you added a Solid Color fill layer earlier, click its <strong>visibility icon<\/strong> to turn it off as well. <\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-effects\/2022\/fill-shape-with-image\/turn-off-solid-color-fill-layer.png\" alt=\"Turning off the Solid Color fill layer behind the shape.\" width=\"331\" height=\"241\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Turning off the Solid Color fill layer.<\/div>\n<p>This leaves you with a transparent background, represented by a checkerboard pattern. <\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-effects\/2022\/fill-shape-with-image\/transparency-behind-shape.jpg\" alt=\"The background behind the shape is now transparent.\" width=\"512\" height=\"512\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The background is now transparent.<\/div>\n<h3>Step 2: Trim away the transparent pixels<\/h3>\n<p>To remove the extra transparent space surrounding the shape, go to <strong>Image<\/strong> &gt; <strong>Trim<\/strong>. <\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-effects\/2022\/fill-shape-with-image\/select-trim-command-photoshop.png\" alt=\"Selecting the Trim command in Photoshop.\" width=\"230\" height=\"132\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Going to Image &gt; Trim.<\/div>\n<p>In the <strong>Trim<\/strong> dialog box, select <strong>Transparent Pixels<\/strong> at the top. Ensure <strong>Top<\/strong>, <strong>Bottom<\/strong>, <strong>Left<\/strong>, and <strong>Right<\/strong> are all checked at the bottom. Click <strong>OK<\/strong>. <\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-effects\/2022\/fill-shape-with-image\/trim-dialog-box-photoshop.png\" alt=\"The settings in the Trim dialog box.\" width=\"298\" height=\"255\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The Trim settings.<\/div>\n<p>Photoshop trims away the surrounding transparent areas. <\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-effects\/2022\/fill-shape-with-image\/photoshop-image-in-shape-transparent-background.jpg\" alt=\"The transparent areas around the shape have been trimmed away.\" width=\"472\" height=\"417\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The surrounding pixels have been trimmed away.<\/div>\n<h3>Step 3: Save the result as a PNG file<\/h3>\n<p>To save your transparent result, go to <strong>File<\/strong> &gt; <strong>Save a Copy<\/strong>. <\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-effects\/2022\/fill-shape-with-image\/save-a-copy-photoshop.png\" alt=\"Choosing the Save a Copy command from the File menu.\" width=\"268\" height=\"113\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Going to File &gt; Save a Copy.<\/div>\n<p>If prompted, choose <strong>Save on your computer<\/strong>. <\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-effects\/2022\/fill-shape-with-image\/save-on-your-computer.png\" alt=\"Choosing the Save on your computer option.\" width=\"524\" height=\"183\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Choosing the Save on your computer option.<\/div>\n<p>To preserve the transparency behind the shape, you must save it as a <strong>PNG file<\/strong> (JPEGs do not support transparency). <\/p>\n<p>Click the <strong>Save as type<\/strong> (Win) or <strong>Format<\/strong> (Mac) dropdown and choose <strong>PNG<\/strong>. <\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-effects\/2022\/fill-shape-with-image\/save-as-type-png.png\" alt=\"Setting the file type to PNG.\" width=\"556\" height=\"248\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Setting the file type to PNG.<\/div>\n<p>Name your file (e.g., <q>image-in-shape.png<\/q>). <\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-effects\/2022\/fill-shape-with-image\/name-file.png\" alt=\"Naming the file before saving it.\" width=\"731\" height=\"210\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Naming the file.<\/div>\n<p>Choose your save location and click <strong>Save<\/strong>. <\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-effects\/2022\/fill-shape-with-image\/save-result-as-png.png\" alt=\"Clicking the Save button to save the image and shape as a PNG file.\" width=\"422\" height=\"95\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Clicking the Save button.<\/div>\n<p>Finally, in the <strong>PNG Format Options<\/strong> dialog box, select the <strong>Smallest file size<\/strong> option and click OK. <\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-effects\/2022\/fill-shape-with-image\/smallest-file-size.png\" alt=\"Choosing the Smallest file size option in the PNG Format Options dialog box.\" width=\"382\" height=\"182\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Choosing the smallest file size option.<\/div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\">\n.ads-bottom { width:300px; padding-top:16px;padding-bottom:16px; }\n<\/style><div align=\"center\"><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-6601556224092982\"\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\n<!-- 300x250 page bottom responsive -->\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle ads-bottom\"\n     style=\"display:block\"\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6601556224092982\"\n     data-ad-slot=\"2879809098\"\n     data-ad-format=\"rectangle\"\n\t data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script>\n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n<\/script><\/div>\n<p>And there you have it! That\u2019s how to place an image into a shape in Photoshop. <\/p>\n<p>Don't forget, all of my Photoshop tutorials are  available to <a href=\"\/print-ready-pdfs\/\">download as PDFs<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Check out my <a href=\"\/photo-effects\/\">Photo Effects<\/a> tutorials for more creative ideas!<\/p>\n<div class=\"members-ad\"><a href=\"\/print-ready-pdfs\/\">Get all of our Photoshop tutorials as PDFs!<\/a> Download them today!<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Learn how to fill a shape with a photo in Photoshop. Discover how to use custom shapes and clipping masks in this step-by-step tutorial updated for 2026.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":31138,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-31108","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-photo-effects"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Fill a Shape with a Photo in Photoshop 2026<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn how to fill a shape with a photo in Photoshop 2026. 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