Ó kimlizzy 2006

Open the background or image you want to make a cutout from.

Select the Marquee Tool

The Marquee Palette will open. (If it doesn’t, click on "Selection" on the toolbar.

Click on the shape you want.

Click on "Shape proportions" to keep the shape in proportion.

Using the left mouse button, drag out your shape.

Size and position doesn’t matter at this point.

On the Marquee Tool Palette, click on "Adjust marquee"

Your shape will now appear as transparent white with resizing points around the outside.

Left click on the shape to move it into position.

Adjust size using the resizing squares.

Click on Done when finished.

Go to Edit/Copy then Edit/Paste.

Click on the Object tool.  (Left diagonal arrow on toolbar)

Now you can do either of 2 things:

1. If you don’t want the remainder of your background/image: Click on the background/image to make it active. Click on the Cut button . to remove it.

2. If you want to save the shape as a separate file: Right click on the shape and "copy".

Go to File/New. The new canvas will be the exact size of your cutout shape. Click Done. Right click on the new canvas and "paste". Your shape will appear in the Files Palette to the right. You can now drag it onto an open layout.

Two methods:

1. With your shape active, go to Effects/Edges/Highlighted

Select an edge then click on "Customize the edge"

Select colour, edge shape and width.

Select Done to return to the workspace.

2. Go to Effects/Edges/Artstroke

Select a brush stroke, colour, width and transparency.

Choose to place the edge either in front of or behind the shape.

Click Done to return to the workspace.