How to Cut an Image Into a Shape With PaintShop Pro

Make hearts, stars, and more with the Shapes tool in PaintShop Pro

What to Know

  • Open a picture file and choose Layers > Promote Background Layer. Select the Shapes drop-down menu and choose Preset Shape.
  • Select Shape list, then choose a shape for the cutout. Click and drag to create the shape. Use the handles to make adjustments.
  • When done, go to Selections > From Vector Object > Image > Crop to Selection. Delete or hide the vector shape layer. Save as PSB or PNG.

If you want to cut pictures into shapes in PaintShop Pro, you can create photo collages and other fun projects using the preset Shape tool. We show you how using Corel PaintShop Pro 2020.

How to Cut an Image Into a Shape With PaintShop Pro

To cut images into preset shapes in PaintShop Pro:

  1. Open PaintShop Pro, then open the picture file you want to cut out.

    Select either the Essentials or Complete workspace so that you have access to the tools you need.

    Select Open on the PaintShop Pro welcome screen.
  2. Select Layers > Promote Background Layer.

    The Promote Background Layer command
  3. Select the Shapes drop-down menu and choose Preset Shape.

    If you don't see the Preset Shape tool, select the plus (+) at the bottom of the toolbar to search for it.

    The Preset Shape tool
  4. Select Shape list.

    The Shape List menu
  5. Choose a shape for the cutout.

    Shapes List presets in PaintShop Pro
  6. Place the mouse pointer in the center of the area in the picture you want to cut out. Click and drag to create the shape and make it the size you want. It doesn't have to be perfect. You can adjust the shape as needed.

    Click and drag to create the shape and make it the size you want.
  7. Using the handles that surround the shape, adjust the size and rotation of the cutout shape. To reposition the shape to encompass what you want to cut out in the image, click and drag the shape.

    Reduce the opacity of the shape layer to see how the shape is positioned in relation to the picture beneath it.

    Adjust the size and rotation of the cutout shape.
  8. When you are happy with the position of the shape, go to Selections > From Vector Object.

    The From Vector Object command
  9. Go to Image > Crop to Selection.

    The Crop to Selection command
  10. In the Layers palette, either delete (by selecting the trashcan icon) or hide the vector shape layer.

    If the layers palette isn't visible, go to Palettes > Layers.

    The Delete Layer button
  11. Copy and paste the cutout image to use it in another document, or save it as a transparent PSB or PNG file to use in other software.

    A heart-shaped cutout of a cat in PaintShop Pro
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