Merging shape layers

[alenah]

hi Phil,
I do not use vectors within Photoshop too much - but - as far as I know, there is no "global" function for something like that, I am afraid;
I assume you are talking about the separate "Shape layers" you created everytime you started a new vector ...

the only workaround in this case seems to be to "manually" copy&paste the individual shape vectors from individual layers that you have created (from their vector masks actually) into the vector mask of one layer that you decide for;
one by one, copying&pasting (while the "black" Path Selection Tool is selected) will preserve the vector editable - and it also should keep the position ..
(while Path Selection Tool selected, select the layer you want to copy from - click on the vector mask thumbnail if you still cannot see the path active - select the vector in your workspace, copy, then select the vector mask of the "target" layer you decided for, and paste)

in Photoshop there are basically 2 ways of drawing vectors - the one that you have just experienced (each vector comes out as a separate color-filled "shape layer", which basically is nothing else but the color adjustment layer "visually limited" by the vector mask you just created ...);
the other way is creating just a simple "not filled" path - this means: you can create whatever vector (and how many vector shapes you like) within just one path in common (that you can see in the Path pallete then) .. so you wont need to copy&paste them later in one common place, if you need to edit them at the same time ..
the only thing you have to do is (before you start drawing, while Pen Tool is already active) to switch on the second little icon (the little square vector with a little pen inside) in the upper Property bar; this icon stands for "draw only Paths"

I hope my English does not make the explanation even more complicated :)
take care, a.

[philnolan3d]

Thanks I should have mentioned I got my answer on another forum, basically the same thing you said. Your English was fine, I would have never guessed it's not your native language. :)

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