Create a shape on a new layer (Photoshop CS/CS2/CS3/CS4)

Photoshop automatically fills a shape layer, which you can make with any Shape, Line, or Pen tool, with the foreground color. You can also apply a gradient or pattern via layer styles. To create a shape layer, select one of the Shape tools, and be sure to click the Create New Shape Layer button on the tool Options bar. Photoshop stores the shape outline as a vector mask that appears in the Paths panel.