Make a hole in Photoshop vector shape?

Question

I have a rounded rectangle vector shape. I would like to make a hole in it (B - A).

How can this be done?

Thanks

Answer 1

1. Make the top shape (AKA the "Hole") as a vector object then flatten it.
2. Then use the Magic Selection tool to select the flattened "Hole" shape
3. Next Invert the Selection (Ctrl + Shift + I).
4. With your selection inverted, click on the Base Layer that should have the "Hole" in it.
5. With the Base Layer Selected, click on the Layer Mask button @ the bottom of your layers panel.
6. This will open up the "Hole" in your Base Layer shape.

** I keep the flattened hole layer in case you want to use certain effects like a drop shadow or drop glow effect. You may have to use the flattened layer to achieve some of these effects as I just found out.

Please Note: There may be a better way to do this, but this method worked for my needs. Good luck all!

Answer 2

duplicate question to this one:

Cut/knock one shape out of another shape

in the same layer: in essence, either flatten the vector mask, and do the knockout on a new vector mask, or use a layer mask (because you can't have another vector mask on the same layer)