Ok, a few photoshop questions

First,
Vectors, do you use them like patterns?
I dont get it

2nd.
How do i get a line to fade away on 2 ends?

3rd.
I have cs3 and its acting up.
It wont let me create shapes.

 

Vectors are, technically speaking, scalable objects that are defined by mathematical equations. This means that since they are not based on pixels they are infinitely scalable without any loss in resolution. So, your first question doesn't really make sense. Yes, you could technically assign vector to be a pattern or a shape but vector is really referring to the way in which the shape is created. You can work with vector art in Photoshop (the shape tool and the pen tool create vector objects) but Illustrator or Corel Draw are more suited to working with vector objects.

To get a line to fade at two ends you could do at least two different things. You could create a custom brush stroke that fades off at both end or you could rasterize the line and simply use the eraser tool on both ends. I'm sure there are other methods as well...

What exactly do you mean when you say it won't let you create shapes? The tool isn't available? A 'no smoking' sign pops up when you try and draw one? Be a bit more specific on this issue if you could.

 

You can also use a feathered marquee tool.

 

wow, thanks.

Ok, lets say i make a square,it automatically merges it with another layer.
also, it wont let me make a square until i raesterize the layer i have selected.

Im gonna try that, thanks

 

example using vector

 

or this more complicated