Place a photo in preset shape

[woodchuck]

I am attempting to use the preset shape tool (a heart) with a photograph. I want to eliminate everything outside the heart and then save as a png file for use in VS. I have tried several things to accomplish this but have not been able to get the results I want.

I know how to create the vector object on the photo but have not figured out how to copy the merged background photo and the vector heart so I can paste it into another image with a transparent background.

I'm hoping someone can help me with this.

[LeviFiction]

Use the vector as a selection outline, this will allow you to select the photo, invert the selection and hit delete. It's very simple.

You can watch me doing something similar in this long and pointless video here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAtyS4pehUQ

Or you can follow what I type here, your choice.

First make your vector object and position it where you want, make sure the fill is turned on for this part because paint shop pro uses the whole vector to define the selection.

With the vector positioned and the fill turned on and the vector actually selected, go to the selections menu on the menu bar and select "From vector object" or Ctrl+Shift+B....you can also right-click on the vector object and select "Create Raster Selection."

Next invert the selection, just go up to the selections menu again and select invert.

You have now selected everything except for the vector object and its shape on the photo. Select the photo-background layer and promote it to a raster layer. Now hit "Delete" on your keyboard. Everything except for the shape of the vector on the photo layer should be erased.

Remove the fill from the vector object and you're all set.

I'm fairly certain I've forced you to do more steps than necessary but those are the basic methods for using vectors to create selections.

[woodchuck]

Thank you, Levi, for your help. I used your written steps and got exactly what I wanted. I realize now that my mistake was not having the fill turned on for my vector.

I then looked at your tutorial on vector objects and found it to be very informative.

Thanks again for your help.