PS - Pen Tool (Part 3)

Part 3: Creating Complex Shapes 

To create a shape within a shape (such as a donut) it is a simple matter of making sure your path is active and selecting the right option from the top (for a donut it would be “subtract from shape area”). 

Steps:

1. Create a circle Shape Layer using your Ellipse Tool.

2. Select “subtract from” on the top options (see 1. below) and notice how the cursor shows a subtract symbol when you mouse-over the shape (see 2. below).

3. The result is a donut.

4. Use your Path Selection Tool to move the paths and alter the donut shape.

This same technique also works with paths. The important part is to remember that the first path must be active before you create the second path.