Merged object can't be handled by pen tool

When I draw an object with the rectangle tool then I can manipulate it afterwards with the pen tool (add anchor point). But when I merge 2 objects with "merge linked" the object seems to be rasterized and I can't manipulate it with the pen tool anymore. How can I prevent merged objects to be rasterized or at least be able to manipulate merged objects with the pen tool.

I would like to draw the objects as shown in the header of:
http://mediatech.net

Any tips are welcome!

You don't merge layers if you're trying to combine objects. As you found out they will get rasterized.

Instead you just put the objects on the same Path layer, select your PATH SELECTION TOOL (black arrow), highlight the objects to be combined, and at the top of the window in the tool preferences is a button that says "COMBINE".

[QUOTE=Outpatient]You don't merge layers if you're trying to combine objects. As you found out they will get rasterized.

Instead you just put the objects on the same Path layer, select your PATH SELECTION TOOL (black arrow), highlight the objects to be combined, and at the top of the window in the tool preferences is a button that says "COMBINE".[/QUOTE]

Thanks for your help. It worked. I only found out that I have to use the SHIFT key to add an extra shape otherwise the shape is added within a new layer and a combine is not possible then.

Using the SHIFT key makes it not possible to define all the shapes I like, thats a pity.
:rolleyes:

Look harder, you can actually edit all the individual shapes you used if you leave the pen tool in regular shape mode and hold down shift, and they're still on the same layer.

[QUOTE=bas456]Thanks for your help. It worked. I only found out that I have to use the SHIFT key to add an extra shape otherwise the shape is added within a new layer and a combine is not possible then.

[/QUOTE]

It is possible. It doesn't matter if you end up with your shapes on different layers. It's simple to transfer a shape from one layer to the next. You just need to select a shape (or ALT+click on a path in the Paths palette to select all paths on that layer) then use CTRL+C (or CTRL+X) to copy those paths...then highlight the path layer in the paths palette where you want to merge the objects and paste (CTRL+V).

It's just that simple. Cut 'n paste the Paths. Who would've thunk it huh? I understand your frustration. The way the path items function it is rather unintuitive in Photoshop. But once you understand it it'll be a breeze.