Photoshop problem "Could not use gradient tool because the content of the layer is not directly editable"?

Question

I have problems applying the gradient to my custom shape.
I know there are millions of tutorials on the web and so many forums, but believe me I've been to as many as possible and I'm getting frustrated that their solutions do not work for me. Maybe I'm missing something very simple, but I need to get this down. Okay here is someone's solution that was posted on a photoshop forum:
Create a new layer

Command click on the shape layer (Control click on PC) to select
the shape

Select the new layer

Apply the gradient

I did all that, and it still does not work.
What bothers me is that their solution has worked for many, and not me lol. Anyhow, this is what happens with mine when I follow the above direction:
Once I have selected the shape and go to select the new layer, I loose the selection for the shape and only the layer becomes selected. And once I apply the gradient tool is applied, it is applied to all the new layer, not to do with the shape I wanted. Anyone?
thx

Answer 1

ok after you make your shape just click it with a brush and it will say some about do you want to rastorize layer select yes then right click your layer window and select layer transparency then make your new layer and use your gradient tool on it while its still selected hope this helped

Answer 2

Probably I can't understand your problem, anyway that's what I do in this case.

I click on the Custom Shape tool, choose the shape and drag to draw it (the layer is selected). Then I go to the Layers palette and click on the Add a Layer Style button and on Gradient Overlay. Now in the Layer Style window I customize my gradient and then I click OK to apply, and it works.

Answer 3

I often end up posting the same thing on other sites

Answer 4

Was going to ask this too