Our software SHERPA enables the automated mass-analysis of diatom shapes by offering a versatile image processing workflow focused on the identification and measurement of object outlines. It handles all steps from image segmentation over object identification to feature extraction with minimal user interaction, extracting of a wide range of outline shape descriptors widely used in diatom studies and elsewhere. In this workshop, I will give a short introduction to SHERPA with practical demonstrations and hands-on Excercises.