Draw Guide 7.5
Chapter 3,
Working with Objects
This document is Copyright © 2023 by the LibreOffice Documentation Team. Contributors are listed below. This document maybe distributed and/or modified under the terms of either the GNU General Public License (https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl.html), version 3 or later, or the Creative Commons Attribution License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), version 4.0 or later. All trademarks within this guide belong to their legitimate owners.
Contributors for this edition:
Peter Schofield
Contributors for previous editions:
Claire Wood
Dave Barton
Elzett Kotze
Jean Hollis Weber
John A Smith
Kees Kriek
Martin Fox
Peter Schofield
Please direct any comments or suggestions about this document to the Documentation Team mailing list: loguides@community.documentfoundation.org.
Note
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Published July 2023. Based on LibreOffice 7.5 Community.
Other versions of LibreOffice may differ in appearance and functionality.
Some keystrokes and menu items are different on macOS from those used in Windows and Linux. The table below gives some common substitutions used in this document. For a detailed list, see LibreOffice Help.
|
Windows or Linux |
macOS equivalent |
Effect |
|
Tools > Options |
LibreOffice > Preferences |
Access setup options |
|
Right-click |
Control+click, Ctrl+click, or right-click depending on computer setup |
Open a context menu |
|
Ctrl or Control |
⌘ and/or Cmd or Command, depending on keyboard |
|
|
Alt |
⌥ and/or Alt or Option depending on keyboard |
Used with other keys |
|
F11 |
⌘+T |
Open the Styles deck in the Sidebar |
This chapter explains the tools and functions for modifying existing drawings. Tools and functions only used and applied to a selected object or a group of selected objects. Selected objects are indicated by selection handles on a rectangular frame that is large enough to contain the object. Where several objects are selected, the frame around the objects corresponds to the smallest rectangle contains all objects. This frame is called the selection rectangle, or marquee.
Note
The color and shape of selection handles changes depending on the tool and the function selected to change object properties. The color of selection handles also depends on the computer operating system and computer set up.
Direct clicking on an object is the easiest way to select it. For objects that are not filled, click on the object border to select it. To select more than one object, hold the Shift key down while clicking on objects. To deselect an object, move the cursor into a blank space and click.
Several objects can be selected by clicking and dragging the cursor around the objects drawing a selection rectangle around the objects. Only objects that lie entirely within this selection rectangle are selected. Make sure Select on the Drawing toolbar is active when selecting multiple objects, as shown in Figure 1.
Objects located behind other objects and not visible can still be selected. When a hidden object is selected, its selection handles appear through the objects covering the selected object.
Windows, Mac or Linux — press the Tab key to select and cycle through objects in a drawing, stopping at the hidden object to select it. To cycle through objects in reverse order, press Shift+Tab.
Windows or Mac only — select an object in front of a hidden object, then press the Alt key (macOS ⌥) and click to select the hidden object. If there are several hidden objects, keep holding down the Alt key (macOS ⌥) and click until the required object is reached. To cycle through the objects in reverse order, hold down the Alt+Shift keys (macOS ⌥+Shift) and click.
Figure 1: Drawing toolbar
Figure 2: Line and Filling toolbar
In a complex drawing, several objects may be stacked on top of one another. Use one of the following methods to rearrange the stacking order by moving an object forward or backward:
Select an object, go to Shape > Arrange on the Menu bar, or right-click on the object and select Arrange from the drop down menu, then use one of the following options:
Bring to Front (Ctrl+Shift++) (macOS ⌘+Shift++)
Bring Forward (Ctrl++) (macOS ⌘++)
Send Backward (Ctrl+–) (macOS ⌘+–)
Send to Back (Ctrl+Shift+–) (macOS ⌘+Shift+–)
In Front of Object
Behind Object
Select an object, then select one of the Arrange tools at the left end of the Line and Filling toolbar (Figure 2). When the cursor hovers over a tool, its function is indicated.
For positioning and adjustment of objects, Draw has a zoom function that reduces or enlarges the screen display of the current drawing. For example, zoom in to position objects on a drawing with greater accuracy; zoom out to see the complete drawing. Zooming is controlled using the Status Bar, Zoom & View Layout dialog, or Zoom toolbar.
Note
Zooming is handled differently in Linux operating systems. Drawings saved with 100% zoom factor in Windows or macOS are displayed at a larger zoom factor in Linux.
The zoom controls are located on the right side of the Status Bar (Figure 3) giving easy access to zooming. Use one of the following methods to change the zoom factor:
Fit slide to current window – fits the drawing to the open window.
Zoom Out — minus sign (–) on the zoom slide control reduces the zoom factor.
Figure 4: Zoom & View Layout dialog
Zoom In — plus sign (+) on the zoom slide control increases the zoom factor.
Click and drag the zoom slide control to increase or decrease the zoom factor.
Right-click on the zoom percentage number and select a zoom option from the context menu that opens.
Open the Zoom & View Layout dialog (Figure 4) using one of the following methods:
Click on the zoom percentage number in the Status Bar.
Go to View > Zoom > Zoom on the Menu bar.
The Zoom & View Layout dialog provides the following options for controlling how a drawing is viewed on a display.
Zoom Factor
Optimal
Resizes the display to fit the text width in the document.
Fit width and height
Displays the entire page on the screen.
Fit width
Displays the complete document page width. The top and bottom page edges may not be visible.
100%
Figure 5: Zoom toolbar
Variable
Enter a percentage in the box for the zoom factor to display the document.
View Layout
Go to View > Toolbars > Zoom on the Menu bar to open the Zoom toolbar (Figure 5). The tools available on this toolbar, from left to right, are as follows:
Zoom In
Zoom Out
100%
Zoom Previous
Zoom Next
Entire Page
Page Width
Optimal
Object Zoom
Zoom & Pan
Shift
When moving an object or changing its size, check the Status Bar left-hand area at the bottom of the Workspace (Figure 6). From left to right, this area shows a shape is selected, its position on the drawing in X/Y coordinates and object dimensions. The measurement units are selected in Tools > Options > LibreOffice Draw > General (macOS Preferences > LibreOffice > LibreOffice Draw > General).
Figure 6: Left end of Status Bar with object selected
Figure 7: Example of moving objects
To move an object (or a group of objects), select it, then click and drag within the object borders. During movement, a ghost object image appears to help with repositioning, as shown in Figure 7. When the object reaches its new location, release the object.
To change the size of a selected object (or a group of selected objects), move the cursor to a selection handle. The cursor changes shape to indicate the direction of movement for that selection handle.
Click on a selection handle and drag it to change object size. The results depend on which selection handle is used.
To resize an object in one axis, use a side, top, or bottom handle.
To resize using both axes, use a corner handle.
As the object size changes, a ghosted object outline appears, as shown in Figure 8. When the required object size is reached, release the object.
Note
Pressing and holding the Shift key while resizing an object. changes the size symmetrically keeping the aspect ratio of width to height the same. This Shift key behavior works on all selection handles.
Figure 8: Example of adjusting objects
Figure 9: Example of modifying arcs
The size of an arc is changed by adjusting the positions of the start and end points of an arc. The selection handle at the start point of an arc is larger than the end point of an arc.
1) Select an arc, then right click on the arc and select Points from the drop down menu, or press the F8 key. Two handles appear at the start and end of the arc, as shown in Figure 9
2) Click and drag on the start or end handle to change the arc shape.
3) Release the selected handle when the required arc shape is achieved.
To rotate an object (or a group of objects), select the object and change to rotation mode using one of the following methods.
1) Select an object so that the selection handles are displayed.
2) Use one of the following methods to switch to rotation mode. The selection handles change shape and color and a center of rotation indicator appears in the object center, as shown in Figure 10.
Click again on a selected object.
Figure 10: Example of rotation mode
Figure 11: Transformations toolbar
Click on the triangle ▼ on the right of Transformations on the Line and Filling toolbar and select Rotate from the pop up menu.
Go to View > Toolbars > Transformations on the Menu bar to open the Transformations toolbar (Figure 11) and select Rotate.
3) Move the cursor over a corner selection handle and the cursor changes shape to indicate rotation mode.
4) Click on the corner selection handle and drag it to rotate the object. Release the selection handle when the required object rotation is reached.
Notes
The rotation center is normally located at the center of an object. To change the rotation center position, click on the rotation center and drag it until it is at the desired position. This rotation center can even be outside of the object.
Rotation works in a slightly different way for 3D objects because it occurs in a three dimensional space and not in a single plane. See Chapter 7, Working with 3D Objects for more information.
The axis used for slanting an object is the object edge directly opposite the midpoint handle being used to slant the object. This axis is fixed in location while the other sides of the object move in relation to it as the selection handle is dragged. In Figure 12 the selection handle at the object bottom has been used to slant the object.
1) Select an object and use one of the following methods to switch to rotation mode. The selection handles change shape and color and a center of rotation indicator appears in the object center.
Click again on a selected object.
Figure 12: Example of slanting objects
Click on the triangle ▼ on the right of Transformations on the Line and Filling toolbar and select Rotate from the pop up menu.
Go to View > Toolbars > Transformations on the Menu bar to open the Transformations toolbar and select Rotate.
2) Move the cursor over a selection handle at the midpoint of the object top, bottom, left or right sides and the cursor changes shape to indicate slanting direction.
3) Click and drag the selection handle to slant the object. Release the cursor when the desired object slant is reached. A ghosted object outline being slanted appears and the current angle of slanting is shown in the Status Bar.
Note
Press and hold the Shift key while rotating or slanting an object restricts movement to 15° steps. This is the default behavior of the Shift key. However, if When creating or moving objects has been selected in Tools > Options > LibreOffice Draw > Grid (macOS LibreOffice > Preferences > LibreOffice Draw > Grid), the Shift key action is reversed and rotation or slanting is restricted to 15° of movement unless the Shift key is pressed.
Using the cursor to position and resize objects is not exact. If greater accuracy is required to position and size an object, it is recommended to use the Position and Size dialog (Figure 13), or the Position and Size panel (Figure 14) in the Properties deck on the Sidebar.
To open the Position and Size dialog, select an object and use one of the following methods:
Go to Format > Position and Size on the Menu bar.
Right-click on the object and select Position and Size from the context menu.
Use the keyboard shortcut F4.
To open the Position and Size panel in the Properties deck on the Sidebar, select an object, then click on Properties on the Sidebar and click on the chevron > on the Position and Size title bar to open the panel.
Figure 13: Position and Size dialog
Figure 14: Position and Size panel in Properties deck on Sidebar
Position
Specify the selected object location on the page. The units of measurement used for X//Y coordinates, and the object width and height are set by going to Tools > Options > LibreOffice Draw > General (macOS LibreOffice > Preferences > LibreOffice Draw > General).
Position X
Enter the horizontal distance required to move the object relative to the base point selected in the grid.
Position Y
Enter the vertical distance required to move the object relative to the base point selected in the grid.
Base point
Select a base point in the grid and then enter the amount required to shift the object relative to the base point that is selected in the Position Y and Position X boxes. The base points correspond to the selection handles on an object. This option is only available in the Position and Size dialog.
Size
Width
Enter a width for the selected object.
Height
Enter a height for the selected object.
Keep ratio
Maintains proportions when resizing the selected object.
Base point
Select a base point in the grid, and then enter the new size dimensions for the selected object in the Width and Height boxes. This option is only available in the Position and Size dialog.
Protect
Position
Prevents changes to the position or the selected object size .
Size
Prevents object resizing.
Adapt
Fit width to text
Expands the object width to the text width, if the object is smaller than the text.
Fit height to text
Expands the object height to the text height, if the object is smaller than the text.
Note
The base points default location for position and size is the upper left corner of the drawing area. This base point can be temporarily changed to make positioning or dimensioning simpler by clicking on a position corresponding to the base point location. This change in base point is only valid for single use and the base point is reset to the standard position of top left corner when the Position and Size dialog is closed.
To accurately rotate an object, click on the Rotation tab of the Position and Size dialog to open the Rotation page (Figure 15). The options available allow the rotation angle and the pivot point location to be defined. Alternatively, use the available options for rotation in the Position and Size panel in the Properties deck on the Sidebar.
Pivot Point
Position X
Enter horizontal distance from the page left edge to change the pivot point position.
Position Y
Enter vertical distance from the page top edge to change the pivot point position.
Default settings
Select the pivot point position. Default position is the object center. Changing the pivot point is valid for single use only and is reset to the default central position when the Position and Size dialog is closed.
Figure 15: Position and Size dialog — Rotation page
Rotation Angle
Angle
Enter the number of degrees that required to rotate the selected object.
Default settings
Click on the indicator to rotate the object. The number of degrees rotated is shown in the Angle box.
To accurately set the corner radius or slant angle of an object, click on the Slant & Corner Radius tab of the Position and Size dialog (Figure 16). Options for slant and corner radius are only available in the Position and Size dialog.
Corner Radius
Radius
Enter the circle radius that is to be used to round corners. The larger the value for corner radius set, the rounder corners of a rectangle or square become.
Slant
Angle
Enter the slant axis angle. The slant angle relates to how much an object inclines or slants from its normal vertical position on a drawing.
Control Point 1/Control Point 2
Figure 16: Position and Size dialog — Slant & Corner Radius page
Figure 17: Example of corner point adjustment
Note
For more information on this special handle used for control points, see “Changing object shape” on page 1.
Position objects accurately using the grid and snap functions available in Draw. It is recommended to use the highest practical zoom value for a drawing when using the grid and snap functions. Two different functions can be used at the same time, for example, snapping to a guide line and the page edge. It is also recommended to activate only snap functions that are necessary.
To configure the grid and snap functions in a drawing, go to Tools > Options > LibreOffice Draw > Grid (macOS LibreOffice > Preferences > LibreOffice Draw > Grid) on the Menu bar to open the Grid dialog (Figure 18). Grid and snap functions are displayed and switched on or off using one of the following methods:
Using Options LibreOffice Grid dialog (Figure 18).
Right clicking on a drawing and selecting options from the context menu.
Using the tools on the Options toolbar (Figure 19). If the Options toolbar is not open, go to View > Toolbars > Options on the Menu bar.
Grid
Snap to grid
Specifies whether to move frames, drawing elements, and controls only between grid points. To change the snap grip status only for the current action, drag an object while holding down the Ctrl key (macOS ⌘).
Visible grid
Specifies whether to display the grid.
Figure 18: Options LibreOffice Draw dialog — Grid page
Figure 19: Options toolbar
Resolution
Horizontal
Defines the unit of measure for the spacing between grid points on the X‑axis.
Vertical
Defines the grid points spacing in the desired unit of measurement on the Y‑axis.
Synchronize axes
Specifies whether to change the current grid settings symmetrically. The resolution and subdivision for the X and Y axes remain the same.
Subdivision
Horizontal
Specify the number of intermediate spaces between grid points on the X‑axis.
Vertical
Specify the number of intermediate spaces between grid points on the Y‑axis.
Snap
To snap lines
Snaps the edge of a dragged object to the nearest snap line when the click is released. This setting can also be defined using Snap to Snap Guides on the Options toolbar.
To the page margins
Specifies whether to align the graphic object contour to the nearest page margin. The cursor or a contour line of the graphics object must be in the snap range. This function can also be accessed using Snap to Page Margins in the Options toolbar.
To object frame
Specifies whether to align the graphic object contour to the border of the nearest graphic object. The cursor or a contour line of the graphics object must be in the snap range. This function can also be accessed with Snap to Object Border in the Options toolbar.
To object points
Specifies whether to align the graphic object contour to the points of the nearest graphic object. This only applies if the cursor or a contour line of the graphics object is in the snap range. This function can also be accessed with Snap to Object Points in the Options toolbar.
Snap range
Defines the snap distance between the cursor and the object contour. Snaps to a snap point if the cursor is closer than the distance selected.
Constrain Objects
When creating or moving objects
Specifies that graphic objects are restricted vertically, horizontally or diagonally (45°) when creating or moving them. This setting can be temporarily deactivated by pressing the Shift key.
Extend edges
Specifies that a square is created based on the longer side of a rectangle when the Shift key is pressed before releasing the click. This also applies to an ellipse (a circle is created based on the ellipse longest diameter). When Extend edges is not selected, a square or a circle is created based on the shorter side or diameter.
When rotating
Specifies that graphic objects can only be rotated within the rotation angle that is selected. To rotate an object outside the defined angle, press the Shift key when rotating. Release the key when the desired rotation angle is reached.
Point reduction
Defines the angle for point reduction. When working with polygons, this maybe useful in reducing the editing points.
Using Snap to Grid helps in moving an object onto a grid point in a drawing. This function is selected using one of the following methods:
Go to View > Snap Guides > Snap to Grid on the Menu bar.
Right-click on a drawing and select Snap Guides > Snap to Grid from the context menu.
Click on Snap to Grid on the Options toolbar.
Use one of the following methods to display or turn off the grid in a drawing:
Go to View > Grid and Helplines > Display Grid on the Menu bar.
Click on Display Grid on the Options toolbar.
Right-click on a drawing and select Grid and Helplines > Display Grid from the context menu.
Select Visible grid in the Options LibreOffice Draw Grid dialog.
By default and depending on the computer setup, grid points are gray and not always easy to see. Change the grid point color as follows:
1) Go to Tools > Options > LibreOffice > Application Colors (macOS LibreOffice > Preferences > LibreOffice > Application Colors) to open the Application Colors dialog (Figure 20).
2) Go to Drawing/Presentation and select a more suitable color for the grid from the drop‑down list.
3) Click on OK to save the changes and close the dialog.
Snap lines and snap points are not part of the grid, but are inserted to position an object at a specific position in a drawing. Snap lines can either be horizontally or vertically and appear as dashed lines. Snap points appear as small crosses with dashed lines. Snap points and snap lines do not appear in printed output.
Figure 20: Options LibreOffice dialog — Application Colors page
Figure 21: New Snap Object dialog
To insert a snap point or snap line, go to Insert > Snap Guide on the Menu bar to open the New Snap Object dialog (Figure 21).
Position
X:
Enter the amount of space required between the snap point or line and the page left edge.
Y:
Enter the amount of space required between the snap point or line and the page top edge.
Type
Point
Inserts a snap point.
Vertical
Inserts a vertical snap line.
Horizontal
Inserts a horizontal snap line.
Use one of the following methods to display snap points and lines in a drawing:
Go to View > Snap Guides > Display Snap Guides on the Menu bar.
Click on Display Snap Guides in the Options toolbar.
Right-click on a drawing and select Snap Guides > Display Snap Guides from the context menu.
1) Right-click on the snap point and select Edit Snap Point from the context menu to open the Edit Snap Point dialog (Figure 22).
2) Enter new X and Y coordinate settings for the snap point and click OK.
3) Alternatively, click and drag a snap point to a new position on a drawing.
1) Right-click on the snap line and select Edit Snap Line from the context menu to open the Edit Snap Line dialog (Figure 23).
Figure 22: Edit Snap Point dialog
Figure 23: Edit Snap Line dialog
2) Enter a new X coordinate setting for vertical snap lines or a new Y coordinate setting for horizontal snap lines and click OK.
3) Alternatively, click and drag a snap line to a new position on a drawing.
To delete a snap point, drag it back to a ruler or right-click on the snap point and select Delete Snap Point from the context menu.
To delete a snap line, drag it back to the ruler or right-click on the snap line and select Delete Snap Line from the context menu.
To configure the snap range of when an object snaps to a position in the drawing:
1) Go to Tools > Options > LibreOffice Draw > Grid (macOS LibreOffice > Preferences > LibreOffice Draw > Grid) on the Menu bar to open the Options LibreOffice Grid dialog.
2) Enter the number of pixels to set the proximity of when the object will snap into position in the Snap range box. The default setting is 5 pixels.
3) Click OK to set the new snap range and close the dialog.
Helplines are a Draw function for positioning of objects. Helplines are displayed while the object is being moved. Helplines extend from the object edges to the rulers at the top and left side of a drawing and do not have a snap function (Figure 24).
1) Go to Tools > Options > LibreOffice Draw > View (macOS LibreOffice > Preferences > LibreOffice Draw > View) on the Menu bar to open the Options LibreOffice Draw View dialog (Figure 25).
Figure 24: Example of using helplines while moving objects
Figure 25: Options LibreOffice Draw dialog — View page
2) Select Helplines when moving option or click Helplines While Moving in the Options toolbar.
3) Click OK to save the selection and close the dialog.
When creating regular shapes in a drawing, some shapes have one or more control dots displayed in a different color to the selection handles when an object is selected. When the cursor hovers over one of these dots, it changes shape. Clicking and dragging on these dots modifies the object shape. For example, increasing corner radius of a rounded rectangle or square, changes the angles of an arc, and so on. These dots perform different functions according to the shape selected.
Note
After converting a regular shape to a curve or polygon, the shape of a regular shape can be changed and points can be edited. See “Curves and polygons” on page 1 and “Editing points” on page 1 for more information.
The following basic shapes (Figure 26), from left to right, have adjustment dots.
Figure 26: Basic Shapes sub-toolbar
|
Basic Shapes |
Control dot description |
|
Rectangle, Rounded |
Changes the curve radius that replaces the angled corners of a rectangle or square. |
|
Square, Rounded |
Changes the curve radius that replaces the angled corners of a rectangle or square. |
|
Parallelogram |
Changes the internal angles between the sides. |
|
Trapezoid |
Changes the internal angles between the sides. |
|
Circle Pie |
Changes the size of the filled sector. |
|
Block Arc |
Changes both internal diameter and size of the filled area. |
|
Isosceles Triangle |
Changes the shape and type of the triangle. |
|
Hexagon |
Changes the internal angles between the sides. |
|
Octagon |
Changes the internal angles between the sides. |
|
Cylinder |
Changes the perspective. |
|
Cube |
Changes the perspective. |
|
Folded Corner |
Changes the folded corner size. |
|
Cross |
Changes the thickness of the cross four arms. |
|
Frame |
Changes the frame thickness. |
|
Ring |
Changes the ring internal diameter. |
The following symbol shapes (Figure 27), from left to right, have adjustment dots.
Figure 27: Symbol Shapes sub-toolbar
|
Symbol Shapes |
Adjustment dot description |
|
Smiley Face |
Changes the smile on the face. |
|
Heart |
Changes the symbol shape. |
|
Sun |
Changes the symbol shape. |
|
Moon |
Changes the symbol shape. |
|
Prohibited |
Changes the ring thickness and the diagonal bar. |
|
Square Bevel |
Changes the bevel thickness. |
|
Octagon Bevel |
Changes the bevel thickness. |
|
Diamond Bevel |
Changes the bevel thickness. |
|
Double Bracket |
Changes the bracket curvature. |
|
Left Bracket |
Changes the bracket curvature. |
|
Right Bracket |
Changes the bracket curvature. |
|
Double Brace |
Changes the bracket curvature. |
|
Left Brace |
Changes the brace curvature and the position of the point. |
|
Right Brace |
Changes the brace curvature and the position of the point. |
The following block arrows (Figure 28), from left to right, have adjustment dots.
Figure 28: Block Arrows sub-toolbar
|
Block Arrows |
Adjustment dot description |
|
Right Arrow |
Changes the arrow shape and thickness. |
|
Left Arrow |
Changes the arrow shape and thickness. |
|
Down Arrow |
Changes the arrow shape and thickness. |
|
Up Arrow |
Changes the arrow shape and thickness. |
|
Left and Right Arrow |
Changes the arrow shape and thickness. |
|
Up and Down Arrow |
Changes the arrow shape and thickness. |
|
Circular Arrow |
Changes the arrow shape and thickness. |
|
4-way Arrow |
Changes the arrow shape and thickness. |
|
Chevron |
Changes the angle between the sides and the shape. |
|
Pentagon |
Changes the angle between the sides and the shape. |
|
Striped Right Arrow |
Changes the arrow shape and thickness. |
|
Up, Right and Down Arrow |
Changes the arrow shape and thickness. |
|
Notched Right Arrow |
Changes the arrow shape and thickness. |
|
Up and Right Arrow |
Changes the arrow shape and thickness. |
|
Right Arrow Callout |
Changes the callout shape and thickness. |
|
Left Arrow Callout |
Changes the callout shape and thickness. |
|
Down Arrow Callout |
Changes the callout shape and thickness. |
|
Up Arrow Callout |
Changes the callout shape and thickness. |
|
Left and Right Arrow Callout |
Changes the callout shape and thickness. |
|
Up and Down Arrow Callout |
Changes the callout shape and thickness. |
|
4-way Arrow Callout |
Changes the callout shape and thickness. |
|
Up and Right Arrow Callout |
Changes the callout shape and thickness. |
For all callouts (Figure 29) use the adjustment dots to change the length, position and angle of the pointer.
Figure 29: Callouts sub-toolbar
The following stars and banners (Figure 30), from left to right, have adjustment dots.
Figure 30: Stars and Banners sub-toolbar
|
Stars and Banners |
Adjustment dot description |
|
4-Point Star |
Changes the star points thickness and shape. |
|
8-Point Star |
Changes the star points thickness and shape. |
|
24-Point Star |
Changes the star points thickness and shape. |
|
Vertical Scroll |
Changes the scroll width and shape. |
|
Horizontal Scroll |
Changes the scroll width and shape. |
|
Doorplate |
Changes the inward curvature of the corners. |
The editing of curves and polygons depends on the mathematics of Bézier curves. Fully explaining Bézier curves goes beyond the scope of this Draw Guide. For more information on drawing and manipulating Bézier curves, see Chapter 11, Advanced Draw Techniques.
Tip
Bézier curves were invented by Pierre Bézier, who developed the technique in the 1960s and while as an engineer with the Renault car manufacturer. The technology was intended to make modeling the surface of vehicles easier.
Editing a Bézier curve is the movement of points or tangents passing through a point. Each tangent has a control point at each end and a junction point where it meets a curve. The relative angle and distance between control points determines the curve shape. Figure 31 shows what happens to a square and changing only one point on the square.
When changing the shape of an object and before modifying the points on an object, it must be converted to a curve or a polygon. Depending on what kind of shape and effect required to produce using one of the following methods to create a curve or a polygon:
After selecting an object, go to Shape > Convert on the Menu bar and select either To Curve or To Polygon.
Right click on an object and select Convert > To Curve or To Polygon from the context menu.
Figure 31: Example of creating different shapes by changing tangent points
Figure 32: Edit Points toolbar
Note
After switching to points editing mode, the selection handles become points. The number of points may increase or reduce in number. This change in number depends on the object shape and is normal behavior.
Many different shapes can be created by moving either the point, or one or both of the round handle points at either end of the tangent, as shown in Figure 31. Points can be added, deleted, or points type changed using tools available on the Edit Points toolbar (Figure 32).
After converting a shape to a curve or polygon, object points are edited as follows:
1) Select the object and select points editing mode using one of the following methods.
Go to Edit > Points on the Menu bar.
Click on the Points tool on the Standard toolbar.
Right click on the converted object and select Points from the context menu.
Use the keyboard shortcut F8.
2) Click on an object point to change the object shape. The Edits Points toolbar opens and the tools become active when a point is selected. Tangents also appear attached to the selected point.
3) Use the various tools on the Edit Points toolbar to add, delete, or change the point type.
4) Click and drag a point to move the point and change object shape.
5) If the selected object is a curve, click on and drag the round points at the end of a tangent to change the object shape.
6) When satisfied with the shape, click outside of the object to cancel points editing mode and close the Edit Points toolbar.
The available tools on the Edit Points toolbar depend on the object and type of object point that has been selected.
Move Points
Insert Points
Delete Points
Convert To Curve
Close Bézier
Split Curve
Corner Point
Smooth Transition
Symmetric Transition
Eliminate Points
Before using tangents on an object, it must be converted to a curve. Tangents are only used on curves. If an object has been converted to a polygon and a tangent is added, the object is automatically converted to a curve.
Note
The tangent angle relates to an object shape that is changed by selecting a tangent control point at the end of a tangent and moving it. As the tangent angle is changed, the object shape changes in response.
Symmetric transition converts a corner or smooth point into a symmetrical point. Tangents have the same length and are aligned in a straight line, as shown in Figure 33. Tangents can only be moved simultaneously and the degree of curvature is the same in both directions.
Figure 33: Example of symmetric transition
Figure 34: Example of smooth transition
1) Convert an object to a curve or polygon.
2) Switch the selected object into editing points mode and open the Edit Points toolbar.
3) Select the point to be changed to a symmetrical point.
4) Click on Symmetric Transition in the Edit Points toolbar. The straight line on each side of the symmetric transition point is converted to a curve.
5) Click and drag a tangent control handle to change the object curvature and shape. Any change to one tangent is carried over symmetrically to the other tangent.
Converts selected points into corner points. Tangents are aligned in a straight line and move simultaneously. Tangents can have different lengths with the curvature controlled by the longest tangent which is the largest curvature, as shown in Figure 34.
1) Convert the object to a curve or polygon.
2) Switch the selected object into editing points mode and open the Edit Points toolbar.
3) Select the point to be changed to a symmetrical point.
4) Click on Smooth Transition on the Edit Points toolbar.
5) Click and drag a tangent control handle to change the object shape. This creates an asymmetric tangent with the largest curvature on the tangent longest side.
Converts a selected point or points into corner points. Corner points have two movable control points, which are independent from each other. It is possible to independently change the angle on each side of a tangent using the tangent central point as a corner point, as shown in Figure 35.
1) Convert the object to a curve or polygon.
2) Switch the selected object into editing points mode and open the Edit Points toolbar.
3) Select the point to be changed to a symmetrical point.
4) Click on Corner Point on the Edit Points toolbar.
5) Click and drag the end of a tangent to change its angle. Each tangent can be moved independently to create spikes and troughs in an object shape.
When moving points, the object border on both sides of the point follows the point movement changing the object shape.
1) Convert the object to a curve or a polygon.
2) Switch the selected object into editing points mode and open the Edit Points toolbar.
3) Select the point to be changed to a symmetrical point.
4) Click on Move Points on the Edit Points toolbar.
Figure 35: Example of changing corner point
Figure 36: Example of moving points
Figure 37: Example of inserting points
5) Place the cursor on the selected point, then click and drag the point to create a new shape. Figure 36 illustrates how a different shape can be created from a circle by dragging the left hand side point to the left.
A point is inserted into a selected object each time there is a click. Clicking inside the object border, the object changes shape to include the new point into the object border, as shown in Figure 37. The inserted point is a smooth point.
Points can also be moved in insert point mode. Hover the cursor over the point until it changes shape, then click and drag the point to change the object shape.
1) Convert the object to a curve or a polygon.
2) Switch the selected object into editing points mode and open the Edit Points toolbar.
3) Click on Insert Points on the Edit Points toolbar.
4) Click on the object border to insert a point at the required position on the border.
5) Alternatively, click inside the object border to insert a point. The object automatically changes shape to include the new point into the object border.
Figure 38 shows what happens when three points on the left were deleted from a circle. The left image is a the full circle and the right image is where three points have been deleted creating a new shape.
1) Convert the object to a curve or a polygon.
2) Switch the selected object into editing points mode and open the Edit Points toolbar.
3) To delete a single point, proceed as follows
a) Select the point for deletion.
b) Click on Delete Points on the Edit Points toolbar.
4) To delete several points at the same time, proceed as follows:
a) Hold down the Shift key.
b) Select all the points for deletion.
c) Click on Delete Points on the Edit Points toolbar.
Figure 38: Example of deleting points
Figure 39: Example of converting a curve into a line
Curve with points displayed.
Sections between points converted to line.
Point deleted to create a line section.
The Eliminate Points tool on the Edit Points toolbar only functions on lines with multiple points. These lines are created when a curve is converted to a line using the Convert to Curve tool. An example of creating a straight line and eliminating points is shown in Figure 39.
1) Convert the curve to a curve or a polygon.
2) Switch the curve into editing points mode and open the Edit Points toolbar.
3) Select the curve with multiple points and convert to a line, see “Converting curves or lines” below.
4) Select the point or points on the line for elimination. The selected point is emphasized.
5) Select the Eliminate Points tool on the Edit Points toolbar.
6) Accurately position the cursor over the selected point, then click and drag the selected point. As the cursor is dragged, a dotted line forms between the neighboring points.
7) When this dotted line appears to be a straight line between the neighboring points, release the click. The selected point is eliminated and a straight line now exists between the neighboring points.
Curves and lines are converted using the Convert to Curve tool on the Edit Points toolbar. When a curve is converted to a line, a straight line is created between selected points on a curve. When a line is converted to a curve, a curve is created between selected points on a line. An example of converting a curve to a line is shown in Figure 39.
1) Convert the object to a curve or a polygon.
2) Switch the object into editing points mode and open the Edit Points toolbar.
3) Select the points for converting from curve to line or from line to curve.
4) Click on Convert to Curve on the Edit Points toolbar. Between the selected points, a curve is converted into a line or a line is converted into a curve.
5) Delete a point on the converted line to create a straight line.
1) Convert the object to a curve or a polygon.
2) Switch the object into editing points mode and open the Edit Points toolbar.
3) Select the point or points on the object where it is to be split. Keep the Shift key pressed down when selecting more than one point.
4) Click on Split Curve on the Edit Points toolbar to split or cut the object border at the selected point. If the object is filled, it will be emptied because the object border is no longer closed, as shown in Figure 40.
5) Deselect the object, then drag the cut segment and move it away from the original object.
Note
The point where the object was split is now larger than the remaining points visible on the object.
Figure 40: Example of splitting objects
Figure 41: Example of closing objects
Figure 42: Example of distorting objects
1) Select an open object (Figure 41).
2) Switch the object into editing points mode and open the Edit Points toolbar.
3) Select a point where the object has been split. Note that the start point of an object is larger than the other points visible on the object.
4) Click on Close Bézier in the Edit Points toolbar to close the object. If the open object was originally a closed and filled object, then the original color fills the object when it is closed.
1) Select the object and switch into editing points mode to display the points on the object. This also opens the Edit Points toolbar.
2) Select a point on the object and drag it to a new position to distort the object (Figure 42).
