LibreOffice Logo

Draw Guide 7.6

Chapter 3, Working with Objects

Copyright

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

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

Feedback

Please direct any comments or suggestions about this document to the Documentation Team mailing list: loguides@community.documentfoundation.org.

Note

Everything sent to a mailing list, including email addresses and any other personal information that is written in the message, is publicly archived and cannot be deleted.

Publication date and software version

Published November 2023. Based on LibreOffice 7.6 Community.Other versions of LibreOffice may differ in appearance and functionality.

Using LibreOffice on macOS

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

Used with other keys

Alt

⌥ and/or Alt or Option depending on keyboard

Used with other keys

F11

+T

Open the Styles deck in the Sidebar

Introduction

This chapter explains the tools and functions for modifying existing drawings. Tools and functions are 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.

Selecting objects

Direct selection

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.

Selection by framing

Several objects are 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.

Selecting hidden objects

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.

Figure 1: Drawing toolbar

Drawing toolbar

Figure 2: Line and Filling toolbar

Line and Filling toolbar

Arranging objects

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:

Positioning and adjusting objects

Using zoom

For positioning and adjustment of objects, Draw has a zoom function that reduces or enlarges the page 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.

Status bar

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:

Figure 3: Status Bar zoom controls

Status Bar zoom controls
Fit slide to current window
Zoom slide control
Zoom percentage

  1. Fit slide to current window

  2. Zoom slide control

  3. Zoom percentage

Figure 4: Zoom & View Layout dialog

Zoom & View Layout dialog

Zoom & View Layout dialog

Open the Zoom & View Layout dialog (Figure 4) using one of the following methods:

The Zoom & View Layout dialog provides the following options for controlling how a drawing is viewed on a display.

Zoom Factor

Sets the zoom factor for displaying the current document and all documents of the same type that are subsequently opened.

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%

Displays the document at its actual size.

Figure 5: Zoom toolbar

Zoom toolbar

Variable

Enter a percentage in the box for the zoom factor to display the document.

View Layout

Used to set the view layout and is not available for drawings. View layout is normally used in text documents to see the effects of different layout settings.

Zoom toolbar

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

Displays the drawing at twice its current size each time the tool is selected.

Zoom Out

Displays the drawing at half its current size each time the tool is selected.

100%

Displays the drawing at its actual size.

Zoom Previous

Returns the drawing display to the previous zoom factor applied.

Zoom Next

Undo the action of the previous zoom command.

Entire Page

Displays the whole drawing in the Workspace.

Page Width

Displays the complete drawing width. The slide top and bottom edges may not be visible.

Optimal

Resizes the display to include all objects on the drawing.

Object Zoom

Resizes the display to fit the selected object(s).

Zoom & Pan

Zooms in for each click. Ctrl+click (macOS ⌘+click) zooms out for each click. Shift+click allows panning of a drawing.

Shift

Moves the drawing within the Workspace. Place the cursor on the drawing and drag to move the drawing.

Moving and adjusting object size

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

Left end of Status Bar with object selected

Figure 7: Example of moving objects

Example of moving objects

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.

Adjusting object size

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.

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

Example of adjusting objects

Figure 9: Example of modifying arcs

Example of modifying arcs

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.

Rotating and slanting objects

Rotating objects

To rotate an object (or a group of objects), select the object and change to rotation mode as follows:

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.

Figure 10: Example of rotation mode

Example of rotation mode

Figure 11: Transformations toolbar

Transformations toolbar

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.

Slanting objects

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.

Figure 12: Example of slanting objects

Example of slanting objects

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.

Setting exact position, size, rotation and slant

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.

Figure 13: Position and Size dialog

Position and Size dialog

Figure 14: Position and Size panel in Properties deck on Sidebar

Position and Size panel in Properties deck on Sidebar

Position and Size

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

Specify the amount required to resize the selected object with respect to the selected base point.

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

This option is only available in the Position and Size dialog.

Position

Prevents changes to the position or the selected object size .

Size

Prevents object resizing.

Adapt

Specifies, if the size of a text box should be adjusted to fit the size of entered text. This option is only available in the Position and Size dialog for text boxes.

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.

Rotating objects

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

The selected object is rotated around a specified pivot point and is only available in the Position and Size dialog. The default position for the pivot point is at the object center. The pivot point can be moved from its default central position by changing the setting for Position X and/or Position Y, or selecting a position in Default settings.

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

Position and Size dialog — Rotation page

Figure 16: Position and Size dialog — Slant & Corner Radius page

Position and Size dialog — Slant & Corner Radius page

Rotation Angle

Specify the number of degrees required to rotate the selected object. This option is only available in the Position and Size dialog.

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.

Slant and corner radius

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

This option is only available for the corners of a rectangular or square object that has been created using the Legacy Rectangles toolbar. This toolbar is optional and is opened by going to View > Toolbars > Legacy Rectangles on the Menu bar. If this option is grayed out, the corner radius cannot set.

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

Slants the selected object along the object bottom edge.

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

These control points are special handles or dots that are available on some shapes and are used to change the properties of a shape. If these options are grayed out, then the shape does not have a special handle and coordinates cannot be set.

Enter a value to set the special handle X and Y coordinates in relation to the shape top left corner. The example shown in Figure 17 shows the shape change after adjusting the X coordinate of Control Point 1 of the special handle.

Figure 17: Example of corner point adjustment

Example of corner point adjustment

Note

For more information on this special handle used for control points, see “Changing object shape” on page 1.

Using grid and snap functions

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.

Configuring grid and snap

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:

Grid and snap functions

Grid

Specifies the settings for the configurable grid in a drawing and helps to determine the exact position of objects. Also, this grid can be set in line with the magnetic snap grid. If the snap grid is activated, but want to move or create individual objects without snap positions, keep the Shift key pressed to deactivate this function.

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

Options LibreOffice Draw dialog — Grid page

Figure 19: Options toolbar

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.

Snap to grid

Using Snap to Grid

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:

Displaying grid

Use one of the following methods to display or turn off the grid in a drawing:

Changing color of grid points

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 points and lines

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

Options LibreOffice dialog — Application Colors page

Figure 21: New Snap Object dialog

New Snap Object dialog

Inserting snap points and snap lines

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

Sets the position of a selected snap point or line relative to the top left page corner.

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

Specifies the type of snap object being inserted.

Point

Inserts a snap point.

Vertical

Inserts a vertical snap line.

Horizontal

Inserts a horizontal snap line.

Displaying snap points and lines

Use one of the following methods to display snap points and lines in a drawing:

Editing snap points

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.

Editing snap lines

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

Edit Snap Point dialog

Figure 23: Edit Snap Line dialog

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.

Deleting snap points and lines

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.

Configuring snap range

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.

Using Helplines

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

Example of using helplines while moving objects

Figure 25: Options LibreOffice Draw dialog — View page

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.

Changing object shape

Regular shapes

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.

Basic shapes

The following basic shapes (Figure 26), from left to right, have adjustment dots.

Figure 26: Basic Shapes sub-toolbar

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.

Symbol Shapes

The following symbol shapes (Figure 27), from left to right, have adjustment dots.

Figure 27: Symbol Shapes sub-toolbar

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.

Block Arrows

The following block arrows (Figure 28), from left to right, have adjustment dots.

Figure 28: Block Arrows sub-toolbar

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.

Callouts

For all callouts (Figure 29) use the adjustment dots to change the length, position and angle of the pointer.

Figure 29: Callouts sub-toolbar

Callouts sub-toolbar

Stars and Banners

The following stars and banners (Figure 30), from left to right, have adjustment dots.

Figure 30: Stars and Banners sub-toolbar

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.

Curves and polygons

Bézier curves

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.

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.

Converting objects to curve or polygon

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:

Figure 31: Example of creating different shapes by changing tangent points

Example of creating different shapes by changing tangent points

Figure 32: Edit Points toolbar

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.

Editing points

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.

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.

Point types

The available tools on the Edit Points toolbar depend on the object and type of object point that has been selected.

Move Points

Activates a mode allowing movement of points. Click, hold and drag the selected point to another location.

Insert Points

Activates the insert mode allowing points to be inserted. A point is inserted onto a selected object each time a click is made. The object also changes shape to include a new point into the object border. Inserted points are a smooth point.

Delete Points

Deletes points from the selected object. Select Delete Points and then click on a point to delete. To delete several points, hold down the Shift key as each point is selected for deletion, then click on Delete Points.

Convert To Curve

Converts a curve into a straight line, or a straight line into a curve. If a single point is selected, the curve before the point is converted. If two points are selected, the curve between both points is converted. If more than two points are selected and each time Convert to Curve is clicked, a different portion of the curve is converted. If necessary, round points are converted into corner points and corner points are converted into round points.

If a curve section is a straight line, the line end points have a maximum of one control point each. They cannot be modified to round points unless the straight line is converted back to a curve.

Close Bézier

Closes a curve. A curve is closed by connecting the last point with the first point, indicated by an enlarged square.

Split Curve

Select the point or points, then click on Split Curve.

Corner Point

Converts a selected point or points into corner points. Corner points have two movable control points, which are independent from each other. A curved line does not go straight through a corner point, but forms a corner.

To create a corner point, a smooth or a symmetrical point must be inserted first and then converted to a corner point by clicking on Corner Point.

Smooth Transition

Converts a corner point, or symmetrical point into a smooth point. Both control points of a corner point are aligned in parallel and are only moved simultaneously. Control points may maybe different lengths, allowing variation in the degree of curvature.

Symmetric Transition

Converts a corner point or a smooth point into a symmetrical point. Both control points of a corner point are aligned in parallel and have the same length. They can only be moved simultaneously and the degree of curvature is the same in both directions.

Eliminate Points

Marks selected points for deletion when a point is located on a straight line. When using Convert to Curve to convert a curve or a polygon into a straight line, or alter a curve using the cursor so that a point lies on the straight line, the selected point is deleted. The angle from when a point is deleted is 15° by default.

Tangents

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

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

Example of symmetric transition

Figure 34: Example of smooth transition

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.

Smooth transition

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.

Corner point

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.

Points

Moving points

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

Example of changing corner point

Figure 36: Example of moving points

Example of moving points

Figure 37: Example of inserting points

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.

Inserting points

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.

Deleting points

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

Example of deleting points

Figure 39: Example of converting a curve into a line

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.

  1. Curve with points displayed.

  2. Sections between points converted to line.

  3. Point deleted to create a line section.

Eliminating points

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 linesbelow.

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.

Converting curves or lines

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.

Splitting objects

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

Example of splitting objects

Figure 41: Example of closing objects

Example of closing objects

Figure 42: Example of distorting objects

Example of distorting objects

Closing 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.

Distorting objects

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).

Contents