Panel Functions

Defaults
Target Graphic(s)
Color Well
Drawing Order

Winding Rule


Simple paths like an oval or rectangle are filled, or colored in a logical manner. However, there are several ways to fill complex paths that contain intersecting line segments or a subpath enclosed by another subpath. You can specify how complex paths are filled using the winding rule parameter.

There are two choices for the winding rule parameter. The "Non-Zero" method is the simplest. This selection will generally fill in the enclosed path of a graphic. The "Even-Odd" selection can generate interesting open areas internal to complex shapes. This method is used when you create a Frame graphic.

For the "Non-Zero" rule: a point is not filled (outside) if drawing a ray from that point in any direction results in a crossing count of 0, where crossing a left-to-right path adds 1 and crossing a right-to-left path subtracts 1. Otherwise, the point is inside and colored or filled.

For the "Even-Odd" rule: a point is inside and filled if drawing a ray from that point in any direction and counting the number of path segments that the ray crosses is odd, otherwise the point is outside and not filled.

Every curve or path has a beginning and end which in turn define a direction for the path. Direction has an impact on the "right - left" determination. You can use the Arrow panel and enable an Arrow at End of the curve. This arrow will provide an indication to clarify the direction of a curve or path. The direction of the path may be reversed with the menu command found on the Tools, Transform menu.