Once you have selected a vector object (see Editing vector objects), you can make changes to its size, position and shape. This is achieved by making adjustments to the transformation box which has been placed around the object.
The Vector tools box contains the following options, which are accessible by clicking on the relevant tool:
Free transform . This allows you to move, scale and rotate the object. The pointer becomes an arrow inside the box, a cross while placed over any of the handles, and a curved double-headed arrow outside the box.
To move the object, place the pointer inside the box and drag the arrow to a new position.
To stretch the object, place the pointer over the relevant handle (or handles) and drag the cross to a new position.
To rotate the object, move the pointer anywhere outside the box and drag-rotate the curved double-headed arrow to a new position. Note that the object rotates about the star-like symbol at the center of the box. You can move this symbol by clicking on it and dragging. The object will henceforth rotate about the new position.
The above operations are together known as Free Transforms, that is they are applied by you by hand, using the mouse, and are all available simultaneously. You can restrict the range of transforms to any one of these or to one of the other options. In choosing one of these options, you automatically make the others unavailable. For instance, while scaling you will be unable to rotate the selection.
To access the other options click on the relevant tool or right-click and make a selection from the displayed menu.
The options include:
Scale |
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Stretch the object either horizontally or vertically by dragging the handles of the transformation box. The object will be scaled to match the new box dimensions. |
Rotate |
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Rotate the object by dragging the double-headed arrow outside the transformation box. The object will rotate with the box. Note that the star-like symbol acts as the center of rotation and can be dragged to a new position. |
Skew |
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Skew the object by dragging a center-of-line handle in either direction along the line of the transformation box on which it is situated. The object will adjust to fit the skewed box. Note that dragging a center-of-line handle moves the whole of the line. |
Move |
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Move the object by dragging the transformation box to a new position. |
Mirror |
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Mirrors the object when the transformation box is dragged to an adjacent position: left or right, the object is reflected in a vertical "mirror"; up or down, the object is reflected horizontally; diagonally, the object is reflected vertically and horizontally. Note that Mirror moves the object to its mirror-image position. |
Reset |
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Resets the original position, size and shape of the object i.e. returns it to its state when first selected. Note that Reset is available only through the right-click menu and not the tool box. |
In addition to the above you also have the option to align vector objects in a variety of ways: see Vector objects: aligning.