Vector objects: size, position, shape

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 image\ppVectorFreeTransform.gif. 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.

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

image\ppVectorScale.gif

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

image\ppVectorRotate.gif

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

image\ppVectorSkew.gif

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

image\ppVectorMove.gif

Move the object by dragging the transformation box to a new position.

Mirror

image\ppVectorMirror.gif

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

 

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.