This tutorial introduces
you to basic object manipulation including selecting, copying,
moving, arranging and shaping.
Select a topic:
You can select objects even if you're using one of the drawing tools
- you don't have to select the Pick tool
first.
Select an option:
Selecting objects using the mouse
Click here to open a sample file.
Click here to open a sample file.
Click here to open a sample file.
Click here to open a sample file.
Using the Pick tool and the Shape tool
you can change the shape of an object by editing its nodes and
segments.
Select an option:
Change an ellipse into an arc or pie-shape
Round the corners of a rectangle
Convert a regular object to a curve object
Shape a curve object by editing its nodes
Shape a curve object by bending its segments
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Click here to open a sample file.
Click here to open a sample file.
To convert the rectangle to curves, do the following:
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Click here to open a sample file.
Click here to open a sample file.
You can also create interesting patterns by experimenting with
polygons, stars, and the Shape tool.
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This procedure shows you how to reshape an object using the knife
tool.
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The Group command lets you create a single unit using multiple
objects. Each object in the group maintains its original properties.
Select an option:
Click here to open a sample file.
Click here to open a sample file.
This procedure shows you how to use the Free Transform tools and
the mouse to change an object.
Select an option:
Learn how to use the Free Transform tools
Move an object using the mouse
Rotate an object using the mouse
Skew an object using the mouse
Stretch an object using the mouse
Create a reflection of an object using the mouse
Click here to open a sample file.
Click here to open a sample file.
Click here to open a sample file.
Click here to open a sample file.
Click here to open a sample file.
Click here to open a sample file.
Click here to open a sample file.
Select an option:
Create a new object from an area where objects overlap
Reshape an object by removing the overlapping area
Create a single object out of two or more overlapping objects
Click here to open a sample file.
Click here to open a sample file.
Click here to open a sample file.
This procedure shows you how to add layers to your drawing using
the Object Manager.
Click here to open a sample file.
Click here to open a sample file.
Tips
To select multiple objects,
select the firs object by clicking on it. Hold down SHIFT, and
click the second object. The bounding box will enlarge to include
the second object.
To marquee select, hold
down the mouse button and drag across all the objects you want
to select.
Tip
To use the Smart Duplicate
feature, move the duplicate to another position. Repeat the duplicate
command. The second duplicate appears at a new position, offset
by the same distance you dragged the first duplicate.
Tip
To create an arc from an
ellipse, keep the cursor outside the ellipse as you drag the node.
Note
If you watch the Property Bar
as you drag the node, you'll see a slider move. You can also use
this slider to round the corners of a selected rectangle.
Note
As you drag, the segments
adjacent to the node move. The way these segments move depends
on the type of node you are dragging.
Notes
Notice the control points
extending from the nodes at each end of the segment also move
when you drag. You can change the angle of the control point and
its distance from the node to shape the segment more precisely.
Note
Whenever you use the Eraser
tool on an object, that object is converted to a curve object.
Note
When you combine objects,
they all take on the properties of the last object selected .
Tip
To separate the objects,
select the combined object and, click the Break Apart button
on the Property Bar.
Note
If you want to separate
a group, you can select the grouped object and click the Ungroup
button on the Property Bar which splits a group into its component
objects.
Tip
Hold down CTRL while dragging
the object to constrain its movement horizontally and vertically.
Release the mouse button before releasing CTRL to maintain the
constraints.
Note
The Align and Distribute
command positions objects relative to each other. For example,
if you choose Align To Top, all objects move so their top edge
is aligned with the top edge of one of the objects. If you select
the objects by clicking them, the objects align with the last
object selected. If you marquee select
the objects, they align with the first object created.
Tip
You can drag objects between
layers using the Object Manager.
Right-click an object with
the Pick tool and click Lock Object.
Tips
An object is locked when
the selection handles appear as small locks.
To unlock objects, click
Arrange menu, Unlock Object, or Unlock All.