User Guide

Canvas 12 User Guide
Welcome to Canvas 12
Canvas is the preferred application for technical illustrators in many industries because it offers the
most flexible, scalable and integrated design environment. Canvas has the full range of precise
vector object illustration tools and advanced raster image editing tools that you need — all in one
single, workflow-accelerating application.
Canvas provides a complete solution for home, small business, school, and corporate users:
An array of tools for illustration, layout, editing, proofing, and final output, so you can take
projects from start to finish in Canvas.
A dynamic and flexible interface, including a Toolbar you can configure with commands,
tools, and styles as well as customizable keyboard shortcuts, a Docking pane and Docking
bar to store palettes, and a Properties bar for tool settings and object manipulation.
Help when you need it, in the form of a Dynamic Help window and the Canvas Assistant help
for the tool you're currently using, built right into the interface, as well as a fully searchable
Help system available from the Help menu.
What's new in Canvas 12
Canvas 12 provides the following new features:
Greater control and enhancements for technical illustrations: Learn about the
Symbol Library, Symbol Pen, Smart Vector Fill tool, Smart Join tools, and precise perimeter-
based scaling. See "Technical illustration and enhancement with greater control" on page 3 .
Better integration in your technical illustration workflow: Learn about the new 3D
View and Enhanced AutoCAD file support, CGM4 file support, including WebCGM, geometric
import and export, multi-save, and EXIF data. See "Even greater workflow integration" on
page 4.
Added capabilities for publishing, presenting and collaborating on your technical
data: Learn about the improved Link Manager (with Hotspots), the new Page Navigator, and
the improved flowchart tools. See "Additional Capabilities for Publishing, Presenting and
Collaborating" on page 9.
Enhanced usability: Learn about the new Docking pane and many other usability
enhancements. See "Enhanced usability" on page 10.
2