User Guide

Canvas 12 User Guide

Running Canvas

This section explains how to start and end a Canvas work session. It also provides an overview of the

Canvas interface and describes the following basic procedures:

Selecting tools from the Smart Toolbox™

Using and arranging palettes

Using the Properties bar

Using information displayed in the Status bar

Undoing, redoing, and repeating actions

Starting and exiting Canvas

To start Canvas, do one of the following:

Double-click the Canvas program icon if you’ve made a shortcut.

Double-click a Canvas document to start Canvas and open the document.

Double-click a Canvas template file to start Canvas and create a new document based on the

template.

Choose Canvas from the Start | Programs menu.

To view start-up screen information:

When Canvas is running, choose Help | About Canvas. Do this when you want to check your serial

number, version number, and other program information.

Checking optional software at start up

Canvas displays a message if it encounters a problem, such as missing system software components,

as it starts. If a message appears, click OK to continue loading Canvas.

Canvas depends on some system software components for importing and exporting certain types of

files, managing colors, and working with some graphics formats. The Canvas installer places some

software called “Dynamic Link Libraries” on your system, if needed. If Canvas can’t find the required

component later, it’s possible the file was moved or disabled.

If you encounter a problem when starting Canvas, refer to the “Read Me” file, which includes the

most up-to-date information on required software.