Operation Manual

Shaping objects
You can change the shape of an object by using the Shape
tool . Different types of objects can be shaped in different
ways.
Rectangles
You can drag any corner of a
rectangle with the Shape
tool to round all corners.
You can also create chamfered,
scalloped, or rounded corners from the
property bar when you click the
Rectangle tool . The original radius of
a corner is maintained during scaling,
and you can stretch rectangles with
scalloped, chamfered, and rounded
corners without distorting the corners.
Ellipses
To create a pie shape
from an ellipse, drag
the node of the
ellipse with the
Shape tool ,
keeping the pointer
inside the ellipse. To create an arc from an ellipse, drag the
node while keeping the pointer outside the ellipse.
Polygons and stars
To reshape a polygon or a star, click the Shape tool , and
drag a node in any desired direction. To create a star from a
polygon, drag a node toward the center.
More shaping tools
In addition to the Shape tool , the Shape edit flyout
includes tools that provide creative options for refining vector
objects.
The Smooth tool lets you smooth curved objects to
remove jagged edges and reduce the number of nodes. The
Smear and Smudge tools let you shape an object by
pulling extensions or making indents along its outline.
The Twirl tool lets you click an object and hold to apply a
twirl effect. The Attract and Repel tools let you shape
objects by pulling nodes together or by pushing nodes apart.
The Roughen tool lets you drag along an object’s edge to
apply a jagged or spiked effect.
For each tool, the property bar controls let you set the size of
the brush nib and the intensity of the effect.
Convert objects to curves
Objects created with shape tools like the Rectangle tool
and the Ellipse tool must be converted to curves (Object
 Convert to Curves, or Ctrl + Q) before you can edit
individual nodes. One exception to this rule are objects
created with the Polygon tool .
Shape lines and curves
You can shape curve and line objects by manipulating their
nodes and segments with the Shape tool , and by adding
and deleting nodes.
To add a node, double-click on the path, or click on the
path and then click the Add nodes button on the
property bar.
To delete a node, double-click the node, or select the
node and then click the Delete nodes button on the
property bar.
To reduce the number of nodes, marquee select them
with the Shape tool , and click Reduce nodes on the
property bar.
Effects
You can create the illusion of three-dimensional depth in
objects by adding contour, drop shadow, or bevel effects.
Start Node
End Node
(indicates curve direction)
Node
Control Handle
Control Point