Operation Manual

Introduction
This chapter looks at the tools and functions that let you modify existing drawings. All of the
functions apply to a selected object or a group of selected objects, which can be distinguished by
selection handles on a rectangular frame that is large enough to contain the object. Where several
objects are selected, the frame around the objects corresponds to the smallest rectangle that can
contain all of the objects. This frame is called the selection rectangle.
Note
The color and shape of the selection handles will change depending on the tool and
function that has been selected to change the object properties. The color of the
selection handles also depends on the computer operating system and how the
computer has been set up.
Selecting objects
Direct selection
The easiest way to select an object is to click directly on it. For objects that are not filled, click on
the object outline to select it. One click selects; a second click deselects. To select or deselect
more than one object, hold the Shift key down while clicking.
Selection by framing
You can also select several objects at once by dragging the mouse cursor around the objects. This
draws a rectangle around the objects, and only objects that lie entirely within the rectangle will be
selected.
To select multiple objects by framing, the Select icon on the Drawing toolbar must be active.
Note
When you drag the mouse cursor to select multiple objects, the selection rectangle
being drawn is also known as a marquee.
Selecting hidden objects
If objects are located behind others and not visible, they can still be selected.
• For computers using a Windows or Mac operating system.
Select the object in front of the hidden objects, then press the Alt key and click to select the
hidden object. If there are several hidden objects, keep holding down the Alt key and
clicking until you reach the object you want. To cycle through the objects in reverse order,
hold down the Alt+Shift keys and click.
• For computers using a Linux operating system.
Press the Tab key to cycle selection through the objects in your drawing, stopping at the
hidden object you want to select. To cycle through the objects in reverse order, press
Shift+Tab. This is a very quick way to reach an object, but it may not be practical if there a
large number of objects in a drawing.
When you select a hidden object, its selection handles will appear through the objects covering it.
44 LibreOffice 4.3 Draw Guide