Drawing shapes with the Shape Editor Tool

The Shape Editor is the main tool for creating and editing shapes
.

To create a shape with the Shape Editor Tool

1. Ensure no lines or shapes are selected (see Selecting objects).

2. Choose the Shape Editor Tool.

3. Move the mouse pointer to where you want to start drawing. Click to create a point handle
.

4. Move the pointer to the next position around the edge of the shape. Click again. This draws a line segment between the two points.

5. Repeat step 4 as necessary to draw the outline of the shape.

6. To complete the shape click on the start point. A ‘+’ by the mouse pointer shows when you are over the start point.

As you are drawing the shape:

To create a straight line segment, first click the Straight lines button on the Shape Editor Tool Infobar
(or press S).

To create a curved line segment, first click the Curved lines button on the Infobar (or press C).

Tips

If you do not deselect lines and shapes in step 1, you might accidentally extend an existing line. See Extending a line.

You can adjust the shape by dragging the point handles either as you draw or after you finish. If you move an intermediate point handle during drawing, see Extending a line for how to complete the line.

Holding down CTRL as you drag, constrains movement of the handle to certain angles. For information on changing the constrain angle, see Changing the constrain angle.

In step 6 you can also press RETURN to complete the shape.

Movie—click below (not working in this version)

Drawing lines with the Shape Editor Tool

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Related Topics

Shapes

Lines and shapes

Shape Editor Tool