Chapter 6: Working With Vector Objects; Basic Shapes - Adobe 65011817 - Fireworks CS4 - Mac Using Manual

Chapter 6: Working with vector objects

A vector object is a computer graphic whose shape is defined by a path. The shape of a vector path is determined by
points that are plotted along the path. A vector object's stroke color follows the path, and its fill occupies the area inside
the path. The stroke and fill determine how the graphic looks when published in print or on the web.
Vector object shapes include basic shapes, Auto Shapes (vector object groups that have special controls for adjusting
their attributes), and free-form shapes. You can use a variety of tools and techniques to draw and edit vector objects.

Basic shapes

Basic shapes include lines, rectangles, ellipses, rounded rectangles, polygons, and stars.
Draw and edit basic shapes
The Rectangle tool and the Rounded Rectangle tool draw rectangles as grouped objects. To move a rectangle corner
point independently, ungroup the rectangle or use the Subselection tool
For more information on resizing and scaling objects, see
Draw a line, rectangle, or ellipse
1 From the Tools panel, select the Line, Rectangle, or Ellipse tool.
(Optional) Set the stroke and fill attributes in the Property inspector.
2
Drag on the canvas to draw the shape.
3
• For the Line tool, Shift-drag to constrain lines to 45° increments.
• For the Rectangle or Ellipse tool, Shift-drag to constrain shapes to squares or circles.
Increase the sharpness of lines
Use the Snap To Pixel (Modify > Snap To Pixel) command to increase the sharpness of lines. The command does not
work for paths. Resizing the object can make the line blurred again.
Note: You cannot undo the Snap To Pixel command.
Scenario
A rectangle drawn using Snap To Pixels is
scaled with Scale Strokes and Effects option
disabled in the Preferences dialog box.
A line with even stroke width is drawn using
the Line tool.
A straight line vector path drawn using the
Pen tool.
Draw a shape from the center point
❖
Position the pointer at the intended center point and Alt-drag (Windows) or Option-drag (Mac OS) the drawing
tool. To constrain proportions, also hold down Shift.
"Transform and distort objects and
Problem
The rectangle doesn't snap to pixels.
The line appears blurred.
The path appears blurred.
Last updated 3/8/2011
.
selections" on page 45.
Solution
Select the the object, right-
click, and select Snap To
Pixel.
Select the object, and select
Modify > Snap To Pixel.
Right-click the path, and
select Snap To Pixel.
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