Geometric Shapes

Use the Shape tool  to create vector-based objects in the form of geometric shapes. Select from a variety of shapes and styles in the Quick Style Gallery. Control callout shape, size, color, drop shadow, and more.

To use this tool:

1.   Select Draw tab > Drawing Tools group > Shape  tool.

2.   Select a shape from the Styles group.

3.   Drag the mouse on the canvas to draw the shape.

4.   Hold down <SHIFT> to draw a perfect circle, rectangle, or square.

Select a Style from the Quick Style Gallery

1.   Select Draw tab > Drawing Tools group > Shape tool. Then select Styles group > More button .

2.   Select the shape and style from the Quick Styles Gallery.

Move or Reshape a Shape

•      To move a shape, click down on the center of the line and drag to a new location.

•      Use the white handles to change the shape and size of the shape.

•      Hold down <SHIFT> to draw a perfect circle, rectangle, or square.

Draw a Polygon Shape

To draw a polygon shape:

1.   Select Draw tab > Drawing Tools group > Shape tool.

2.   In the Quick Style Gallery, select a polygon style.

3.   Click and drag a line on the canvas.

4.   Click and drag again and again to get the desired shape.

5.   Double-click the canvas to close the shape.  

6.   Drag the white object handles to modify the angles.

Change the Shape Outline or Color

Click a shape on the canvas to give it focus.

•      For Outline changes: Select Styles group > Outline. From here, change the width, outline color, or the general shape of the callout.

•      For Fill color changes: Select Styles group > Fill. From here, change the fill color, remove the fill color, or change the gradient. 

Set the Transparency  Level

Transparency is the ability to see through the shape. The graphic below shows a variety of effects that can be achieved by controlling the transparency level.

1.   Click a shape on the canvas to give it focus.

2.   Select Styles group > Effects > Transparency > Select the transparency level or click Custom to enter a specific percentage.

Add, Remove, or Customize the Callout Shadow

Click a shape on the canvas to give it focus.

•      To add a shadow, select Styles group > Effects > Shadow > Select the shadow effect using the icons.

•      To remove a shadow, select Styles group > Effects > Shadow > No Shadow icon.

•      To add a custom shadow, select Styles group > Effects > Shadow > Click More Shadows. Use the options in the Drop Shadow task pane to create a custom look. Click OK.

Add a Custom Shape to the Quick Styles Gallery

The Quick Styles Gallery is used to save custom shapes so they can be reused.

1.   Click a shape on the canvas to give it focus.

2.   Right-click the shape.

3.   From the popup menu, click Add to Quick Styles. The shape is now available in the Quick Styles Gallery.

Antialiasing for Smooth Lines

Antialiasing is a technique used to make lines appear smooth. Without antialiasing being applied, object edges will appear jagged. The antialiasing option is turned to “on” for all of Editor’s vector-based tools.

To turn antialiasing on or off:

1.   Click an arrow on the canvas to give it focus.

2.   Select Styles group > Effects > Antialias.