CHAPTER
2
DRAWING BASICS IN CANVAS
This lesson introduces you to basic drawing techniques. The follow-
ing exercises are an excellent way to learn the Canvas interface.
Doing so will familiarize you with drawing lines, rectangles, ovals,
and arcs, and EasyShapes. These objects are called vector objects
in Canvas. These drawing techniques are used to draw most vector
objects, including rounded rectangles, polygons, multigons, cubes,
concentric circles, and spirals.
Throughout the following exercises, you can use any blank docu-
ment. Youll experiment with each of the tools. As you draw more
and more objects, if you need more space, you can open another doc-
ument or select the objects you have already drawn and delete them.
Using drawing tools
When a drawing tool is selected, the pointer changes to a crosshair,
indicating that you are ready to draw. You draw most vector objects
by dragging in the document window where you want to draw the
shape.
To create a vector object such as a rectangle, line, oval, or arc, you
drag the drawing tool from one point to another point. When you fin-
ish, the object fits inside an invisible box, which is called a bounding
box. Remember, when an object is selected, the bounding box
becomes visible.
Use the Status bar, which is the bar at the bottom of the Canvas win-
dow (Windows) or at the bottom of the screen (Mac), to see the size
of the object you are drawing.
Drawing lines with the Line tool
The Line tool is used to draw straight lines at any angle. This tool
allows you to choose where to start and end the line.
1
Select the Line tool from the toolbox.
2
Place the pointer where you want the first endpoint of the line
and drag to the next point. The line automatically extends from the
first point as you drag.
Tip
Dragging is defined as
pressing and holding down the
mouse button while you move
the mouse, and then releasing
the button.
Tip
The Status bar is always dis-
played in Canvas for Windows.
In Canvas for Mac OS, choose
Window > Show Status Bar, if
the Status bar is not displayed.