Setting shape tool options

Each shape tool provides specific options; for example, you can set options that allow you to draw a rectangle with fixed dimensions or a line with arrowheads.

To set tool-specific options:

1 Select a shape tool.

2 In the options bar, set the options that are available for the active shape tool. Click the inverted arrow () next to the shape buttons to view additional options for the active tool.

Arrowheads Start and End Renders a line with arrowheads. Select Start, End, or both to specify on which end of the line arrows are rendered. The shape options appear in the pop-up dialog box. Enter values for Width and Length to specify the proportions of the arrowhead as a percentage of the line width (10% to 1000% for Width, and 10% to 5000% for Length). Enter a value for the concavity of the arrowhead (from -50% to +50%). The concavity value defines the amount of curvature on the widest part of the arrowhead, where the arrowhead meets the line.

Circle Constrains an ellipse to a circle.

Defined Proportions Renders a custom shape based on the proportions with which it was created.

Defined Size Renders a custom shape based on the size at which it was created.

Fixed Size Renders a rectangle, rounded rectangle, ellipse, or custom shape as a fixed shape based on the values you enter in the Width and Height text boxes.

From Center Renders a rectangle, rounded rectangle, ellipse, or custom shape from the center.

Indent Sides By Renders a polygon as a star. Enter a percentage in the text box to specify the portion of the star's radius taken up by the points. A 50% setting creates points that are half the total radius of the star; a larger value creates sharper, thinner points; a smaller value creates fuller points.

Proportional Renders a rectangle, rounded rectangle, or ellipse as a proportional shape based on the values you enter in the Width and Height text boxes.

Radius For rounded rectangles, specifies the corner radius. For polygons, specifies the distance from the center of a polygon to the outer points.

Sides Specifies the number of sides in a polygon.

Smooth Corners or Smooth Indents Renders a polygon with smooth corners or indents.

Snap to Pixels Snaps edges of a rectangle or rounded rectangle to the pixel boundaries.

Square Constrains a rectangle or rounded rectangle to a square.

Unconstrained Lets you set the width and height of a rectangle, rounded rectangle, ellipse, or custom shape by dragging.

Weight Determines the width of a line in pixels.

Painting and Drawing > Drawing shapes > Setting shape tool options