<li class="Bulleted"><a href="19-Shapes4.html#999239">Shapes and Selections</a></li><br/>
<li class="Bulleted"><a href="19-Shapes4.html#1013161">Acquiring Shapes from Adobe Illustrator</a></li><br/>
</td>
</tr>
</table>
<blockquote>
<h2 id="999065" class="Heading1">
<a name="999065"> </a>Creating Shapes
</h2>
<p id="999066" class="Body">
<a name="999066"> </a>You can create shapes in the following ways:
</p>
<ul>
<li class="SmartList1"><a name="999067"> </a>By using one of the five shape tools: the Pen, Quick Curve, Rectangular Shape, Oval Shape, or Text tool.</li>
<li class="SmartList1"><a name="999069"> </a>By converting a selection path to a shape.</li>
<li class="SmartList1"><a name="999070"> </a>By acquiring an Adobe Illustrator file using <span style="color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline">File menu > Acquire</span>.</li>
<li class="SmartList1"><a name="999071"> </a>By pasting an Adobe Illustrator object from the Clipboard.</li>
</ul>
<p id="999075" class="Body">
<a name="999075"> </a>As you create shapes, Corel Painter gives them default attributes for stroke and fill. For instructions on setting the default shape attributes, refer to <a href="03-Basics7.html#1009573">"Shape Preferences"</a>.
</p>
<p id="999081" class="Body">
<a name="999081"> </a>The Shape manipulation tools are in the toolbox. You can toggle between the Shape Selection tool, and any of the shape design and editing tools, by holding down <span style="color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline">Command</span> (Mac OS) or <span style="color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline">Ctrl</span> (Windows). This makes it convenient to quickly make a selection before you add to or edit it.
</p>
<h3 id="999095" class="Heading2">
<a name="999095"> </a>Shape Object Tools
</h3>
<p id="999096" class="Body">
<a name="999096"> </a>You can use the rectangular or oval Shape tools to create shapes.
<a name="1009944"> </a><i>Use the Shape tools to create oval and rectangular shapes.
</i></p>
<h5 id="999098" class="ToDoHead">
<a name="999098"> </a>To create a rectangle or an oval
</h5>
<ol type="1">
<li class="SmartList1" value="1"><a name="999099"> </a>Choose the Rectangular Shape tool or the Oval Shape tool from the toolbox <img src="images/19-Shapes60.jpg" height="16" width="31" border="0" hspace="0" vspace="0" />
. </li>
<li class="SmartList1" value="2"><a name="999109"> </a>On the property bar, set any of the following attributes:</li>
</ol>
<ul>
<li class="Bulleted2"><a name="1011095"> </a><span style="color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline">Stroke</span>-enable this check box to create a shape with a stroke, or outline.</li>
<li class="Bulleted2"><a name="1011099"> </a><span style="color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline">Stroke Color</span>-if the Stroke check box is enabled, choose a color for the stroke.</li>
<li class="Bulleted2"><a name="1011103"> </a><span style="color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline">Fill</span>-enable this check box to create a shape with a fill.</li>
<li class="Bulleted2"><a name="1011107"> </a><span style="color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline">Fill Color</span>-if the Fill check box is enabled, choose a color for the fill.</li>
</ul>
<ol type="1">
<li class="SmartList1" value="3"><a name="1011094"> </a>Drag in the document window. </li>
<li class="SmartList1"><a name="1009927"> </a>If you want to create a perfect square or circle, hold down <span style="color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline">Shift</span> while you drag.</li>
<li class="SmartList1"><a name="1007484"> </a>The property bar and the Info palette display information about the shape. To display the Info palette, choose <span style="color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline">Window menu > Show Info</span>.</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="1004347" class="Heading2">
<a name="1004347"> </a>Pen Tool
</h3>
<p id="999123" class="Body">
<a name="999123"> </a>The Pen tool lets you create shapes using BΘzier lines. Use the Pen tool when you want to draw straight lines or smooth, flowing curves. You can create shapes containing any combination of straight and curved lines.
</p>
<p id="1010545" class="Body">
<a name="1010545"> </a>You can easily adjust shapes after you create them. For more information, refer to <a href="19-Shapes6.html#1006874">"Editing Shapes"</a>.
</p>
<p id="1010555" class="Body">
<a name="1010555"> </a>You can also convert between smooth and corner points. For more information, refer to <a href="19-Shapes6.html#999616">"Converting between Smooth and Corner Points"</a>.
<a name="1001807"> </a><i>Drag to curve the segments between points.
</i></p>
<h5 id="999143" class="ToDoHead">
<a name="999143"> </a>To draw a Pen tool shape
</h5>
<ol type="1">
<li class="SmartList1" value="1"><a name="999144"> </a>Choose the Pen tool from the toolbox <img src="images/19-Shapes47.jpg" height="16" width="28" border="0" hspace="0" vspace="0" />
. </li>
<li class="SmartList1" value="2"><a name="999154"> </a>In the document window, click where you want to begin. </li>
<li class="SmartList1" value="3"><a name="1004893"> </a>Do one of the following:</li>
</ol>
<ul>
<li class="Bulleted2"><a name="999156"> </a>To make a straight line segment, click where you want to end the segment. Corel Painter draws a straight line between the two anchor points.</li>
<a name="1001823"> </a><i> Shapes created with straight line segments.
</i></p>
<ul>
<li class="Bulleted2"><a name="999171"> </a>To make a curved line segment, drag to create a new anchor point and wing. The angle and length of the wing determine the curvature of the path. The farther you drag, the longer the wing and the deeper the curve.</li>
<a name="1001839"> </a><i> Shapes created with curved line segments.
</i></p>
<ol type="1">
<li class="SmartList1" value="4"><a name="999188"> </a>Repeat step 3 as often as necessary, combining straight and curved segments until you have the shape you want.</li>
<li class="SmartList1" value="5"><a name="1005010"> </a>Finish the shape by doing one of the following: </li>
</ol>
<ul>
<li class="Bulleted2"><a name="999189"> </a>Close the shape by clicking or dragging the first anchor point. </li>
<li class="Bulleted2"><a name="1005038"> </a>Close the shape by clicking the Close Shape button <img src="images/19-Shapes63.jpg" height="16" width="16" border="0" hspace="0" vspace="0" />
on the property bar. </li>
<li class="Bulleted2"><a name="1009971"> </a>Hold down <span style="color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline">Command</span> (Mac OS) or <span style="color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline">Ctrl</span> (Windows) to temporarily access the Shape Selection tool, and click outside the shape to deselect it.</li>
<li class="SmartList1"><a name="1009973"> </a>You can constrain the placement of the points by snapping to the grid. For information about displaying and snapping to the grid, refer to <a href="03-Basics4.html#999509">"Using the Grid"</a>.</li>
<li class="SmartList1"><a name="1005085"> </a>Each click or drag adds to the path. If you unintentionally add to the path, press <span style="color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline">Delete</span> (Mac OS) or <span style="color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline">Backspace</span> (Windows) to remove the last anchor point.</li>
</ul>
<h5 id="999193" class="ToDoHead">
<a name="999193"> </a>To add to an open shape path
</h5>
<ol type="1">
<li class="SmartList1" value="1"><a name="1005057"> </a>Click an endpoint with the Pen tool.</li>
<li class="SmartList1" value="2"><a name="1005169"> </a>Click or drag where you want to add an anchor point. </li>
<li class="SmartList1"><a name="1010002"> </a>You can add to a path from an endpoint only. You cannot add to a closed path, or to the middle of an open path.</li>
<li class="SmartList1"><a name="1010574"> </a>You can also select an endpoint by holding down <span style="color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline">Command</span> (Mac OS) or <span style="color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline">Ctrl</span> (Windows) and clicking the endpoint or dragging a marquee over it.</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="1010575" class="Heading2">
<a name="1010575"> </a>Quick Curve Tool
</h3>
<p id="999212" class="Body">
<a name="999212"> </a>The Quick Curve tool allows you to create BΘzier curves by drawing freehand lines, as if you were drawing with a pen or pencil.
</p>
<h5 id="999213" class="ToDoHead">
<a name="999213"> </a>To draw a freehand shape
</h5>
<ol type="1">
<li class="SmartList1" value="1"><a name="999214"> </a>Choose the Quick Curve tool from the toolbox <img src="images/19-Shapes45.jpg" height="16" width="28" border="0" hspace="0" vspace="0" />
.</li>
<li class="SmartList1" value="2"><a name="1005248"> </a>Click where you want to start the shape or line, and drag. </li>
<p id="1005263" class="ToDoBody">
<a name="1005263"> </a>As you drag, a dotted line appears. When you release the mouse or stylus, the Quick Curve shape appears.
</p>
<p id="1005280" class="ToDoBody">
<a name="1005280"> </a>If you want to close the shape, finish at the same point where you began.
<li class="SmartList1"><a name="1010038"> </a>You can add to either endpoint of a Quick Curve shape by selecting the endpoint and dragging out from it. To select an endpoint, hold down <span style="color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline">Command</span> (Mac OS) or <span style="color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline">Ctrl</span> (Windows), and click the endpoint or drag over it.</li>
<a name="1005267"> </a><i>Draw freehand shapes with the Quick Curve tool.
</i></p>
<h3 id="999239" class="Heading2">
<a name="999239"> </a>Shapes and Selections
</h3>
<p id="999240" class="Body">
<a name="999240"> </a>Converting a selection to a shape enables you to edit the contour using the BΘzier editing tools. When you are satisfied with the contour, you can convert the shape outline back to a selection.
</p>
<p id="999241" class="Body">
<a name="999241"> </a>If you are simply scaling, rotating, or skewing a selection path, use the Selection Adjuster tool. If you must edit the profile of the curve, convert the selection to a shape.
</p>
<p id="1005373" class="Body">
<a name="1005373"> </a>Working from a selection path also lets you create shapes based on regions of the image. For example, if you used the Magic Wand to select a region of common color, you could convert the Magic Wand selection path to a shape.
</p>
<p id="1005374" class="Body">
<a name="1005374"> </a>For more information about selections, refer to <a href="12-Selections4.html#999057">"Creating Selections"</a>.
<a name="1005392"> </a>Corel Painter converts the selection to a shape, giving it the default shape attributes. The new shape appears on the Layers palette.
<li class="SmartList1"><a name="1010592"> </a>For best results, the selection should be path-based. If the selection is pixel-based, choose <span style="color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline">Select menu > Transform Selection</span> to convert it to a path-based selection.</li>
</ul>
<h5 id="999269" class="ToDoHead">
<a name="999269"> </a>To convert a shape to a selection
</h5>
<ol type="1">
<li class="SmartList1" value="1"><a name="999270"> </a>Select the shape you want to convert with the Layer Adjuster tool <img src="images/19-Shapes57.jpg" height="16" width="16" border="0" hspace="0" vspace="0" />
or the Shape Selection tool <img src="images/19-Shapes58.jpg" height="16" width="16" border="0" hspace="0" vspace="0" />
.</li>
<p id="999271" class="ToDoBody">
<a name="999271"> </a>Alternatively, select the shape layer on the Layers palette.
<li class="SmartList1"><a name="1011214"> </a>If you select the shape with the Layer Adjuster tool or the Shape Selection tool, you can also click the Convert to Selection button on the property bar.</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="1013161" class="Heading2">
<a name="1013161"> </a>Acquiring Shapes from Adobe Illustrator
</h3>
<p id="1005415" class="Body">
<a name="1005415"> </a>You may want to work with shapes you've created in Adobe Illustrator. Corel Painter lets you import the shape contents of files in Illustrator EPS format.
</p>
<p id="1005439" class="Body">
<a name="1005439"> </a>Some Adobe Illustrator file options are not supported by Corel Painter. Patterns, placed images, gradients, masks, and text cannot be interpreted by Corel Painter. If the file contains text, convert the text to outlines.
</p>
<p id="999303" class="Body">
<a name="999303"> </a>Corel Painter also supports PostScript on the clipboard when pasting into a Corel Painter document. This convention allows applications to exchange high-quality vector PostScript information. With PostScript on the clipboard, you can copy from Illustrator and paste into Corel Painter when both applications are running. Corel Painter will import PostScript content from a clipboard, but will only export pixel-based layers and selections.
</p>
<h5 id="1010651" class="ToDoHead">
<a name="1010651"> </a>To acquire shapes from Adobe Illustrator
