Convert line to shape...

[joroho]

Gang,
Attached is a gif which is the outline of the island of Guam. I got from my Corel Gallery CD and the native format is .cmx. When I copy and paste it into Xara, it comes in as a line. What I want to do is convert this "line" into a shape that will allow me to fill the empty middle. But when I use the "Convert line to shape" option, it converts the line itself into a shape and not the whole image into a shape.
Any ideas for a workaround?
I'm attaching the .xar file on another post.

.joroho.

[Egg Bramhill]

I think the problem with this shape is that XaraX can't have (normally) an open path filled shape, which other vector programs do have.
Import the shape and select it with the "Selector" tool. The info bar at the bottom left states "1 Line" not "1 Shape" indicating an open path. See the attachment to find the end of the line.
The "Shape Editor" tool has a flaw. If 2 nodes are on top of each other they become invisible.
Egg

[Sheff]

Under the Arrange menu in Xara X is an option convert line to shape.

I've done it for you and it is attached.http://www.sheff.com/images/howto.jpg

Sheffield Abella
sheff@sheff.com
www.sheff.com

[noticies]

{if the map is a single continuous line, what you can do is close it using the node editing tool. Select the two nodes at the open part of the path and then choose the close path option.

Another possibility is select both the path and a filled shape (filled with the colour you want to use), combine both shapes, then break them apart again. The map will retain the fill.}

[Egg Bramhill]

John
To critise XaraX re these problems is a bit harsh.
The problem really lays with the diffence between various vector programs. Xara obviously at some time in the past decided not to impliment Fills for open paths (I'm not sure, but I believe Artworks, Xara's forerunner used to have this feature).
I love your tip re using the home or end button.
One point that I would make re "join shapes" / "break shapes" method is that Xara still see's the shape as a line, even tho it's filled and secondly Xara still completes the line when you zoom in, which can lead to confusion.
I also indicate another method of finding the start point in the attachment below.
Egg

[joroho]

Gang,
Attached is a gif which is the outline of the island of Guam. I got from my Corel Gallery CD and the native format is .cmx. When I copy and paste it into Xara, it comes in as a line. What I want to do is convert this "line" into a shape that will allow me to fill the empty middle. But when I use the "Convert line to shape" option, it converts the line itself into a shape and not the whole image into a shape.
Any ideas for a workaround?
I'm attaching the .xar file on another post.

.joroho.

[Mickie]

great tips this week Egg! I can't believe I never noticed the "ninth square" before and the arrow trick is very clever. Bitmap resolution was another.

Thanks,

Mickie

[joroho]

Here's the .xar file.

[Clements]

This problem with the "bad" nodes (points) is what I was getting at in one of my previous threads on using clipart from none Xara disks ... the artwork is natorious for this type of thing. Also, vector imports originating from DXF files have similar issues and can be VERY FRUSTRATING.


Here is another possible solution:

1. Choose the Shape Editor tool.

2. Select a visible point (node) on the path.

3. With the Zoom Tool active, ZOOM WAY IN (like 7000%) on the visible node

4. Press the END or HOME key and the node at the end of or beginning of a subpath should become selected and the screen will PAN to the node area AUTOMATICALLY.

[jclements]

Good stuff. Thanks.

Unfortunately, my writing abilities screwed up the intent of my previous posting and what I was trying to convey. [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img] I was not intending to criticize Xara but rather the quality of some clip art .... (ie., Corel's clipart ... even when used in Corel, the node issue can be a real pain).