QuickShape Tool

[Rik]

Hi All.

I have a question about the QuickShape tool.

If I use it to draw a multipoint star and I want the sides of the star to be slightly curved, then is there a way of ensuring that both sides are curved exactly the same?

I have attached my .xar file to show (exaggerated) that the curves on the sides are not the same.

So, I suppose my question is that is there a way of adjusting both sides at the same time?
Or some expert answer as to how to do it?

[HayTay]

Rik,

Hold the Ctrl & Shift keys on the keyboard while dragging a side of one of the stars points with the mouse.

I hope that helps you out,
Harry

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PS - Official answer from the Xara Xtreme Help file entry:

Editing Stars

"Ctrl + drag" one side of a star moves all the sides symmetrically. "Ctrl + Shift dragging" moves pairs of sides as mirror images. "Ctrl + double click" on a side, or click the restore edges button to make all sides straight again.

[Rik]

Hi Harry.

Thanks very much for the quick answer. Works beautifully.

There may be other software that works well but there cannot be a community like the one found here at TalkGraphics.

It's amazing how quickly and willingly everyone helps out.

Thanks once again Harry.

[HayTay]

Y'elcome, Rik. We all learn by helping everyone else learn.

[Rik]

Hi Harry.

After further investigation, it seems that "CTRL+SHIFT" is not the answer.

If you do not drag the mouse carefully, right angles to the line being dragged, then you do not get a mirror image on the other side.

Therefore, you cannot be absolutely sure that both curves are the same?!

You can see by the attached .xar file where I have dragged the right hand line out and upwards to show what happens to the other side.

So, is there a way of 'locking' the drag so that only the outwards move is carried out?

[handrawn]

If you do not drag the mouse carefully, right angles to the line being dragged, then you do not get a mirror image on the other side.

Technically you do - its just asymetric.
Moving the direction of the mouse as you drag simply means that the direction of mirroring changes as you go along, but it is always mirroring

some programs let you define this sort of operation by entering coordinates - but xtreme isn't one of them AFAIK

[HayTay]

Rik, sometimes you have to combine several different Xtreme techniques to help you achieve the result you desire. How about if you use the 'Ctrl + Shift' mirroring technique combined with Xtreme's 'Show Grid' and 'Snap to Grid' alignment tools. You can use the Utilities > Options (Ctrl+Shft+O) > Grid and Ruler tab to set the grid's Major Spacing and Number of Subdivisions. Don't forget to set 'Snap to Grid' on from the menu, Window > Snap to Grid (Num Del).

It's a case of thinking 'outside the box' but 'inside the grid',
Harry

[HayTay]

Oh, and one more thing...

Make sure that the point you are attempting to mirror is exactly perpendicular. If you start off with your point at some unknown angle you're most certainly not going to produce a point/petal that's symmetric. Use the following criteria to determine the proper rotation value to place one of the stars points in the 12 o'clock position.

For stars with an odd number of points the rotation value is 0 (zero).

The rotation value for stars with an even number of points is determined using the following formula:

360 / (Number of Sides x 2) = Rotation Value

For example, a star with 18 points requires a rotation value of 10:

360 / (18 x 2) = 10

Oh no, there's math involved. After you've produce a symmetric point to your liking you can then move or rotate the Star QuickShape to whatever position(s) you'd like.

Hopefully this will help rather than confuse,
Harry

.

[handrawn]

Harry your a... [wait for it..] .... star !!

good tip - I'd got as far as the grid, but you've done the maths for us - nice one

[HayTay]

Thanks Steve. I guess it was just my moment to 'shine'.

This star 'tip' may even be worthy enough to make it into The XaraXone Tips and Tricks section. Or, maybe even a future edition of the Xara Outsider newsletter. Who knows?

Cheers,
Harry