resizing bitmap question

I just purchased DP X (15.1) and it is behaving differently from the earlier version. I'm hoping what I was able to do in the older version I can do in DP X.

Simple example. I have a coin - say a quarter. Now I want decrease just the height. To make change it from looking like it's standing on its edge, to making it look like it's lying flat.

Here's a picture that will hopefully show and explain it clearly.
Attachment 122275

I hope there's an easy way to do this.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

~ Bal

Bal, you may need to read through lots of Posts on the Squishy/Squashy situation, fixed in V15.1 where there is now the need to hold down the Alt key before dragging or disable Smart Transform.

You could also use the Default Envelope in the Mould tool.

Acorn

Holding down Alt doesn't change the behavior. I either resize both height and width together, or I end up cropping the image.

And I'm assuming that disabling the Smart Transform is with the Lock on the Info Toolbar? I have it unchecked and still no luck. The image's aspect ratio remains unchanged or I can crop the image.

The only thing that seems to work for me is the Mould tool, which is something. Not ideal, but usable.

And, of course, I can use another editor before bringing an image into Xara. But I really don't like that solution.

Is there a video that shows how things are supposed to work? I'm guessing there are reasons for the change from what had been intuitive to me.

Thanks for working through this with me.

Much appreciated.

Regards,
~ Bal

OK - I figured it out. With Smart Transform turned off, there are handles within the frame handles, associated with the bitmap itself. When I hold down Shift (not Alt), I can resize width or height independently.

It's still not as intuitive as it was in the previous version, but I'll get used to this, and it will be fine.

Thanks again.

~ Bal

If I disable Smart Transform (yes in the right click fly out menu from Lock Aspect Ratio) then I can resize an image independently horizontally or vertically. And this is independent of Lock Aspect Ratio, for me it works both ways.

If this is not working for you try rebooting your computer. And if this does not change the behavior, then try the old standby, close the program, then right click on the program icon and select Run as Administrator.

The Alt key has to be selected before you click-drag.

Acorn

Not that it's a big deal, but on my machine, it's the Shift key, not the Alt key that enables me to do what I want. I have no idea what's making it different from your experience. But I'm good. :)

~ Bal

Acorn - I'm talking about dragging with the control handles and not the smart controls. That method does not require holding down any extra keys. I am not warming to the smart controls on photos.

Sadly, I'm still not getting it, and feeling pretty stupid.

Pressing or holding down Alt key doesn't do anything for me. All I can do is resize both height and width or I can crop. That's it. I've read and reread the Help file's entry Scaling (resizing) objects and I'm still not getting it. I suppose I can create a short video that demonstrates what I'm doing.

Here's a new image. This is what I see on my screen. If the blue handles are the smart controls, I don't see the control handles, unless they are the handles that form the right angle in the center of the image. If so, pressing Alt doesn't let me access them.

What am I doing wrong?

Attachment 122276

~ Bal

As far as I'm aware, you need to be in the selector tool. You're in the photo tool, and in the photo tool the Smart transform is still active.

OK - I think I got it. Thanks you guys. Now I can get some things done!

~ Bal

Sorry, you were confused. I hope Xara reads this as it is dog's dinner that I have reported on more than once.

To summarise, the problem is around the function of the inner controls of a picture:

1. You now have the Select Tool (standard black square) and the Photo Tool (blue-coloured circle) control points.
   
   1. Double-click a Photo to switch to the Photo Tool.
   2. Key press Alt+S to switch back to the Select Tool; this is a toggle mode.
   
   
2. Hidden, yes, hidden, under a right-click is a context menu with two tick options:
   
   1. Aspect ratio lock - totally nugatory action: left-click icon is now equivalent to right-icon and select this menu option.
   2. Smart transform
   
   
3. You finally have meta-keys:
   
   1. None
   2. Shift
   3. Ctrl
   4. Alt

Throw in an accidental click of a picture with the Text Tool active and you spiral further down.

To place all the above in context.
A shape can be stretched or squashed regardless of the state of the hidden options.
Text can be stretched or squashed with the Lock Aspect Ratio off.

trust your instincts and leave Smart Transform off at all times.
Use the Select Tool for Squishing & Squashing.
Use the Picture Tool for anything else.
Skewing needs a bit more though and the Meta-keys here are sensible.

Acorn

Okay, I have an issue, I've reinstalled 15.1 on an older laptop ... I have the Smart Transform OFF (you'll have to take my word for it, I can't make a screenshot with it showing), and I'm in the selector tool, but as you can see from the highlighted selection, SMART TRANSFORM still appears to be on ... I can't seem to get a standard SELECT TOOL display (even with ALT-S), what have I missed?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ss-kalm

Okay, I have an issue, I've reinstalled 15.1 on an older laptop ... I have the Smart Transform OFF (you'll have to take my word for it, I can't make a screenshot with it showing), and I'm in the selector tool, but as you can see from the highlighted selection, SMART TRANSFORM still appears to be on ... I can't seem to get a standard SELECT TOOL display (even with ALT-S), what have I missed?

---

Keith, another wrinkle.

Your Show selection bounds handles icon also needs to be depressed, the one immediately above the Select Tool.

Alt+S is toggling between Select and Photo.

What fun!
Acorn

Of course it does! Silly me, I never turn it off, so didn't think to turn it on when I reinstalled.

Thanks.