Easy problem (should be) with lines and shapes

[gplanelles]

I have four separate lines, 2 parallels, 1 half-circle (obtained from a circle cut with a vertical line - with menu 'Arrange/Combine/Cut') and a slanted line.
I want to create a closed shape with one rounded end.

All lines are placed as needed. I select all my lines and I want now to create one shape in order to fill it with one flat color.

I have tried several combinations of 'Arrange/Group', 'Arrange/Join' or 'Arrange/combine' and I never obtain a 'fillable' shape.

Sure I'm wrong, but where ?

Thanks for your help.

[This message was edited by HopeFull on May 29, 2001 at 06:16.]

[gplanelles]

I have four separate lines, 2 parallels, 1 half-circle (obtained from a circle cut with a vertical line - with menu 'Arrange/Combine/Cut') and a slanted line.
I want to create a closed shape with one rounded end.

All lines are placed as needed. I select all my lines and I want now to create one shape in order to fill it with one flat color.

I have tried several combinations of 'Arrange/Group', 'Arrange/Join' or 'Arrange/combine' and I never obtain a 'fillable' shape.

Sure I'm wrong, but where ?

Thanks for your help.

[This message was edited by HopeFull on May 29, 2001 at 06:16.]

[gnurf]

This is one way of doing it. I didn't know if you want that slanted diagonal line in your final image, so I used the clone function. If don't want that line, just skip the cloning step and slice with the original line instead (it will disappear after teh slicing).

-Paul

[gplanelles]

Yes, this way, I may obtain what I need (and it works fine !).
But my problem is that I need several copies of my shape with various lengthes, depending on the length of a text inside.

If I use a shape created as you explain, when resized, the round end is no more round.

So, I wanted to build all shapes with separate elements and, before creating each shape by assembling elements, just change the size of the parallel lines.

[Mark Goodall]

If you use the auto-stretching available from the name gallery you would not need to have various lengths it would stretch the button dependent on the width of the text.
This all happens automatically if you create them as buttons in the NavBar tool.

Mark Goodall
Xara Ltd

[tad]

Hello,,,
This is a "vector" program. NODES are the basis of vector lines. Got to get a real handle on nodes to draw (joining, adding, types, etc.).

Admittedly, Xara is much more than Corel3, but a bezier curve is still what it was. I think Gary already covered drawing in the Xealot.

Regards,,,,,,,,Tad

[gplanelles]

Thanks for the info about autostretch buttons.
I'll investigate and try to understand how I can use this feature (as a beginner, I'm not familiar with navbar and name gallery).

Thanks again.

[Egg Bramhill]

Another alternative method which you may find easier is given below.
Egg

[tad]

NODES RULE !!
The "simple" answer is to connect the lines and fill the shape.
Although I must admit that Xara seems a node short (symmetrical, that is), "I" still think it is the "proper" way to draw.
Hmmmmmmmm,,,,I do believe I hear howls of disagreement....
Regards..........Tad.... [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

[jclements]

I agree with Tad and Egg. The bottom line is GET TO KNOW THE NODE EDITING FUNCTIONS. Its probably a dry (boring)topic for most people, but do take the time to read every you can kind find about it in the Help Files.

Then, take various shapes (convert them to editable objects) and curves and select node with the Shape Editor tool and experiment applying the options available in in the Info Bar for the Shape Editor to the selected nodes.

You'll be surprised by the amount of control you can have in modifying objects.