Polygon Creation Tool

Drawing Polygons

You use the "Polygon Tool" (shown above) which is found on the Tools Palette to create polygons. If the palette is not visible open it by selecting "Tools" from the "View" item of the "Main Menu". The new polygon will be drawn on EazyDraw’s front window. The desired window must be brought to the front before clicking on the tool.

Polygons are drawn by clicking the "Polygon Tool Button" on the "Tools Palette". The "Tab Creation Cursor" (shown above) will reflect the tool selection when the mouse is over the front (top) document window. The polygon is drawn with the mouse. There are two ways to accomplish the drawing. You may use the "Tab Key" ("Enter Key" for left handed users) to advance to subsequent segments. The second process accepts a sequence of mouse clicks ending in a double click to define the vertices of the polygon. Either method will work, no settings are required, EazyDraw recognizes your preference by your drawing actions.

The tab entry method defines the first vertex of the polygon with the initial mouse down. Each subsequent vertex is defined by the mouse position when the tab key is pressed. The polygon is drawn by the process of drag - tab - drag - tab. The final end point of the path is defined when the process is completed by releasing the mouse. The "t" visual clue in the creation cursor is used because the "Tab Key" is used to add vertices to the path.

The second method starts the same way with a mouse down and subsequent drag operation to define the first side of the polygon. Then subsequent vertices are defined by mouse clicks. Each click will cause a new side to be added to the polygon, and then EazyDraw will create a new polygon back to the first point. Continue clicking vertex locations and the polygon will follow. Double click, flick outside the drawing, or choose another tool to finish.

Left handed users will find it easier to use the "Enter Key" instead of the "Tab Key". The first key (Tab or Enter) clicked is used for the rest of the polygon entry process (just the one).

The new polygon becomes the only selected object after creation. You may move a vertex or the entire polygon by clicking near the polygon or on one of the handles. If you need to position a vertex at a particular position this may be accomplished after the creation step by using the Graphic Details Inspector to modify the specific coordinates of any vertex.

If several polygons are needed, double click the polygon tool. The polygon tool selection will remain in effect after creation so that further polygons may be easily added to the document. Clicking another tool or the Arrow tool will release the path creation activity.

After creation, vertices may be added using the Bezier Insert Tool or removed using the Knife Tool . While drawing the end segment may be removed with the Delete Key.

If paths are needed frequently, the path tool may be added to the Toolbar. If you prefer this convenience use the Customize Toolbar item found under "View" on the "Main Menu". There you will see the "Path Tool" button, just drag it to the position you prefer on the Toolbar.