Spiral Creation Tool

Drawing Spirals

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

Spirals are drawn by clicking the "Spiral Tool Button" on the "Tools Palette". The "Rectangular Creation Cursor" (shown above) will reflect the tool selection when the mouse is over the front (top) document window. The spiral is drawn with the mouse by a single click and drag sequence. The new spiral is shown as you drag the mouse. The mouse down click places one corner of a virtual rectangle that encloses the rectangle. The opposite corner of the virtual enclosing rectangle moves with the mouse drag action. The final spiral is positioned when the process is completed by releasing the mouse.

The shape of the spiral may be edited after creation. When selected 6 handles are available to adjust the number of turns, outside radius, starting and ending points, and a "tilt" for the spiral. The spiral may be wound or unwound using the handles at the start (center) and end of the spiral. The two intermediate handles allow the radius to transition along the spiral, create a "conch" shell appearance. The blue handle is used to squish or give a tilted look to the spiral.

The new spiral becomes the only selected object after creation. You may move or resize the spiral by clicking inside the spiral or on one of the handles. If you need to place the spiral at a particular position or make it a certain size this may be accomplished after the creation step by using the Graphic Details Inspector to modify the specific coordinates and size of the spiral.

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

If spirals are needed frequently, the spiral 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 "Spiral Tool" button, just drag it to the position you prefer on the Toolbar.