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Adobe PageMaker 7.0

Drawing with PageMaker

PageMaker offers a unique graphics environment. In PageMaker, you can move and resize objects with ease and format the text around them (refer to Using Text Wrap). You can also use PageMaker’s drawing tools to create your own basic shapes.

Creating Objects

PageMaker provides the tools to create basic objects (e.g., lines, circles, polygons and boxes) by working with the line and shape tools in the Toolbox. toolbox

Using the Drawing Tools

  1. From the Toolbox, select the appropriate drawing tool
    That tool will appear highlighted, and when you move the mouse over the working area of PageMaker, a crossbar (+) will move across the screen.

  2. Position the center of the crossbar (+) where the object should start

  3. Click and drag the mouse in any direction to create the object
    Continue holding the mouse button down until the object is positioned and is the desired size.
    HINT: To draw a perfectly round, square, polygonal, or straight object, press [Shift] while dragging the mouse.

  4. Release the mouse button

return to topSelecting Objects

An object must be selected in order for it to be deleted, moved, or modified. When an object is selected, it becomes surrounded by small boxes called handles, which are used for resizing. Objects are selected directly after they are drawn and stay selected until you draw another line or shape or until you click the mouse. You can reselect an object by using the Pointer toolpointer tool.

Selecting an Object

  1. From the Toolbox, select the Pointer toolpointer tool

  2. With the tip of the pointer, click the object
    HINT: If the object has a fill pattern, you can click on the fill pattern. The object should now have handles. If it does not, it is not selected and you must repeat this step, paying close attention to where the tip of the Pointer is positioned.

Selecting Multiple Objects

  1. From the Toolbox, select the Pointer tool

  2. With the tip of the Pointer, click the first object
    The object should now have handles. If it does not, try again.
    selected graphic elements

  3. Hold down the [Shift] key while clicking on other objects you want to select

  4. OPTIONAL: In order to select each layer of objects, hold down the [Ctrl] key while clicking on it. The previous layers do not remain selected unless you are also holding down the [Shift] key.

return to topSelecting with a Net

At times, it may be difficult to select an object. If it is made inside of a text block or too close to another object, you may have to use a Net (sometimes referred to as a coupon box) to select it. A net is a dashed line created with the Pointer tool. Any object fully enclosed by the net will be selected.

HINT: To capture an object that is within a text block or too near another element to select, create a net big enough to capture the complete object without capturing the complete text block or other object. This will select the object without selecting anything else.

  1. From the Toolbox, select the Pointer tool

  2. Click the mouse in an area where you will not select anything
    HINT: A margin would typically be a safe location

  3. Hold and drag the net over the objects you want to select
    Notice that this creates a rectangular dashed line or net.
    selecting with a net

  4. Release the mouse button
    The net will disappear and all objects—a drawing, a text block, or a graphic—that were completely enclosed by the net will now be selected.

  5. If you accidentally capture the wrong object or too many objects, don't panic. Just click away from the selected objects and they will deselect
    OR
    Hold down the [Shift] key and click on the desired objects to deselect them

return to topChoosing Line Style and Fill Color

PageMaker allows you to alter the style of your lines; you can make them thin, medium, thick, dashed, dotted or graphic. You can also fill objects like rectangles with colors or patterns.

Selecting a Line Style

  1. Select the line you want to alter

  2. From the Element menu, select Stroke » select the desired line style

Selecting a Fill Color

If you are drawing an enclosed shape (e.g., a square-corner box, a rounded-corner box, or a circle) you may also select a fill color.

  1. Select the shape you want to fill

  2. From the Element menu, select Fill and Stroke...
    The Fill and Stroke dialog box appears.

  3. From the Color pull-down list, select the desired color

  4. Click OK

return to topDeleting an Object

  1. Select the object(s) you want to delete

  2. Press [Delete]
    OR
    From the Edit menu, select Clear

return to topResizing Objects

You can extend or shrink an object using the handles.

  1. From the Toolbox, select the Pointer tool

  2. Select the object you want to modify

  3. Click and hold one of the object’s handles
    A double-headed arrow will appear.
    HINT: To keep an object proportional, hold down the [Shift] key while dragging the handle for resizing.

  4. Drag the handle to resize the object

  5. Release the mouse button

return to topMoving Objects

If you like the overall appearance of the object, but want to change its placement on the page, you can use the Pointer to drag it.

  1. From the Toolbox, select the Pointer tool

  2. Select the object(s) to be moved
    HINT: To select more than one object, hold down the [Shift] key while selecting the additional objects.

  3. Click and hold anywhere on the object except on a handle
    The arrow's stem disappears.

  4. Still holding the mouse button, drag the object to a new location and release the button

return to topRotating Objects

Rotation of objects and text helps you add interest to your document. With rotation, you can turn things upside down, tilt them to the left or right, and turn objects around.

NOTES:
Rotating manually takes practice. Remember the Undo feature and keep trying until you get it right or try Rotating with the Control Palette.
If you are not sure about the type specifications that you want to use when rotating text, create a style and apply it to the text. Any modifications to the style will be made to the rotated text block.

Rotating Objects: The Rotate Tool

  1. From the Toolbox, select the Rotate toolrotate tool

  2. Select the item to be rotated

  3. Click and hold on one of the handles

  4. Drag to the desired angle

  5. Release the mouse button

To undo the rotation

  1. From the Edit menu, select Undo Rotate
    NOTE: Undo must be selected immediately after the action you want to reverse.

Rotating Objects: The Control Palette

  1. With the Pointer tool, select the text block or object you wish to rotate

  2. If the Control Palette is not present, from the Window menu, select Show Control Palette
    The Control Palette appears.
    control palette

  3. In the rotate box, type the number of degrees to rotate

  4. Press [Enter]

  5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 as necessary

To undo the rotation

  1. With the Pointer tool, select the object

  2. In the Control Palette rotate box, type 0 (zero)

  3. Press [Enter]
    The object is restored to its original orientation.

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