Graphic Elements
 
Creating Graphic Objects
Cut, Copy, Paste
Modifying a Shape Fill
Defining a shape color
Defining a color gradient or a pattern to a shape
Managing transparency
Modifying a Shape Border
In a diagram, you can add and customize graphic objects.
You may:
• add a graphic object
• customize the graphic object (e.g.: apply a fill color)
• customize the graphic object border (e.g.: modify its style, color, thickness)
Creating Graphic Objects
You can insert basic graphic objects in the diagram.
Example: rectangle, square, circle, polygon.
*To create a line or a text, see Lines in a Diagram and Texts in a Diagram.
To create a graphic object:
1. In the object insert bar, click Graphical object .
2. Select the graphic object type.
*To create a graphic object whose height is equal to its width (e.g.: circle, square): hold down the <Shift> key while dragging the cursor.
*To create a graphic object based on its center: hold down the <Ctrl> key while dragging the mouse.
*Hold down the <Shift> and <Ctrl> keys to create a graphic object with a regular shape from its central point.
3. Click where you want to anchor one of the angles of the graphic object.
4. Hold your click down and drag the cursor to where you want the opposite angle to be:
5. Let off your click.
The graphic object is created. The handles around a graphic object indicate that it is selected.
The cursor returns to its standard shape. You can modify (e.g.: select, move) the graphic object.
Cut, Copy, Paste
You can use the following commands on elements:
• Cut
Removes from the diagram the selected elements and place them on the clipboard (the previous clipboard content is overwritten).
*Only graphic objects and links are actually deleted with the Cut command. If you delete object, it is no longer displayed in the diagram, but still exists in the repository.
• Copy
Copies your selection on the clipboard (the previous clipboard content is overwritten).
• Paste
Pastes the content of the clipboard in the diagram at the position you clicked last. Note that the clipboard is not emptied: you can paste its content again.
To perform actions on one or several graphic objects:
1. Select one or several elements.
2. Right-click the selection and select Copy or Cut.
*You can use <Ctrl> + <C> or <Ctrl> + <X> keys.
3. Right-click in the diagram (it can be another diagram) where you want to paste the elements and select Paste.
*You can use <Ctrl> + <V> keys.