Select all objects

If you want to select all the object on the page, just double click the arrow (Pointer tool). This include anything sitting on the desktop (the area around your page). With version 9 and above, you can also use the shortcut key [Ctrl] + [A]

Adjusting the tools properties

If you want to change the properties of a particular tools, say the size or pen color, then right-click on the particular toolbar and select Properties from the menu that appears. You will get all the options for that particular toolbar and you can change the parameters as you like.

Adjusting nudge values

With an object selected, you can move or nudge it in increments by tapping the arrow keys. To adjust the distance that the object is moved when you tap the arrow keys, look for the Nudge Offset dialog box on the property bar and type in a value.

For more permanent adjustment, go to tools>Options>Edit and make the desired changes. Here you can adjust the Super Nudge value. To activate Super Nudge when you are using the arrow keys to move an object, hold the [Shift] key down as you tap the arrow keys. The object will then move according to the set increments.

Stretching objects

To stretch an object from its center, hold down [Shift] and drag one of the side selection handles. To stretch an object in increments of 100 per cent, hold down [Ctrl] as you drag a selection handle. To stretch an object vertically and horizontally at the same time, hold down [Alt] as you drag one of the corner selection handles.

Constraining movement

If you hold down the [Ctrl] key after clicking and dragging an object, it will be constrained to move only horizontally or vertically.

Shifting buttons

You can quickly move a buttons on a toolbar by dragging it while holding down [Shift] and [Alt]. To delete a button from a toolbar, drag it off the toolbar while holding the [Alt] key. You can duplicate a button or create a copy of it on another toolbar if you hold down [Strl] + [Alt] and drag it.

Duplicating objects

When clicking and dragging an object, just before you release the left mouse button, click the right mouse button and a duplicate will be created. If you want to create multiple copies (worked only in version 9 and upwards) tap the [Spacebar] wherever you want the duplicate to be placed as you drag the object.

Colouring objects

Just click and drag a color from the Color palette to either the object, fill area or its outline. As you drag, you will see a Color swatch. When it is hollow you are over an outline and when it is solid you are over a fill area.

Converting outlines to objects

Want to apply various effects to outlines? In version 9 and upwards, you can convert the outlines to objects and apply various fills and effects to the object. From the Arrange menu, just select Convert Outline To Object.

Creating pies and arcs

After creating an ellipse with the ellipse tools, pull on the Node at the top of the Ellipse. Pull outside the Ellipse to create an arc; pull inside the Ellipse to create a pie.

Shifting the Origin

To modify the location of the Ruler's origin, that is where the zero starts on the page, click and drag the Rulers Intersection Point (which is the horizontal and vertical rulers meet). Simply drag this icon to the position on the page where you want the zeros to be. To return to the default location, double-click on the Rulers Intersection Point icon.