Drawing by Numbers

Several drawing tools give you the option of entering dimensions to draw objects precisely. This method can be easier than dragging the mouse and watching data in the Properties bar to draw objects to precise dimensions.

You can enter dimensions in the Properties bar when you use the Oval, Arc, Rectangle, Rounded Rectangle, Line, Annotations, Multigon, Concentric Circles, and Spiral tools. You can enter the X/Y coordinates, width, height, or other values, and then click Create in the Properties bar to draw the object. With these tools, you can still drag the mouse to draw interactively.

You can also enter values in the Properties bar for some Path tools.

You can also establish precise dimensions and locations for any object in a document with the Data tab in the Object Specs palette.

To Draw Objects with the Properties Bar:

1. Select one of the previously mentioned tools. The related value fields appear in the Properties bar.

   

2. Select a reference point by clicking a handle in the bounding box icon; e.g., to center an oval where you clicked in a document, for example, click the center handle in the bounding box illustration.
3. Enter dimensions or other values in the Properties bar. (See eDrawing More Complicated Shapes for the related dimensions and values.)
   • Ovals and rectangles: Enter height and width values. For rounded rectangles, also enter the corner radius.
   • Lines: Enter the distance and angle from the point you clicked to the second point. Or, enter the horizontal (X) and vertical (Y) distance to the second point.
   • Arcs: Enter the width and height, the starting point in degrees, and the angular length of the arc.
4. Click Create to draw the object.

See also:

• Drawing More Complicated Shapes