Working with Objects

Objectives

Create an objectTransform an objectArrange and lock an objectStep and repeat an objectUse Live DistributeUse the Direct Selection toolModify corners and strokesCreate a multi-state object

Creating an Object

Shapes: Add visual interest to a document Serve as a background for text

Tools for creating shapes: Rectangle, Ellipse, and Polygon tools

To select a shape tool: Click and hold down the mouse button on the

tool on the Tools panel Select the shape tool you want to use

Creating an Object

With a shape tool selected: Shapes can be created manually by dragging

in the document• Or click in the document to open the shape’s

dialog box and define its settings Swatches panel:

• Used to add color to the fill and stroke (border) of your shape

Stroke panel:• Used to change the weight (thickness) and style

of the stroke

Creating an Object

Converting shapes Use the Convert Shape command on the

Object menu Can choose from:

• Rectangle• Rounded rectangle• Beveled rectangle• Inverse rounded

rectangle• Ellipse

• Triangle• Polygon• Line • Orthogonal line

Creating an Object

When you transform something you change its appearance Transform commands include:

• Move, Scale, Rotate, Shear, and Flip Objects can also be transformed using the

Transform panel or Control panel• Width, height, and location

Objects are transformed from a reference point Point of origin: point of the object that remains

fixed during the transformation

Transforming an Object

Transforming an Object

Transform Again command Used to repeat the same transformation to an

object

Transforming an Object

Arranging and Locking an Object

InDesign objects: Vertically stacked:

• Bottom to top in the order created or placed Arrange commands:

• On the Object menu• Used to change vertical order

Locking objects: • Ensures its location will not be disrupted• Easier to select an item on top of a locked item

Arranging and Locking an Object

Smart guides appear automatically as you position objects on a pageSmart guides are visual clues that let you know when the object you are positioning is touching a side or the center of another object, a margin guide, or the center of the pageThe Select commands on the Object menu allow you to select an object in a document regardless of which level it is on

Arranging and Locking an Object

Figure C-5: Moving the rectangle to the back

Stepping and Repeating an Object

Step and Repeat feature: Quick solution for creating multiple identical

objects spaced evenly• Select object or objects to duplicate• Enter the number of objects to create• Enter the vertical and/or horizontal offset: how

far copies will be offset from the original• Group the objects: select two or more objects

and make them into one selectable object by clicking Group on the Object menu

Stepping and Repeating an Object

Stepping and Repeating an Object

The Move command is similar to the Step and Repeat command, but is more practical when you are moving one item and do not need to create multiple copies or a pattern

Using Live Distribute

Distribute objects: Place equal space between three or more

objects

Options: Align panel:

• Distribute objects using a specific value Live Distribute feature:

• Manually distribute objects until you achieve an exact result

To rotate an object means to turn it around an axis or center pointMultiple ways to rotate an object

Using Live Distribute

Figure C-10: Selecting the three groups

Figure C-11: Locating the resize pointer

Figure C-12: Creating a new pattern

Using the Direct Selection Tool

Use the Direct Selection tool to select just one of the items in a set of objects that are grouped togetherTo select one item in a group, make sure that the grouped object is not selected, then click the item you wish to select with the Direct Selection tool

Using the Direct Selection Tool

The Stroke panel has many options for creating interesting strokesOnce a stroke is applied to a line or a frame, you can create a simple style using options on the Stroke panel

Using the Direct Selection Tool

Figure C-13: Viewing the oval with a new fill and stroke

Figure C-14: Making changes to individual ovals

Using the Direct Selection Tool

To align objects means to position one or more selected objects in relation to each other, in relation to the margins of a document, or in relation to the boundaries of the page or spreadWhen you align multiple objects with each other, you can align them by their edges or by their center pointsYou use the Align panel to align objects

Modifying Corners and Strokes

Corner Options dialog box: Offers five types of corners (e.g., Rounded

and Beveled)• Setting can be previewed before closing the

dialog box To better see changes made to corners a

thick stroke is recommended• Change stroke weight on the Stroke panel

Modifying Corners and Strokes

Modifying Corners and Strokes

Figure C-17: Modified corners applied to the photo

Creating a Multi-State Object

You can create different appearances or states for the same object Makes it possible to demonstrate one layout

with two or more options for any of the InDesign objects• First select the object, then click the Convert

selection to multi-state object button on the Object States pane

• Two copies of the same object appear as thumbnails on the panel. Select one of the object states on the panel and then make changes to it in the Document window

Creating a Multi-State Object

Figure C-18: Creating a multi‐state object

Creating a Multi-State Object

Figure C-19: Viewing the red rectangle frame

Unit Summary

Create an object Transform an object Arrange and lock an object Step and repeat an object Use Live Distribute Use the Direct Selection tool Modify corners and strokes Create a multi-state object