Getting Started

Probably the coolest new feature of PSP6 is vector objects. Vector objects aren't defined as collections of pixels, but instead are defined by instructions to the computer on how to draw the lines and/or shapes that make up the object. To create a vector line or a vector shape, select Create as vector on the Tool Options Palette (formerly, the Control Palette) of the Draw (formerly Line) or Preset Shapes (formerly Shapes) tools.

Draw Tool Options Palette	Preset Shapes Tool Options Palette

Vector objects reside on vector layers. Raster layers ("normal" layers) cannot hold vector objects, and if you try to add a vector object to a raster layer, PSP will immediately create a new vector layer above the raster layer and will add the vector object to the vector layer. Notice that in the Layer Palette, vector layers have a different identifying icon than raster layers:

(Note: You can convert a vector layer to a raster layer, but raster layers can't be converted to vector layers. To convert a vector layer to a raster layer, right-click on the vector layer's Layer button and then choose Convert to Raster from the resulting menu.)

Let's create a vector shape to see how to handle vector objects:

1. Begin by opening a new image with a solid white background. This initial background layer is a raster layer.
2. If the Tool Options Palette isn't visible, press the letter O on the keyboard to make this palette visible. Then select the Preset Shapes tool, and on the Tool Options Palette select Circle as the Shape type and Stroked as the Style. Also be sure that Create as vector is selected.

   

3. Draw a circle in the middle of your new image by dragging from the center of the image. When you release the mouse button, you'll see this in your image canvas:

   

   Notice the rectangular border around the circle, which indicates that the object is selected. Also notice the control handles on the top, bottom, corners, and sides of this border, and the bar radiating from the center of the circle, along with its control handles. As we'll soon see, the border and control handles can be used to move the object or deform it. (Those of you who have used the Deformation tool will find this very familiar.)

4. Now, if the Layer Palette isn't visible, press the letter L on the keyboard to make that palette visible. Notice that there is a plus sign to the left of the vector layer icon, indicating that this layer contains at least one object. Click on the plus sign and the vector layer information will be expanded, showing the new Circle object:

   

   When an object is selected, its name appears in boldface on its Layer button in the Layer Palette. To unselect an object, right-click the Layer button for the selected object and choose Select None: the label on the button becomes unbolded and the object becomes unselected. Click the Layer button of the object again and that object again becomes selected.

Deforming an Object

Now let's try moving, resizing, rotating, and deforming the Circle object. Before beginning, be sure that the Circle object is selected and that you're using one of the drawing tools or the Vector Selection tool.

1. To reposition the object, position the mouse cursor on the center handle if you're using one of the drawing tools or anywhere inside the object if you're using the Vector Selection tool. When the cursor is in the correct position, the shape of the cursor will change to the double-headed crossed arrows of the Mover tool. Then drag to move the object. (Until you release the mouse button, you'll see both the original object in its original position and a blue moving outline of the object.)

   

2. To resize the object, position the mouse cursor on one of the control handles on the selection border and drag. Dragging with the top or bottom handle alters the height of the object, while dragging with the side handles alters the width. To change both the height and width at the same time, drag with a corner handle. (The shape of the cursor when the mouse is positioned over a handle will give you a clue about what will happen when you drag with that particular handle.)

   

   Note: To maintain the aspect ratio while resizing your object, right-drag on one of the corner handles.

3. To rotate the object, position the mouse cursor on the handle at the outer end of the bar radiating from the center of the object. When the cursor is in the correct position, the shape of the cursor will change to two arrows forming a circle.

   

   Since we're using a circle here, you won't be able to see a difference in the object when you rotate it. Later on, on your own, try rotating a vector square.

4. There are several ways you can deform an object. You do this the same way you would with the Deformation tool on a raster layer: Drag on a handle with either the Shift key, the Ctrl key, or both keys depressed.

   

   Shift-drag handle

   
   

   

   Ctrl-drag handle

   
   

   

   Shift+Ctrl-drag handle

When you release the mouse, the object will take on its new shape.

Modifying Properties

There are three ways to access an object's properties:

• Double-click on the object's Layer button on the Layer Palette.
• Right-click on the object's Layer button on the Layer Palette, then select Properties from the resulting menu.
• Choose the Vector Object Selection Tool, select the object you're interested in (either by clicking its Layer button or by dragging the tool across the object), and then right-click anywhere within the object selection borderand select Properties.

The Properties box of our Circle object will look something like this:

You can modify any of the object's properties. For example, let's change our black Stroked circle to a blue Filled circle:

To change the line or fill colors, click on the appropriate color box in the Vector Properties dialog box and then select the color you want with the Color Picker.

Now let's change to a Stroked & Filled circle, filled with blue and outlined with black. Let's also increase the width of the outline to 10:

Experiment with changing properties. You'll become an expert in no time!

Note: The Cap and Join properties aren't really relevant for circles. But do give both of these a try with vector lines.

What's Next

This is just the beginning of what can be done with vector objects. You can also create complex drawings with vector lines, and you can make text conform to a curve, for example. We'll look at both of these uses of vector objects in later tutorials.