Microsoft 702 Manipulating Objects by Using Object Handles, Centering an object on the canvas

Chapter 4: Picture It! Basics

59

Manipulating Objects by Using Object Handles

Each element you add to a picture on the canvas is considered an individual object. Photos, text, clip art, and even some effects are all considered separate objects, and they can be edited individually. When you’re working with a composite, which consists of multiple objects on the canvas, you can manipu- late each object without affecting the other objects.

Each object on the canvas is a separate layer, and each layer is represented by a thumbnail on the Stack. You can change the order of layers by dragging them up and down the Stack.

Selecting objects

When you select an object, you can edit it without affecting other objects on the canvas. You can select an object by clicking it, either on the canvas or on the Stack. If you want to select a small object or one that is hidden behind other objects, it is often easiest to select it on the Stack.

You can tell when an object is selected because it will be bordered by a selection box, a dashed-line rectangle surrounding the selection. Around the edges of the selection box are yellow circles are called object handles, which are used for moving and resizing the object. There are two types of object handles:

■Resize handles Resize handles are located on the corners and along each edge of the selection box. Use the corner resize handles to resize a picture proportionally. Use the top, bottom, or side resize handles to stretch a selection box.

■Rotate handle The rotate handle is attached to the top of the selection box. Use the rotate handle to rotate a picture clockwise or counterclock- wise.

Centering an object on the canvas

To center the object on the canvas, on the Format menu, click

Center Object on

Canvas.

Use object handles to rotate, resize, and stretch an object.

Microsoft Picture It! Companion Guide