How to Add, Customize, and Edit Ellipse Shapes

This guide provides a step-by-step tutorial on how to add, customize, and edit ellipse shapes within your DRAWings PRO XII software.

Part 1: How to Add an Ellipse

1. Locate the Shapes Section: All readymade shapes are located in the “Shapes” section of your tool panel.
   • Useful Tip: The icon displayed on the “Shapes” section by default is the last shape tool that was used.
2. Select the Ellipse Tool: Place your mouse cursor on top of the “Shapes” section to view all available tools. Click on the “Ellipse” tool to select it.
3. Draw the Ellipse: Click and drag your mouse on the design area. This action defines both the position and the size of the ellipse you are inserting.
4. Finalize the Shape: Once the ellipse is the size and shape you want, release the mouse button. The ellipse is now finalized.
   • Note: The Ellipse tool remains active after you create a shape, in case you want to add multiple ellipses to your design.
5. Exit the Tool: When you are finished drawing ellipses, either right-click your mouse or click on the “Rectangle Selection” tool to release the Ellipse tool.

Part 2: How to Edit an Ellipse

Ellipse shapes have unique editing properties. You can edit them using the default dynamic controls or by converting them into a standard object.

Method 1: Basic Editing (Default Shape)

1. Select the ellipse you wish to edit and activate the Node Editor.
2. You will notice that a default ellipse shape only has two control points, not the normal nodes you see on a manually drawn object.
3. These two control points function as follows:
   • Outline Control Point: This node is located on the outline of the ellipse. Click and drag this point to dynamically edit the size and proportions of the ellipse, just as you did when you first created it.
   • Center Control Point: This point is located at the very center of the ellipse. Click and drag this point to move the entire shape’s position.

Method 2: Advanced Editing (Converting to Curves)

If you want to make more complex changes to the shape’s outline (such as adding new nodes, deleting segments, or manipulating curves), you must first convert it.

1. Select the ellipse shape.
2. You must first convert the ellipse into curves.
3. Once converted, switch to the Node Editor again. You will now see that the ellipse is a normal object with standard nodes that can be added, deleted, and manipulated individually, just like any other object you have drawn.