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project: The Oval & Rectangle Tools
 
   
 

description: In this tutorial you will learn how to draw and modify shapes using the Oval and Rectangle Tools.

Files: None.

  
   
 
   
  step 1: Locate both tools in the Tool Panel and select the Oval Tool. (Figures A, B)
   
  A    B
   
  step 2: Unlike the Pencil Tool, these tools can use both Stroke and Fill Colors. (Figures C, D)
   
  C    D
   
  step 3: Stroke and fill color are also accessible via the Properties Panel. (Figure E) Stroke thickness and style may be specified. (Figures F, G) Custom stroke styles may also be created but they tend to slow down animations. (Figure H)
   
 

E

F

G

H

   
  •Note: The Color Mixer is a third option for selecting color.
   
  step 4: Since we do not want a stroke color in this tutorial you may set that option in the Toolbar by clicking on the pencil and the No Color icon (Figure I) or... (see Step 4)
   
  I
   
  step 5: If you click on the Stroke Color icon (Figure J) select the No Color icon in the palette.
   
  J  K
   
  •Note: You may use the Properties Panel or Color Mixer to achieve the same results.
   
  step 6: Click on the Fill color icon on select a gradient. (Figure L)
   
  L
   
  step 7: Click and drag on the Stage to draw an oval (Figure M) and a circle (Figure M)
   
  •Tip: Hold the Shift key down when drawing with the Oval Tool to create circles (or squares with the Rectangle Tool).
   
  M    N
   
  step 8: Just as we modified lines in this tutorial, we can modify shapes using the same techniques. (Figures O, P)
   
  O    P
   
  step 9: The Subselection Tool give us more control over the shape. (Figures Q, R, S)
   
  Q    R    S
   
  step 10: Select the Rectangle Tool in the Toolbar and notice the option. (Figure T) Click on it and the Rectangle Settings dialog box opens. Set a Corner Radius. (Figure U)
   
 

T

U

   
  •Note: The Help button (Figure U) launches a very worthwhile resource. Help > Using Flash enables you to access the same master file.
   
  step 11: Draw a small rectangle on the stage. (Figure V)
   
  V
   
  step 12: With the Arrow Tool, draw a selection as shown (Figure W) and drag it. (Figures X, Y)
   
  W    X  Y  
   
  step 13: As you are probably guessing, you can explore many other ways of modifying these shapes. See Transform Tool next and then the Envelope Modifier tutorial after experimenting on your own.
   
   
   
 
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