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Canvas Tools

The canvas provides a comprehensive set of tools for manipulating designs, measuring, and preparing your laser jobs.

Selection Tool

Select, move, and transform objects on the canvas.

Usage:

  • Click to select single object
  • Ctrl + click to select multiple objects
  • Drag to create selection box
  • Click and drag selected objects to move

Transform Handles:

  • Corner handles: Scale proportionally (hold Shift to scale non-proportionally)
  • Edge handles: Scale in one direction
  • Rotation handle: Rotate around center point

Keyboard Shortcuts:

  • ++arrow-keys++: Move selected objects by 1 unit
  • ++shift+arrow-keys++: Move by 10 units
  • Ctrl+D: Duplicate selection

Pan Tool

Navigate around the canvas without accidentally moving objects.

Usage:

  • Click and drag to pan
  • Alternatively, hold Space with any tool active and drag

Zoom Tool

Zoom in on specific areas of your design.

Usage:

  • Click to zoom in at point
  • Alt + click to zoom out
  • Click and drag to zoom to specific area

Shortcuts:

  • Ctrl++: Zoom in
  • Ctrl+-: Zoom out
  • Ctrl+0: Reset zoom (fit to window)
  • Mouse wheel: Zoom in/out at cursor position

Measurement Tool

Measure distances and angles on the canvas.

Usage:

  • Click starting point
  • Click ending point to complete measurement
  • Measurement displays in current units (mm or inches)

Features:

  • Distance between two points
  • Angle relative to horizontal
  • Real-time preview while measuring

Alignment Tools

Align and distribute multiple objects.

Alignment Options:

  • Align left edges
  • Align right edges
  • Align top edges
  • Align bottom edges
  • Align horizontal centers
  • Align vertical centers

Distribution Options:

  • Distribute horizontally
  • Distribute vertically
  • Equal spacing

Usage:

  1. Select multiple objects
  2. Choose alignment/distribution option from toolbar or Edit menu
  3. Objects align/distribute immediately

Grid and Snapping

Assist precise positioning with grid and snapping.

Grid:

  • Toggle: View → Show Grid (Ctrl+G)
  • Configure spacing in Preferences
  • Visual guide only (optional snapping)

Snapping:

  • Snap to Grid: Align objects to grid points
  • Snap to Objects: Align to edges of other objects
  • Snap to Origin: Align to machine origin (0,0)

Toggle snapping: View → Snap (Ctrl+Shift+G)

Object Transformation

Transform objects numerically for precision.

Accessible via Properties Panel:

  • Position (X, Y): Exact coordinates
  • Size (W, H): Exact dimensions
  • Rotation: Degrees from horizontal
  • Scale: Percentage of original size

Boolean Operations

Combine or subtract shapes:

  • Union: Merge overlapping shapes
  • Difference: Subtract one shape from another
  • Intersection: Keep only overlapping areas
  • Exclusion: Remove overlapping areas

Usage:

  1. Select two or more vector objects
  2. Choose boolean operation from Edit menu
  3. Result replaces selected objects

Tips for Efficient Canvas Use

  1. Use keyboard shortcuts: Much faster than toolbar clicks
  2. Master pan and zoom: Essential for large or detailed designs
  3. Snap to grid: Speeds up alignment for rectangular layouts
  4. Measure first: Verify dimensions before generating G-code
  5. Group related objects: Easier to move and organize (Ctrl+G to group)

Next: 3D Preview →