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Canvas Tools

The canvas provides tools for manipulating designs 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

Modifier Keys During Drag:

Holding modifier keys while dragging changes the behavior:

  • ctrl while moving: Snaps the object to the 5mm grid, making it easy to align objects precisely
  • ctrl while rotating: Snaps rotation to 5-degree increments for consistent angles
  • shift while scaling: Constrains proportions (scales uniformly)
  • ctrl while scaling: Scales from the center instead of the opposite edge

Transform Handles:

  • Corner handles: Scale proportionally (hold shift to scale non-proportionally)
  • Edge handles: Scale in one direction
  • Rotation handle: Click once on a selected object to toggle rotation mode, then drag to rotate around the center point

Keyboard Shortcuts:

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

Navigate the canvas using your mouse and keyboard:

Pan:

  • Middle-click and drag
  • Hold space with any tool active and drag

Zoom:

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

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

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

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. Group related objects: Easier to move and organize (ctrl+g to group)

Next: 3D View →