The shape commands are easy to master and will generally produce faster results than using the drawing tools to draw a custom shape. Odd numbers of overlapped areas produce solid areas, even numbers of overlapped areas produce transparent areas. But where the third shape overlaps the original overlapped part, it becomes solid because at that point there are three shape areas overlapping. Add a third shape and where the third shape just overlaps the original two shapes, the overlap areas become transparent because there are only two areas overlapping at that point. Two shapes make an even number so their overlap is transparent. It may be simpler to think of it as an Even/Odd relationship. There is a transparent/solid overlap relationship in the stacking order of the shapes. The Combine command requires a bit more comprehension in its operation. All shape commands are applied to that shape. As noted in this illustration the bottom shape is the key shape. Intersect - only the overlapping part is kept.Īt least two shapes are required.Subtract - top shape disappears after it punches out the bottom shape.Merge - merges all shapes into the bottom shape.There is a solid/transparent stacking order to the overlapping shapes. Combine - combines selected shapes into one shape with overlapping parts being either transparent or solid.There are four basic shaping commands used to construct shapes and their names clearly state their actions. The Slide Show and Shape Picture Problems.For those new to the Drawing toolbar and drawing shapes, the basic Drawing Shapes heading will provide a quick overview of the toolbar and the method of drawing and colouring shapes.

This tutorial does assume some experience in using the Drawing toolbar to create drawing shapes. You will be introduced to some very interesting and creative commands that can modify ordinary drawing shapes. This tutorial will focus on constructing custom shapes made from the variety of drawing shapes that can be found on the Drawing toolbar. The easiest way to create a new shape is to use the Shape Commands to modify the common drawing shapes into a custom shape. Although there are many common shapes found in the Drawing toolbar, you may find that you would like something different.

Openoffice drawing straight