A frame is a container that
holds graphics, text, and shapes. There are three types of frames:
unassigned, graphic, and text. The unassigned frame is useful for adding
fill and stroke color to a layout. You use the Rectangle, Ellipse, and
Polygon tools to create unassigned frames, while you use the Rectangle
Frame, Ellipse Frame and Polygon Frame tools to create a graphic frame. A
dot appears in the middle of an unassigned frame, while diagonal lines
appear in a graphic frame. You can create shapes using unassigned or
graphic shapes. In addition to creating a polygon shape, you can also
use the Polygon Frame tool to create a star shape for type. You can drag
to create a frame box to the size you want using the tool tip which
displays width and height. If you need a frame box to be an exact size,
you can click a blank area with the Rectangle and Ellipse tools or set
width and height settings on the Control panel.
Create a Rectangle or Elliptical Shape
Select the Rectangle or Rectangle Frame tool or select the Ellipse or Ellipse Frame tool on the Tools panel.
- To create a frame to an exact size, click a blank area, specify the width and height you want, and then click OK.
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Drag to create a rectangle or elliptical frame the size you want using the tool tip width and height.
- Draw from the center. Hold down Alt (Win) or Option (Mac) as you drag.
- Constrain to Square or Circle. Hold down Shift as you drag.
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Did You Know?
You can show or hide frame edges. Click the View menu, point to Extras, and then click Show Frame Edges or Hide Frame Edges.
Create a Polygon Shape
Double-click the Polygon or Polygon Frame tool on the Tools panel.
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Enter a Number of Sides value for the polygon.
Leave the Star Inset value at 0% to create a polygon.
Click OK.
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Drag to create a polygon frame box the size you want using the tool tip width and height.
- As you drag, press the Up or Down arrow keys to increase or decrease the number of sides.
- Use the Alt (Win) or Option (Mac) key as you drag to draw from center, or the Shift key to draw a proportional shape.
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Create a Star Shape
Double-click the Polygon or Polygon Frame tool on the Tools panel.
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Enter a Number of Sides value for the star.
Enter a Star Inset value. The higher the amount, the sharper the points.
Click OK.
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Drag to create a star frame box the size that you want using the tool tip width and height.
- As you drag, press the Up or Down arrow keys to increase or decrease the number of sides.
- Use the Alt (Win) or Option (Mac) key as you drag to draw from center, or the Shift key to draw a proportional shape.
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