Macromedia FreeHand - Using the perspective grid to simulate three-dimensional objects and text : Using the perspective grid more effectively

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Using the perspective grid more effectively

Using the perspective grid, you can flip objects, return objects to their original state, detach them from the grid, and resize them. You can also snap bitmap objects and text attached to a path to the perspective grid. The following procedures will help you use the perspective grid more effectively.

To flip an object on the grid while dragging it with the Perspective tool:

	Press the Spacebar.
	Objects on the vertical grid flip horizontally. Objects on the horizontal grid flip vertically.

To return a selected object to its original state:

	Choose Edit > Undo Perspective.
	Choose View > Perspective Grid > Remove Perspective.

To detach a selected object from the grid but retain its new perspective, do one of the following:

	Move the object with the Pointer tool.
	Nudge the object with the arrow keys.
	Choose View > Perspective Grid > Release with Perspective.

To resize an object as you snap it to the Perspective Grid:

1	Select the object with the Perspective tool.
2	Move the object into place on the grid and press the desired arrow key to snap it to the grid.
3	Before releasing the mouse button, press the corresponding number key:
	1 reduces the object by one pixel in both the x and y directions.
	2 enlarges the object by one pixel in both the x and y directions.
	3 reduces the object by one pixel in the x direction.
	4 enlarges the object by one pixel in the x direction.
	5 reduces the object by one pixel in the y direction.
	6 enlarges the object by one pixel in the y direction.
4	Release the mouse button.

To attach a bitmap to the perspective grid:

1	Auto trace and group the bitmap.
	For information on auto-tracing and grouping, see the Using FreeHand manual.
2	Attach the bitmap to the perspective grid.

To snap text attached to a path to the perspective grid:

1	Choose Text > Convert to paths to convert the text to paths. The converted paths are selected.
2	Choose Modify > Group to group them.