Copyright: Copyright © Dr J. Maddock 1995


Contents

Introduction

How To...

Menu Structure

Button Bars

About DrawMe 1.0


Contents_1
Contents

Introduction

How To...

Menu Structure

File

Edit

View

Objects

Tools

Help

Button Bars

About DrawMe 1.0


Contents_2
Contents

Introduction

How To...

Draw a line or arrow...

Draw a square, rectangle or round rectangle...

Draw a circle or ellipse...

Draw a polygon or polyline...

Draw a Bezier curve...

Create a text frame...

Create an embedded or linked object

Select objects for editing...

Stretch, resize, rotate or shear objects...

Flip or invert objects...

Align objects...

Group objects

Set the page set-up...

Export DrawMe drawings to other programs

Menu Structure

Button Bars

About DrawMe 1.0


Introduction
Introduction to DrawMe 1.0

Welcome to DrawMe version 1.0.  This drawing program is freeware (yes really!) and is designed to provide a simple means for creating diagrams and illustrations to scale.

As well as all the usual drawing tools (including Bezier curves), DrawMe provides a range of tools for editing objects.  For example objects can be stretched, rotated, sheared, flipped, inverted, grouped or aligned with one another.  DrawMe will act as an OLE server and as an OLE client (to OLE version 1), this makes it easy to embed or link bitmaps and other objects within a DrawMe drawing, and the resultant drawing can in turn be embedded into your word processor or DTP software.  DrawMe also provides context sensitive mouse menus - click on the right mouse button to access these.

I hope you find DrawMe a useful addition to your hard disk, most of the features of the program should be self explanatory and not require reference to the on-line help, none the less its there if you need it - after all most programs have their quirks (or is it their authors that have the quirks?) - and DrawMe is no exception.

This program is under continuing development, if there is something you would like to see in it, or if you find a bug (feature?) that doesn't work as it should please let me know.  See About DrawMe 1.0.


Button Bars

There are three button bars / tool bars in the DrawMe interface, these can be aligned along the top of the screen, down the left hand side or, free floating.

Changing the setup:	To temporarily change the screen setup, click on the toolbar background with the right mouse button, a popup menu will appear, select either arrange top, arrange left or free floating depending upon where you would like the tool bars to appear.  To change the default screen appearance, select 'Preferences' from the file menu and change the 'Toolbar Position' radio box selection to that required.  See Preferences Dialog.

Each of the three button bars has a slightly different function:

1	The main button bar contains frequently used menu items.

2	The toolbar contains the drawing tools, the appearance of the bitmaps change depending upon whether the closed objects will be filled or transparent when created.  The illustration below shows how the toolbar will appear when the shapes will be filled.

3	The colour and styles bar contains drop-down combo boxes from which the line and fill colours and styles are selected.  If '-none-' is selected in the fill style combo box then any solid shapes drawn will be transparent, otherwise they will be filled with the current colour/pattern combination.  The colours used in these combo boxes will change to reflect the current paper colour and the selections made in the line and fill combo boxes, this allows you to preview how the current selections will appear on the page before starting drawing.


About DrawMe
About DrawMe 1.0

DrawMe version 1.0 is FreeWare, you may use it for an unlimited period without charge and may distribute this version of DrawMe to your friends etc.  The only limitations to this are as follows:

1	Bulletin Boards and commercial ShareWare Distributors:  please let me know that you are distributing DrawMe so that I can let you have more up to date versions as they become available.

2	DrawMe may not be distributed on a magazine cover disk, or as part of a book or commercial software product without the prior notification of the author, at the address shown below.

***

Techi-stuff

DrawMe was written using Borland's Turbo C++.

***

Bugs and Technical Support

Since DrawMe is free, you can't expect a professional Technical Support hot-line, however if you have an intractable problem which you can't solve by reference to the help file then feel free to drop me a line and I will try to get back to you as soon as I can.  Please include as much detail about the nature of the problem and your Windows setup as you can as this should help me to track down the problem.

If you discover a bug in DrawMe please let me know, after all if you don't nothing will ever get fixed!

Happy Drawing!

Contact Address:

email: 101603.1671@compuserve.com


How To Draw a Line or Arrow
How To... 1 of 14

Draw a Line or Arrow

Lines and arrows are drawn in a similar manner and so are dealt with together here.

1	Select either the line tool or the arrow tool from the tool bar.  When over the drawing area the cursor will change to a cross-hair.

2	Select the desired Line Colour and Line Style and Width from the options available in the combo boxes on the colour and style bar, if you want to draw an arrow with a solid head, then make sure that the Fill style is set to '-Solid-', otherwise set the fill style to '-None-' for an open arrowhead.

3	Position the cursor where you want the line or arrow to start, use the coordinates displayed on the status bar to aid cursor positioning if necessary.

4	Click down with the left mouse button and drag with the mouse until the other end of the line is where you require it to be, then release the mouse button.

Note:	When drawing an arrow, the arrow head appears on the end of the arrow drawn last, or the end which was last selected for editing.


How To Draw a Square, Rectangle or Round Rectangle
How To... 2 of 14

Draw a Square, Rectangle or Round Rectangle

Squares, rectangles and round rectangles are drawn in a similar manner and so are dealt with together here.

1	Select either the square, rectangle or round rectangle tool from the tool bar.  When over the drawing area the cursor will change to a cross-hair.

2	Select the desired Line Colour and Line Style and Width from the options available in the combo boxes on the colour and style bar.  If you want to create a transparent object then set the fill style to '-None-', to create an object that is filled with the selected Fill Colour set the fill style '-Solid-', otherwise choose one of the predefined fill patterns, note how the fill pattern will be a combination of the selected Line and Fill Colours.

3	Position the cursor where you want the object to start, use the coordinates displayed on the status bar to aid cursor positioning if necessary.

4	Click down with the left mouse button and drag with the mouse until the other end of the square or rectangle is where you require it to be, then release the mouse button.

Note:	These three objects are treated as the same thing by DrawMe; the Square, Rectangle and Round Rectangle Tools simply constrain the way in which drawing is carried out in order to produce the desired shape.


How To Draw a Circle or Ellipse
How To... 3 of 14

Draw a Circle or Ellipse

Circles and Ellipses are drawn in a similar manner and so are dealt with together here.

1	Select either the circle or ellipse tool from the tool bar.  When over the drawing area the cursor will change to a cross-hair.

2	Select the desired Line Colour and Line Style and Width from the options available in the combo boxes on the colour and style bar.  If you want to create a transparent object then set the fill style to '-None-', to create an object that is filled with the selected Fill Colour set the fill style to '-Solid-', otherwise choose one of the predefined fill patterns, note how the fill pattern will be a combination of the selected Line and Fill Colours.

3	Position the cursor where you want the object to start, use the coordinates displayed on the status bar to aid cursor positioning if necessary.

4	Click down with the left mouse button and drag with the mouse until the other end of the circle or ellipse is where you require it to be, then release the mouse button.

Note:	These two objects are treated as the same thing by DrawMe; the Circle and Ellipse Tools simply constrain the way in which drawing is carried out in order to produce the desired shape.


How To Draw a Polygon or Polyline
How To... 4 of 14

Draw a Polygon or Polyline

Polygons and Polylines are drawn in a similar manner and so are dealt with together here.

1	Select either the Polygon or Polyline tool from the tool bar.  When over the drawing area the cursor will change to a cross-hair.

2	Select the desired Line Colour and Line Style and Width from the options available in the combo boxes on the colour and style bar.  If you want to create a transparent polygon then set the fill style to '-None-', to create a polygon that is filled with the selected Fill Colour set the fill style to '-Solid-', otherwise choose one of the predefined fill patterns, note how the fill pattern will be a combination of the selected Line and Fill Colours.

3	Position the cursor where you want the object to start, use the coordinates displayed on the status bar to aid cursor positioning if necessary.

4	Click down and release with the left mouse button.  Move the cursor to where you want the next point in the polygon or polyline to appear and click the left mouse button again, continue in this fashion until the cursor is positioned where you want the final point in the polygon or polyline to appear and then double click with the left mouse button to add the final point and finish drawing.


How To Draw a Bezier Curve
How To... 5 of 14

Draw a Bezier curve

Bezier curves are drawn in a similar manner to polygons and polylines.

1	Select the Bezier curve tool from the tool bar.  When over the drawing area the cursor will change to a cross-hair.

2	Select the desired Line Colour and Line Style and Width from the options available in the combo boxes on the colour and style bar.

3	Position the cursor where you want the curve to start, use the coordinates displayed on the status bar to aid cursor positioning if necessary.

4	Click down and release with the left mouse button.  Move the cursor to where you want the next control point in the Bezier curve to appear and click the left mouse button again, continue in this fashion until the cursor is positioned where you want the final point in the curve to appear and then double click with the left mouse button to add the final point and finish drawing.


How To Create a Text Frame
How To... 6 of 14

Create a text frame

1	Select the text tool from the tool bar.  When over the drawing area the cursor will change to a cross-hair.

2	Select the desired Line Colour from the options available in the combo box on the colour and style bar, this will determine the text colour.

3	Position the cursor where you want the text frame to start, use the coordinates displayed on the status bar to aid cursor positioning if necessary.

4	Click down with the left mouse button, drag with the mouse to draw out a new text frame and then release the left mouse button.  An 'Edit Text' dialog box will now appear, fill in the text that you desire and select the font and text alignment.  Choose OK to close the dialog and return to the drawing.


How To Create An Embedded or Linked Object.
How To... 7 of 14

Create an Embedded or Linked Object

DrawMe will act as an OLE client to OLE server applications, items such as bitmaps can therefore be included in DrawMe drawings even though DrawMe does not itself know how to handle these types of files.  Embedded or linked objects can be created in one of three ways:

1	Choose 'Insert Object' from the Objects Menu.  A list of the available servers on your system will appear, select the server that you require from this list to create an embedded object of that type.  Of course you will have to use the server to draw the object that you require before returning to DrawMe.

2	Choose 'Insert File' from the Objects Menu.  A standard file open dialog box will appear from which you can choose the file you wish to embed or create a link to.  The next dialog to appear will present you with a list of server applications to choose from, and options for either embedding the file or creating a link to it.  You will normally accept the default server application presented in this dialog, however you can override the default if you wish: for example bitmaps can be handled by a variety of applications, and although the default file association may be fine you may wish to override it and choose Paintbrush Pro or Photoshop as the server rather than Windows PaintBrush.  Note that if you choose to insert a native DrawMe file then the contents are inserted directly into the current drawing and an OLE object is not created.

3	Pick a file from the file manager and drag and drop it onto the DrawMe Window.  This is equivalent to choosing a file from the file open dialog, after choosing 'Insert File' from the objects menu, and the same comments apply.


How To Select Objects.
How To... 8 of 14

Select Objects for Editing

Use the selection tool to select existing objects.  This tool can be used in a number of ways:

1	Place the cursor over the object you want to select and double click with the left mouse button.  If more than one object is at that position on the page, then the object selected will be the 'topmost' one, this is the object most recently drawn or selected at that position.

2	Place the cursor over the object you want to select and double click with the left mouse button while holding down the control key.  If more than one object is at that position on the page, then the object selected will be the 'bottommost' one, this is the object first drawn at that position.

3	To select more than one object, double click on each one in turn while holding down the shift key.

4	To select all the objects in a given region, click with the left mouse button and drag with the mouse to draw out a rectangular area.  All the objects within the area will be selected.

5	To select all the objects on the page choose 'Select All' from the edit menu.

Note:	Once selected, an object moves to the 'topmost' position on the page, when editing is complete click outside the selected object to deselect it, or choose 'Push to Back' from the edit menu to deselect the object and push it to the 'bottommost' position on the page.

How to Edit a Selected Object With the Mouse

Once one or more objects have been selected they can be edited with the mouse or changed by the various menu options.  When the cursor is moved over a selected object the cursor will change to a hand indicating that it can be moved.  To move the object click down with the left mouse button when you see the hand cursor and drag the object with the mouse to a new position.  In addition to moving the object a number of editing handles will appear when an object is selected, note how the cursor changes to reflect the handles purpose when it is moved over it.  A typical appearance of a selected object and the purpose of the editing handles is shown below:

To use one of these handles simply left click on the handle and drag it to a new position while watching the object change before your eyes!  Note that objects that can not in themselves be rotated or sheared (text objects and embedded objects) do not display handles for these purposes.

Lines, Arrows, Polylines, Polygons and Bezier Curves appear slightly differently when selected.  Instead of displaying handles for stretching and rotating etc., these objects display handles for moving the individual points that make up the object, simply click and drag one of the points to a new position to change the object.  These objects can still be stretched, rotated or sheared by using the appropriate menu options.  For example a Bezier curve will appear as follows when selected:


How To Stretch, Resize, Rotate or Shear Objects.
How To... 9 of 14

Stretch, Resize, Rotate or Shear Objects

These four transformations are available both from the tools menu and from appropriate 'handles' on the selected object.  To perform these transformations with the mouse simply select the object or objects that you require and then click and drag on the appropriate handle:

To stretch or resize the object, choose 'stretch' from the tools menu and then enter the amount to stretch by (100% = no change) and the direction of the stretch (horizontally, vertically, or both).

To rotate an object, choose 'rotate' form the tools menu and enter the amount of rotation (in degrees) and whether to rotate clockwise or anticlockwise.

To shear an object, choose 'shear' from the tools menu and enter the amount of shear (between -90 and +90 degrees).  Positive values shear the top of the object to the right.


How To Flip or Invert Objects.
How To... 10 of 14

Flip or Invert Objects

The flip and invert options are available from the tools menu, these options transform the currently selected objects.  For example:


How To Align Objects.
How To... 11 of 14

Align Objects

The alignment options are available from the tools menu, use these to align several objects together, the effects of the various options are shown below:


How To Group Objects.
How To... 12 of 14

Group Objects

Grouped objects behave as a single object, and are selected and edited 'as one'.

To create a group:	Select the objects to be grouped together and choose 'Group' from the tools menu.

To Ungroup a group	Select the grouped object to be ungrouped and choose 'Ungroup' from the tools menu.  Each object in the original group can now be edited individually as before.


How To Export DrawMe Drawings to Other Applications.
How To... 13 of 14

How to Export DrawMe Drawings to Other Applications

DrawMe drawings can be exported to other applications in one of two ways; as a Windows Metafile or via the Clipboard.

To export as a Metafile:

Choose 'Save As' from the file menu, from the file type combo-box choose 'Windows Metafile', enter the desired file name and choose OK.

To export via the clipboard:

This is the most versatile method for including DrawMe Drawings in other applications because DrawMe will act as an OLE server for an OLE client application.

1	Select the part of the drawing to be copied.

2	Choose 'Copy' from the Edit menu.

3	In the destination application choose Paste or Paste Link.

Note:	Links to DrawMe drawings are links to a specific area of the drawing and not to specific objects in the drawing.  Applications that allow the user to edit the name of a linked object  may change the name used and hence the area of the drawing that the link copies.  The syntax for link object names is "R x1:y1:x2:y2", where x1:y1 is the coordinate of the upper left hand corner of the bounding rectangle and x2:y2 the coordinate of the lower right hand corner.  All coordinates are in tenths of a millimetre relative to the top left hand corner of the page, for example R 0:0:2100:2960 would link to the whole of an A4 page.


How To Set The Page Setup.
How To... 14 of 14

Set The Page Setup

This topic describes miscellaneous options that affect the page setup and appearance.

1	File./.Preferences:  Choose 'Preferences' from the file menu to change the default page size and colour, and to select the default toolbar position.  Options changed here alter the appearance of DrawMe when first started up, as well as the current document and any new documents created.  This option can also be used to set the default measurement unit (millimetres or inches) and whether or not a background grid is to be displayed on the page.

2	Tools./.Measurements:  Options under this sub-menu make temporary changes to the appearance of the document.  For example you can set the current measurement unit to either millimetres or inches, and set the current offset from which all positions are measured.  You can also turn on or off a background grid to aid the visual positioning of objects.


Tools Menu

The following items are available from the Tools Menu:

Menu Item	Short cut Key

Flip Horizontal

Flip Vertical

Invert

Rotate... 	Control + R

Shear...

Stretch...

Arrange -

Left Edges	Control + Left Cursor Key

Right Edges	Control + right Cursor Key

Left/Right Centres

Top Edges	Control + Up Cursor Key

Bottom Edges	Control + Down Cursor Key

Top/Bottom Centres

Measurements -

Inches

Millimetres

Show Grid

Set Offset

Reset Offset

Group	Control + G

Ungroup


Tools./.Flip Horizontal

Selecting this option flips the selected objects about the x-axis.

For example:

See also Flip Vertical, Invert.


Tools./.Flip Vertical

Selecting this option flips the selecting objects about the y-axis.

For example:

See also Flip Horizontal, Invert.


Tools./.Invert

Selecting this option inverts the object about its centre.

For example:

See also Flip Horizontal, Flip Vertical.


Tools./.Rotate

Selecting this option brings up the rotate dialog, enter a the number of degrees to rotate the object by and check either the "rotate clockwise" or the "rotate anticlockwise" options to determine the direction of rotation (if you enter a negative number then the direction of rotation is reversed).

For example:

Objects are rotated about their top left hand corner.

Objects can also be rotated using the mouse, select the rotation handle in the top right hand corner of the editing rectangle and drag with the mouse, see editing with the mouse.


Tools./.Shear

Selecting this option brings up the Shear dialog.  Enter the number of degrees to shear the object by, and choose OK.  Valid entries are between +90 and -90 degrees.  A positive number shears the top of the object to the right, and a negative number shears the top of the object to the left.

For example:


Tools./.Stretch

Selecting this option brings up the Stretch dialog box, enter a scaling value (100% = no change in size) and select the stretch options before choosing OK.

Click on the dialog to see the examples of the options in action:


Stretch Horizontal
The effect of a 150% Horizontal stretch is the following conversion:


Stretch Vertical
The effect of a 150% Vertical stretch is the following conversion:


Resize
The effect of a 150% resize is the following convertion:


Scale
Enter the amount by which to stretch or compress the object here.  Values of less than 100% will shrink the object, and values greater than 100% will enlarge the object.


Tools./.Arrange./.Left Edges

Selecting this option arranges the selected objects so that their left hand edges are all aligned.  The leftmost item remains stationary, and the other objects are translated to the left to align the edges.

For example:

See also: Arrange Right Edges, Arrange Left/Right Centres.


Tools./.Arrange./.Right Edges

Selecting this option arranges the selected objects so that their right hand edges are all aligned.  The rightmost item remains stationary, and the other objects are translated to the right to align the edges.

For example:

See also: Arrange Left Edges, Arrange Left/Right Centres.


Tools./.Arrange./.Left/Right Centres

Selecting this option arranges the selected objects so that they are centred horizontally.  The objects are moved horizontally so that they are centred about their collective mid-point.

For example:

See also: Arrange Left Edges, Arrange Right Edges.


Tools./.Arrange./.Top Edges

Selecting this option arranges the selected objects so that their top edges are all aligned.  The topmost item remains stationary, and the other objects are translated up the page to align the edges.

For example:

See also: Arrange Bottom Edges, Arrange Top/Bottom Centres.


Tools./.Arrange./.Bottom Edges

Selecting this option arranges the selected objects so that their bottom edges are all aligned.  The lowermost item remains stationary, and the other objects are translated down the page to align the edges.

For example:

See also: Arrange Top Edges, Arrange Top/Bottom Centres.


Tools./.Arrange./.Top/Bottom Centres

Selecting this option arranges the selected objects so that they are centred vertically.  The objects are moved up or down the page so that they are centred about their collective mid-point.

For example

See also: Arrange Top Edges, Arrange Bottom Edges.


Tools./.Measurements./.Inches

Selecting this option sets the current measurement mode to inches, a check mark will appear next to the menu item if this is already the case.  Selecting this option does not change the default measurement unit - only that used for the current document - to change the default, choose Preferences from the file menu.

The measurement unit is used to display the mouse position on the status bar, and to indicate coordinates in "Properties" dialog boxes.  Inches are given to 3 decimal places (100th of one Inch).


Tools./.Measurements./.Millimetres

Selecting this option sets the current measurement mode to millimetres, a check mark will appear next to the menu item if this is already the case.  Selecting this option does not change the default measurement unit - only that used for the current document - to change the default, choose Preferences from the file menu.

The measurement unit is used to display the mouse position on the status bar, and to indicate coordinates in "Properties" dialog boxes.  Millimetres are given to 1 decimal place (0.1 millimetres).


Tools./.Measurements./.Show Grid

Selecting this option causes DrawMe to display a background grid on the drawing area, this can be a useful aid to aligning objects on the page.

The size of the grid is 10mm square or 0.5" square depending upon the current measurement unit.

The grid itself is displayed either as a pale red or pale blue dotted line, the colour used is adjusted so that it is visible on the page's background colour.


Tools./.Measurements./.Set Offset

Selecting this option allows the user to set the position on the page from which all coordinates are measured.  The coordinates displayed for the mouse are always relative to the offset position, which is displayed on the right hand side of the status bar.  Properties dialogs can display either absolute or relative coordinates at any time.

To set the offset:

Choose Set Offset from the menu.  The cursor will change to a `crosshair and target'.

Move the mouse to the position at which you want the new  offset to be placed, scrolling the window if necessary.  Click with the left mouse button, the offset will now be set, and the cursor will return to its original shape.

The position of the offset on the page is marked by a pale red or pale blue cross, the colour used is adjusted so that the cross is visible on the background colour.

See Also: Reset Offset.


Tools./.Measurements./.Reset Offset

Selecting this option resets the offset to the top left hand corner of the page.

See Also: Set Offset.


Tools./.Group

Selecting this option groups the selected objects together, a group of objects behave as though they were a single object, and can be selected and edited `as one'.

The short cut for this menu option is Control + G.

Use Ungroup to undo a group command so that the objects can be edited individually once again.


Tools./.Ungroup

Selecting this command converts a group object back into its original objects so that they can be edited individually.  This command is only available when a group object is the only object selected.


OK
Selecting this option closes the dialog box and accepts all the values entered in the dialog.


Cancel
Selecting this button closes the dialog without accepting any changes.


Help Button
Choose this button to obtain help on the dialog.


Line Style
Click on this drop down dialog to display a list of line styles, the line style can be either solid or one of a range of dashes and dots.  Note that for any line style other than solid, the line width will be one pixel, rather than the value selected in the line width combo box.


Line Width
Click on this drop down dialog to display the range of possible line widths, the values are in half point sizes from 0.5pt to 4.5pt.  Note that this combo box has no effect unless the selected line style is `solid'.


Line Colour
Click on this drop down combo box to display a list of possible line colours.  The user will need to scroll down the list to view all the possible colours.


Fill Colour
Click on this drop down combo box to display a list of possible fill colours.  The user will need to scroll down the list to view all the possible colours.  Note that this combo box has no effect if the fill style is set to "-None-".


Fill Pattern
Click on this drop down combo box to display a list of possible fill styles.  The user will need to scroll down the list to view all the possible fill patterns.  Selecting "-None-" will mean that the object will not be filled and any objects beneath it will show through.  Selecting "-Plain-" will fill the object with a plain colour.  Fill patterns are made up of a combination of the current Line Colour and Fill Colour.


Absolute Coordinates
This check box determines whether the coordinates displayed in the open dialog box are absolute (relative to the top left hand corner of the page), or relative to the current offset position.  The default is to display absolute coordinates.


Edit Rotation
Enter the desired degree of rotation of the object here.  The value must be entered in degrees, positive values indicate a clockwise rotation and negative values indicate an anticlockwise value.


Edit Shear
Enter a value here to shear the selected object.  The value entered must be in degrees, valid entries are between +90 and -90 degrees.  A positive value will shear the top of the object to the right, and a negative value will shear the top of the object to the left.


Fill Shape
Check this option to fill the selected object with a solid colour.  Use the `Fill Colour' drop down combo box to select which colour is used to fill the object.  If this option is not selected then the object is unfilled, and objects beneath it will show through.


Edit Line
Line Properties

The Line Properties dialog is displayed when the user has selected a line to edit with the mouse and then chooses `Properties' from the Edit menu.

Use this dialog to alter the position, colour and style of the selected line.

For more information click on a dialog item:


Edit Line Position
Use these edit boxes to change the position of the two ends of the line.  The terms `From' and `To' are arbitrarily assigned.  When first opened the dialog will display these coordinate relative to the top left hand corner of the page (`absolute coordinates'), and the `Use absolute coordinates' check box will be checked.  To use coordinates relative to the current offset position uncheck this option, the values in the edit boxes will be updated to reflect the change.


Edit Rectangle
Rectangle Properties

The Rectangle Properties dialog is displayed when the user has selected a square, rectangle or round rectangle to edit with the mouse, and then chooses `Properties' from the Edit menu.

Use this dialog to alter the position, colour and style of the selected rectangle.

For more information click on a dialog item:


Rectangle Position
Use these edit boxes to change the position and size of the rectangle.  The x and y coordinates are the position of the top left hand corner of the rectangle, these coordinates along with the width and height are in the current measurement unit (either millimetres or inches).  When first opened the dialog will display these coordinate relative to the top left hand corner of the page (`absolute coordinates'), and the `Use absolute coordinates' check box will be checked.  To use coordinates relative to the current offset position uncheck this option, the values in the edit boxes will be updated to reflect the change.


Round Corners
Check this option to make the rectangle have rounded corners.


Edit Ellipse
Ellipse Properties

The Ellipse Properties dialog is displayed when the user has selected an ellipse or circle to edit with the mouse, and then chooses `Properties' from the Edit menu.

Use this dialog to alter the position, colour and style of the selected ellipse.

For more information click on a dialog item:


Ellipse Position
Use these edit boxes to change the position of the ellipse.  The x and y coordinates are the position of the centre of the ellipse, these coordinates are in the current measurement unit (either millimetres or inches).  When first opened the dialog will display these coordinate relative to the top left hand corner of the page (`absolute coordinates'), and the `Use absolute coordinates' check box will be checked.  To use coordinates relative to the current offset position uncheck this option, the values in the edit boxes will be updated to reflect the change.


Ellipse Size
Enter here the x and y radii of the ellipse.  If these values are the same then a circle is produced.  These measurements are in the current measurement unit (either millimetres or inches).


Edit Polygon
Polygon Properties

The Polygon Properties dialog is displayed when the user has selected a polygon to edit with the mouse, and then chooses `Properties' from the Edit menu.

Use this dialog to alter the position, colour and style of the selected Polygon.

For more information click on a dialog item:


Select Polypoint
This list box displays the position of all the vertices in the polygon, use this list box to select which point to edit.  The coordinates in this list box are in the current measurement unit (either millimetres or inches).  When first opened, the dialog displays all coordinates relative to the top left hand corner of the page (`absolute coordinates'), and the `Use absolute coordinates' check box will be checked.  To use coordinates relative to the current offset position uncheck this option, the values in the list box and edit boxes will be updated to reflect the change.


Edit Polypoint
Use these edit boxes to change the coordinates of the point currently selected in the neighbouring list box.  Any changes will be reflected in the list box when another point is selected for editing.  The coordinates in these edit boxes are in the current measurement unit (either millimetres or inches).  When first opened, the dialog displays all coordinates relative to the top left hand corner of the page (`absolute coordinates'), and the `Use absolute coordinates' check box will be checked.  To use coordinates relative to the current offset position uncheck this option, the values in the list box and edit boxes will be updated to reflect the change.


Edit Poly Line
Poly Line Properties

The Poly Line Properties dialog is displayed when the user has selected a Poly Line to edit with the mouse, and then chooses `Properties' from the Edit menu.

Use this dialog to alter the position, colour and style of the selected Poly Line.

For more information click on a dialog item:


Select Polyline
This list box displays the position of all the vertices in the poly line, use this list box to select which point to edit.  The coordinates in this list box are in the current measurement unit (either millimetres or inches).  When first opened, the dialog displays all coordinates relative to the top left hand corner of the page (`absolute coordinates'), and the `Use absolute coordinates' check box will be checked.  To use coordinates relative to the current offset position uncheck this option, the values in the list box and edit boxes will be updated to reflect the change.


Edit Bezier Curve
Bezier Curve Properties

The Bezier Curve Properties dialog is displayed when the user has selected a bezier curve to edit with the mouse, and then chooses `Properties' from the Edit menu.

Use this dialog to alter the position, colour and style of the selected Polygon.

For more information click on a dialog item:


Select bezier
This list box displays the position of all the control points of a bezier curve, use this list box to select which point to edit.  The coordinates in this list box are in the current measurement unit (either millimetres or inches).  When first opened, the dialog displays all coordinates relative to the top left hand corner of the page (`absolute coordinates'), and the `Use absolute coordinates' check box will be checked.  To use coordinates relative to the current offset position uncheck this option, the values in the list box and edit boxes will be updated to reflect the change.


Edit Group
Group Properties Dialog

The Group Properties dialog is displayed when the user has selected a group object to edit with the mouse, and then chooses `Properties' from the Edit menu.

Use this dialog to alter the position, colour and style of the selected group.

For more information click on a dialog item:


Unify Styles
Select this button to bring up the Unify Styles Dialog, this allows the user to unify colour and styles for all of the selected objects in the current selection.


Unify Styles Dialog

This dialog appears when the user selects the Unify button from either the Group Properties or Selection Properties Dialogs.  use this dialog to `unify' the styles and colours of all the selected objects.

For more information click on a dialog item:


Change Line Styles
When this check box is selected all the line styles of the selected objects will be changed to the style selected in the line style combo box.


Change Line Widths
When this check box is selected all the line widths of the selected objects will be changed to the width selected in the line width combo box.


Change Fill Colours
When this check box is selected all the fill colours of the selected objects will be changed to the colour selected in the fill colour combo box.


Change Fill Patterns
When this check box is selected all the fill patterns of the selected objects will be changed to the pattern selected in the fill pattern combo box.


Change Line Colours
When this check box is selected all the line colours of the selected objects will be changed to the colour selected in the line colour combo box.


Edit Position
Use these edit boxes to change the position and size of the selected objects.  The x and y coordinates are the position of the top left hand corner of the objects, these coordinates along with the width and height are in the current measurement unit (either millimetres or inches).  When first opened the dialog will display these coordinate relative to the top left hand corner of the page (`absolute coordinates'), and the `Use absolute coordinates' check box will be checked.  To use coordinates relative to the current offset position uncheck this option, the values in the edit boxes will be updated to reflect the change.


Edit Selection
Selection Properties Dialog

The Selection Properties dialog is displayed when the user has selected more than one object to edit with the mouse, and then chooses `Properties' from the Edit menu.

Use this dialog to alter the position, colour and style of the selected objects.

For more information click on a dialog item:


Edit Arrow
Arrow Properties Dialog

The Arrow Properties dialog is displayed when the user has selected an arrow to edit with the mouse, and then chooses `Properties' from the Edit menu.

Use this dialog to alter the position, colour and style of the arrow.

For more information click on a dialog item:


Edit Arrow Position
Use these edit boxes to change the position of the two ends of the arrow.  The head of the arrow will always be drawn at the "To" position.  When first opened the dialog will display these coordinate relative to the top left hand corner of the page (`absolute coordinates'), and the `Use absolute coordinates' check box will be checked.  To use coordinates relative to the current offset position uncheck this option, the values in the edit boxes will be updated to reflect the change.


Arrow Head
Check this dialog box if you want the arrow to have a solid arrow head.


Edit Text
Text Properties Dialog

The Text Properties dialog is displayed when the user has selected text to edit with the mouse, and then chooses `Properties' from the Edit menu, or when a new text frame is dragged out ready for text entry.

Use this dialog to alter the position, colour and style of the text, as well as its content.

For more information click on a dialog item:


Edit Text Position
Use these edit boxes to change the position and size of the selected text.  When first opened the dialog will display these coordinate relative to the top left hand corner of the page (`absolute coordinates'), and the `Use absolute coordinates' check box will be checked.  To use coordinates relative to the current offset position uncheck this option, the values in the edit boxes will be updated to reflect the change.


Text Alignment
Use these radio buttons to choose whether the text will be justified to the left, right or centre of the text frame.


Text Font
Select this button to bring up the standard font dialog box to select a font, size and style.


Text Colour
Use this drop down combo-box to pick the desired text colour.


Text Info
Displayed here will be information about the currently selected font and any styles applied to it.


Edit OLE Object
OLE Object Properties Dialog

The OLE Object Properties dialog is displayed when the user has selected an OLE Object to edit with the mouse, and then chooses `Properties' from the Edit menu.

Use this dialog to alter the position of the object or to start its server program.

For more information click on a dialog item:


Edit OLE Object Position
Use these edit boxes to change the position and size of the selected object.  When first opened the dialog will display these coordinate relative to the top left hand corner of the page (`absolute coordinates'), and the `Use absolute coordinates' check box will be checked.  To use coordinates relative to the current offset position uncheck this option, the values in the edit boxes will be updated to reflect the change.


OLE Info
Displayed here is information about the selected object, including which server created it, whether it is a linked, embedded or static object, and what its original size was.


OLE Edit
Select this button to edit the OLE object.  The server application will be started for this purpose.


OLE Activate
Select this button to activate the OLE Object, for example choosing activate for a sound clip, will result in the clip being played.


OK_1
Selecting this option closes the dialog box and accepts all the values entered in the dialog.


Cancel_1
Selecting this button closes the dialog without accepting any changes.


Help Button_1
Choose this button to obtain help on the dialog.


Line Style_1
Click on this drop down dialog to display a list of line styles, the line style can be either solid or one of a range of dashes and dots.  Note that for any line style other than solid, the line width will be one pixel, rather than the value selected in the line width combo box.


Line Width_1
Click on this drop down dialog to display the range of possible line widths, the values are in half point sizes from 0.5pt to 4.5pt.  Note that this combo box has no effect unless the selected line style is `solid'.


Line Colour_1
Click on this drop down combo box to display a list of possible line colours.  The user will need to scroll down the list to view all the possible colours.


Fill Colour_1
Click on this drop down combo box to display a list of possible fill colours.  The user will need to scroll down the list to view all the possible colours.  Note that this combo box has no effect if the fill style is set to "-None-".


Fill Pattern_1
Click on this drop down combo box to display a list of possible fill styles.  The user will need to scroll down the list to view all the possible fill patterns.  Selecting "-None-" will mean that the object will not be filled and any objects beneath it will show through.  Selecting "-Plain-" will fill the object with a plain colour.  Fill patterns are made up of a combination of the current Line Colour and Fill Colour.


Absolute Coordinates_1
This check box determines whether the coordinates displayed in the open dialog box are absolute (relative to the top left hand corner of the page), or relative to the current offset position.  The default is to display absolute coordinates.


Edit Rotation_1
Enter the desired degree of rotation of the object here.  The value must be entered in degrees, positive values indicate a clockwise rotation and negative values indicate an anticlockwise value.


Edit Shear_1
Enter a value here to shear the selected object.  The value entered must be in degrees, valid entries are between +90 and -90 degrees.  A positive value will shear the top of the object to the right, and a negative value will shear the top of the object to the left.


Fill Shape_1
Check this option to fill the selected object with a solid colour.  Use the `Fill Colour' drop down combo box to select which colour is used to fill the object.  If this option is not selected then the object is unfilled, and objects beneath it will show through.


Menu Structure

The following are available on the main menu bar:

File

Edit

View

Objects

Tools

Help

DrawMe also supports context sensitive mouse menus activated by the right mouse button.


File Menu

The following items are available from the file menu:

Item	Short cut	ButtonBar Icon

New	Ctrl + N

Open	Ctrl + O

Save	Ctrl + S

SaveAs

Print	Ctrl + P

Print Setup

Preferences

Exit	Alt + F4


File./.New

Select this menu option to quit editing the existing file and start a new file.

The short cut for this menu item is control + N.


 File./.Open

Open a new file.

Currently only native DrawMe files can be opened (*.M2D).

The short cut for this menu item is Control + O.


 File./.Save

Save the current file.

If the current file has not been named then you will be prompted for a name before saving.  Use this option to save the file in native DrawMe (*.M2D) format.  This option will be greyed out if the file has not been changed and does not need saving.

The short cut for this menu item is Control + S.


File./.SaveAs

Select this option to save the file under a new name.

As well as native DrawMe format, this option may also be used to save the file as a windows metafile (*.WMF).


 File./.Print

Select this option to print the currently open file.

The short cut for this option is Control + P.

If the drawing area is larger than the page size, then DrawMe will automatically spread the drawing over multiple pages.  This makes it possible to print out an A3 diagram on several A4 sheets for example.

There are a few points to bear in mind when using this feature:

DrawMe will automatically suppress blank sheets to the right and bottom of the drawing area.  The user should position the drawing relative to the top left hand corner of the page to ensure that the printed diagram is in the desired position.

When the drawing is spanned over more than one sheet of paper, a small section will overlap on each printed sheet, the position of the overlap is indicated by crop-marks on the page edges.

The amount of space on each page that can be used is less than its total area.  This is because almost all printers have an area around the edge of the page that they are unable to print on.  The printable area is also reduced by the overlap of adjacent pages.  This means that a diagram may print out over more pages than you would expect, for example an A3 diagram will require more than two A4 sheets to print out on, unless there is a generous margin along the right hand and bottom edges of the paper area.


File./.Print Setup

Select this option to configure your printer for use.


File./.Exit

Select this option to exit DrawMe 1.0.

The short cut for this option is Alt + F4.


File./.Preferences

Select this option to set up the application's preferences (these are stored in drawme.ini).

On selecting this option the user is presented with the preferences dialog, this sets the current drawing size, background colour, measurement units, and toolbar position:

For more information, clip on a dialog item:


Drawing Width
Enter here the default drawing width, this will affect the current file, and any new files that you create, but will have no effect on files you have already created.  There is no need for the drawing width to have any relation to the actual paper size in your printer, as DrawMe can span a drawing over several sheets of paper when necessary (see File./.Print).  Drawing width is measured in millimetres.


Drawing Height
Enter here the default drawing height, this will effect the current file, and any new files that you create, but will have no effect on files you have already created.  There is no need for the drawing height to have any relation to the actual paper size in your printer, as DrawMe can span a drawing over several sheets of paper when necessary (see File./.Print).  Drawing height is measured in millimetres.


Background Colour
Use this combo-box to select the desired background colour for the current drawing and any new drawings subsequently created.


Measurement Units
This option selects the measurement units used by DrawMe.  These are used to display the mouse coordinates on the status bar, and object dimensions in dialog boxes.  The user can select either millimetres or inches for this option.


Grid
When checked, DrawMe displays a background grid on the drawing area.  The grid uses 10mm or 0.5" squares depending upon the current measurement unit.  This option is sometimes useful for aligning objects on the page.


Toolbar Position
Use this option to select the position where the toolbars are displayed on the screen.  This can be along the top of the window, down the left hand side of the window, or as free floating toolbars.


Edit Menu

The following items are available from the Edit Menu:

Menu Item	Short Cut Key	Button Bar Icon

Properties	Control + E

Undo	Control + U

Cut	Control + X

Copy	Control + C

Paste	Control + U

Paste Link

Delete	Del

Duplicate	Control + D

Select All	Control + A

Push To Back


Edit./.Edit
Edit./.Properties

This option is only available when one or more items have been selected for editing, it enables the user to alter the position, size, style, and colour of the selected object(s) via an Properties dialog.

See:	Line Properties Dialog

Rectangle Properties Dialog

Ellipse Properties Dialog

Polygon Properties Dialog

Poly Line Properties Dialog

Bezier Curve Properties Dialog

Text Properties Dialog

Arrow Properties Dialog

Group Properties Dialog

Selection Properties Dialog

OLE Object Properties Dialog

The short cut for this option is Control + E.


Edit./.Undo

Select this option to undo the last action, DrawMe 1.0 currently supports one level of undo only.

The short cut for this option is Control + U.


Edit./.Cut

This option cuts the currently selected object(s) to the clipboard, it is greyed if no objects are currently selected.  As well as its native clipboard format, DrawMe places metafile and bitmap representations of the selection on the clipboard for use by other applications.

The short cut for this option is Control + X.


 Edit./.Copy

This option copies the currently selected object(s) to the clipboard, it is greyed if no objects are currently selected.  As well as its native clipboard format, DrawMe places metafile and bitmap representations of the selection on the clipboard for use by other applications.

The short cut for this option is Control + C.


 Edit./.Paste

If there is an object on the clipboard that DrawMe can access, then it is pasted into the drawing area and becomes the currently selected object.  DrawMe 1.0 only supports its own clipboard format directly, objects from other applications can still be accessed via the "magic" of OLE: either if they support OLE directly, or if they place a bitmap or metafile representation of their data on the clipboard.

The short cut for this option is Control + V.


Edit./.Paste Link

This option is only available if an OLE server has placed an OLE object on the clipboard.  Selecting this option pastes a link to the original file from which the clipboard data originates.  This means that the data is not stored within the DrawMe file (as it would be for an embedded object) but instead a link to original file is stored.  The object can be activated as normal, it can also be edited by the application that created it directly, and the changes are still reflected in the DrawMe file.

See also:	Objects Menu, Objects./.Links.


Edit./.Delete

Selecting this option deletes the currently selected object(s), they can be recovered afterwards (if you make a mistake!) by using Undo.

The short cut for this option is the Delete key.


Edit./.Duplicate

Selecting this option creates an exact duplicate of the selected object(s), the duplicate is automatically selected ready for editing.

The short cut for this option is Control + D.


Edit./.Select All

Selecting this option selects all the objects in the current file ready for editing.

The short cut for this menu item is Control + A.


Edit./.Push To Back

Selecting this option pushes the currently selected object(s) to the back.  This means that any other objects in the same position on the page will be drawn on top of those pushed to the back.


View Menu

The following items are available from the View Menu:

Menu Item	Short cut Key	Button Bar Icon

400%

200%

100%

50%

33%

Zoom In	Control + + (The "Plus" key)

Zoom Out	Control + - (The"Minus" key)

View Clipboard..


 View./.400%

Selecting this option sets the current view scale to 400% of actual size.


 View./.200%

Selecting this option sets the current view scale to 200% of actual size.


 View./.100%

Selecting this option sets the current view scale to 100% of actual size.

DrawMe does not change the scale according to the current video mode as do some applications, instead setting the view scale to 100% means just that - actual size no matter what video mode your PC uses.  As a consequence of this DrawMe drawings that are cut and pasted into other applications may display slightly larger on the screen than expected, they will of course, still print at the correct size.

If you have problems with DrawMe not displaying drawings at actual size then check that your Video BIOS and display driver are correctly set up for your monitor size and type.


 View./.50%

Selecting this option sets the current view scale to 50% of actual size.


 View./.33%

Selecting this option sets the current view scale to 33% of actual size.


View./.Zoom In

Selecting this option increases the current view scaling to the next zoom level, e.g. from 100% to 200%.

The short cut for this menu item is Control + + ( That's the Control key along with either of the "+" keys ).


View./.Zoom Out

Selecting this option decreases the current view scaling to the next zoom level, e.g. from 200% to 100%.

The short cut for this menu item is Control + - ( That's the Control key along with either of the "-" keys ).


View./.View Clipboard
View./.View Clipboard...

Selecting this option activates the clipboard viewer ( part of the Windows 3.1 operating system ) so that you can see what objects are currently on the clipboard.

View Clipboard Now


Objects Menu

The following items are available from the objects menu:

Insert Object

Insert File

Links

Objects

Activate

Edit


Objects./.Insert Object
Objects./.Insert Object...

Select this option to insert a new OLE object into the current document.  The user is presented with a standard Insert Object dialog from which an OLE server may be selected from a list of all the servers installed on the system.  Choosing OK or double clicking on the selected server creates the new object and opens the server for editing.


Objects./.Insert File
Objects./.Insert File...

Select this option to insert the contents of a file into the current document.  The user is initially presented with a File Open dialog, use this to select the file to be inserted into the current document.

If the file selected is a native DrawMe file then the contents of that file are inserted into the current document.  If the file selected is not a native DrawMe file, then the user is presented with an Insert File dialog, the user must use this to select an OLE server for the file to be inserted, and the desired action for the server to take.  The default options are to create an embedded object using the the nornal file association for the selected file to determine the server used.

This dialog allows the user a certain degree of flexibility when inserting the contents of a file, for example a bitmap could be inserted using Windows Paintbrush, Paintshop Pro, or some other application as server depending upon the task at hand.  Inserted files can be inserted as either objects or links to the original file, and choosing Packager as the server allows the insertion of a packaged object (useful for sound clips or annotations).

These options are also available when the user drags a file from file manager and drops it onto the DrawMe window.


Select Server
From this list the user must select an appropriate server for the file to be inserted.


Create Embedded
Select this option to create an embedded object from the selected file.


Create Template
Select this option to create an embedded object from the selected file and open the server to edit the file for initial editing.


Create Link
Select this option to create a link to the selected file, if the source file changes, then so will the object within the DrawMe file.


Objects./.Links
Objects./.Links...

Select this option to edit the properties of file linked to the current document.

Click on an item for more information:


Select Link
Use this list to select the linked object the user wishes to change or update.


Auto Link
Select this option to ensure that the linked object is updated automatically when the source file changes.


Manual Link
Select this option when the linked object is to updated only when required, an automatic link to the source document will not be created.


Update Link
Select this option to update the linked object now.


Cancel Link
Select this button to convert the linked object to a static picture.  Note that this conversion can not be reversed.


Activate Link
Select this button to activate the selected object.


Edit Link
Select this button to edit the selected object.


Object./.Activate

Select this option to activate the selected OLE object, for example a sound clip will be played, or a packaged file will be opened.


Object./.Edit
Objects./.Edit

Select this option to edit the selected OLE object, for example a sound clip will be opened into Sound Recorder, or a package will be launched into the Object Packager.


Help Menu

There are three items available on the help menu:

Index:	Go to the main help index for DrawMe.

Introduction:	Get general help on DrawMe.

About:	Displays information about this version of DrawMe.


OK_2
Selecting this option closes the dialog box and accepts all the values entered in the dialog.


Cancel_2
Selecting this button closes the dialog without accepting any changes.


Help Button_2
Choose this button to obtain help on the dialog.


Line Style_2
Click on this drop down dialog to display a list of line styles, the line style can be either solid or one of a range of dashes and dots.  Note that for any line style other than solid, the line width will be one pixel, rather than the value selected in the line width combo box.


Line Width_2
Click on this drop down dialog to display the range of possible line widths, the values are in half point sizes from 0.5pt to 4.5pt.  Note that this combo box has no effect unless the selected line style is `solid'.


Line Colour_2
Click on this drop down combo box to display a list of possible line colours.  The user will need to scroll down the list to view all the possible colours.


Fill Colour_2
Click on this drop down combo box to display a list of possible fill colours.  The user will need to scroll down the list to view all the possible colours.  Note that this combo box has no effect if the fill style is set to "-None-".


Fill Pattern_2
Click on this drop down combo box to display a list of possible fill styles.  The user will need to scroll down the list to view all the possible fill patterns.  Selecting "-None-" will mean that the object will not be filled and any objects beneath it will show through.  Selecting "-Plain-" will fill the object with a plain colour.  Fill patterns are made up of a combination of the current Line Colour and Fill Colour.


Absolute Coordinates_2
This check box determines whether the coordinates displayed in the open dialog box are absolute (relative to the top left hand corner of the page), or relative to the current offset position.  The default is to display absolute coordinates.


Edit Rotation_2
Enter the desired degree of rotation of the object here.  The value must be entered in degrees, positive values indicate a clockwise rotation and negative values indicate an anticlockwise value.


Edit Shear_2
Enter a value here to shear the selected object.  The value entered must be in degrees, valid entries are between +90 and -90 degrees.  A positive value will shear the top of the object to the right, and a negative value will shear the top of the object to the left.


Fill Shape_2
Check this option to fill the selected object with a solid colour.  Use the `Fill Colour' drop down combo box to select which colour is used to fill the object.  If this option is not selected then the object is unfilled, and objects beneath it will show through.