Are Those Bean-Shaped Fill Tools Cheeky?

lovebiscuit · Post by **lovebiscuit** » Tue Jan 25, 2011 5:29 pm

Is it just me, or are the Select Shape and Create Shape bean-shaped tools in the Fill box quite temperamental?

Why, after I click on a shape and it's points all redden, can I often not get any reaction when I subsequently click on the Select Shape and Create Shape bean-shaped tools?

Often, I get no chequered fill...

I don't get it...

Any thoughts appreciated!

tonym · Post by **tonym** » Wed Jan 26, 2011 7:54 am

The easiest way is to use Auto-Fill. Select the Add Points tool. Now look on the Tool Options Bar and locate a box that says Auto-Fill. Click the box to activate it. You should get shapes easily now.

What you were probably doing wrong is you were neglecting to tap the Spacebar after you clicked Create Shape.

Here are the steps to drawing a colored blob shape:

1. click the Add Points tool
2. draw a blob
3. click the Create Shape tool (now there are checkers)
4. press Spacebar (now there are colored checkers)
5. press Enter (ta-dah!)
6. click Help on the Menu Bar
7. click Online Tutorials
8. total mastery!

lovebiscuit · Post by **lovebiscuit** » Wed Jan 26, 2011 8:33 am

Thanks Tonym! You're right, when I use add points and auto fill it's quite easy. I was tending to draw with the freehand tool and would then start fiddling with the bean icons without pressing the spacebar...