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Objects can be selected and moved, even when they are
on the same layer.
Objects are listed individually on a vector menu. Object
parameters can be changed with a double click.
Change vector object parameters with the Vector Properties
window, available through a double click on any object in a vector layer.
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The creators of Paint Shop Pro presented a great timesaving feature
when vectors were added, but often "raster comfortable" designers
do not take advantage of all the vector benefits. 'Tis a pity since
vectors add a completely new dimension to raster work. And it is especially
nice to be able to create, resize and position graphics while they are
in vector format, and then, with one click, transform the layer to raster
format to receive texture and dimensional effects.
Note the layer setup in the top sample at the left. There is only one
layer that contains objects. The background layer is simply filled with
white. Pay attention to the selection borders around the ellipse. Note
how the selection does not include the triangle or the rounded rectangle.
Also, the circle is moving, as shown by the circular outline and Move
cursor. There is no limit to the number of objects you can have on one
layer, and they will remain as separate objects as long as the layer
remains as a vector layer.
All vector objects are noted in the vector layer individually. If you
have more than one object on a layer, a + appears beside the vector
icon to the left of the layer name. Click on the + and the you will
see that the objects are each on their own "sub-layer." (I
put the word sub-layer in quotes, since the object listings do not have
any layer qualities, but organizationally, listing the individual objects
forms a layer-like structure.) It is certainly easy to manage multiple
objects on a layer, and this feature is ideal for organizational challenges
like navigation bars.
Click and drag any object listing above or below other object listings
to change the order on the layer. You can also drag an object from one
vector layer to another vector layer. The object is moved to the new
layer.
Double clicking on any object listing in a vector layer will present
the Vector Properties menu. You can control fill, outline, antialiasing
of existing objects from this window, as well as that object is visible.
When you are not working on the layer, you can click the + to collapse
the object listing.
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Change a triangle like the blue one in the top sample, to a freeform
shape with node editing.
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Change a vector shape
Would you like to have some real fun with vectors? If you are new to
vectors, and have not used the node edit feature of Paint Shop Pro, you
had best fasten your seat belt.
The set shapes in Paint Shop Pro are great, but what if you do not need
a nice, tidy, balanced triangle, like the blue one at the left, but
require the green shape instead. Not a problem with node editing, the
vector format's true claim to fame.
Select a vector object. Right click and choose Node Edit from the popup
menu. An outline of the object will appear, with tiny rectangles, or
nodes. These nodes can be moved independently to create freeform shapes.
Click and drag on a node to move it. CTRL click to add a node as in
the image below on the right. When the shape is as you desire, right
click again and choose Quit Node Edit to return to the regular object
controls.
I am not going to go any further with this discussion, since this is
a layers article, not vector drawing. But I hope this will give you
an idea of how to work with nodes, an inspire you to experiment on your
own. It is a powerful feature ... assuming you like artistic freedom,
of course.
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The expanded vector layer from the previous sample
has been converted to raster format. Note that the icon now indicates
that the layer is raster format, and the + has disappeared.
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Convert to raster format
As much fun as vectors can be, you may wish to add effects to the object
or add transparency. Alas, wonder-kids that they are, vector objects
in Paint Shop Pro cannot accomplish this feat. However, once you have
exploited all the best vector methods, you can convert the layer to
raster.
Simply right click and choose Convert to Raster from the popup menu.
The object "sub-layers" will be collapsed and the objects
combined into a pixel based layer. This conversion cannot be undone
at a later time, so make sure that you have all the objects in final
form before converting.
Your vector layer is now no different from one that started out as
a raster layer. Let's add some special effects to our layers.
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