While there are many aspects of Vector Objects, for this lesson plan we are only going to be covering some of the elements. Vector Objects seem a bit intimidating but when you are through with this lesson plan, the hopes are that you will be at least familiar and comfortable enough to successful navigate some of the tutorials online that use vector objects.   Vector Object Basics All vector objects contain a path, which consists of line segments (contours) and a number of control points called nodes. A simple object like a circle usually has one line segment(contour) whereas the path of a complex object may have several. A line segment(contour) has at least two nodes (control points) and the line segments that connect them. A line segment(contour) has a specific direction with a start point and end point node (handles). Handles are represented by a modifiable arrow that indicates the angle at which the line enters and/or exits the node. The node itself represented by a little square . By passing the cursor over either end node will display which node is the "start" or "end". Vector objects can be created with the Text tool, the Draw tool and the Preset Shapes tool. Once created they can be selected by using the Vector Object Selection Tool and edit them without affecting the rest of the image. Selecting Vector Objects One or more vector objects can be selected using the Vector Object Selection Tool. The vector objects selected are enclosed in a rectangle that contains handles to move, rotate and deform the vector objects. Select the Vector Object Selection Tool from the tool bar To select one object Click the object, or Drag the cursor around the entire object until it is completely selected. (The entire object must be within the rectangle) To select multiple objects Hold down the <Shift> key and click each object, or Drag the cursor around all the objects until they are all selected. (All of the objects must be within the rectangle) When selected or created, the vector object will have nodes(handles) at the corners, sides, center, and a rotation handle. As with the deformation tool there are many ways you can edit an image by doing one or more of the following: Resize vertically - Drag the center top and bottom handles Resize horizontally - Drag the center left and right handles Resize horizontally and vertically (at the same time) - Drag the corner handles. To constrain the deformation to the current proportions, use the right mouse button while dragging a corner handle Rotate - Drag the center bar Change perspective - Press <Ctrl> while dragging any of the four center handles Apply a skew/shear - Press <Shift> while dragging any of the four center handles Distort (move the corner) - Press <Ctrl> + <Shift> while dragging any of the four corner handles With the Vector Object Selection Tool active by right clicking the selected shape or group displays a pop-up menu containing editing commands. Pop Up Menu for Version 6 / Pop Up Menu for Version 7 Click here for Editing Command Definitions   Lesson Plan Now that we have covered the basics of vector objects you are ready to go have some fun. Here are three(3) online tutorials. Please submit at least one tutorial result to the group or you can submit one for each tutorial. IMPORTANT: Read the PSPImaginarium Vector information as well as the following vector guides before attempting any vector tutorial:   PSP 7 Vector Lessons Bunny:  http://www.aunt-em.com/kansas/tutorials/bunny.html [v. 6 but okay for 7&8] Vector Unicorn:  http://guffycreek.com/Tutorials/unicorn.html Calla Lilly:  http://malephika.formmailer.net/pgs/tuts/psp7/cl.html   PSP 8 Vector Lessons Vector Apple:  http://www.moonsdesigns.com/tutorials/psp8/apple.html Making a Heart from Square:  http://www.tut.pspug.org/tut8eff/vectors201_v8.htm Petal Flower:  http://www.tut.pspug.org/tut8eff/vectors202_v8.htm  [Be careful&ldots;must be exact on this one!]     Bonus Tutorials   Hour Glass: http://malephika.formmailer.net/pgs/tuts/psp7/h.html Bald Eagle: http://malephika.formmailer.net/pgs/tuts/psp7/be.html Guitar:  http://www.whisperscorner.com/tuts/guitar/ [This is a long and difficult tutorial] Cowboy Boot: http://www.byastro.com/tutorials/cowboy/boottute.html     Lesson Resources There is always more to know and learn about Paint Shop Pro. Here are a few online resources that you might find helpful:   PSP 6 Vector Info:  http://www.state-of-entropy.com/nodes1.htm PSP 6 Bezier Curves:  http://graphicssoft.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http%3A%2F%2Floriweb.pair.com%2Fbezier6.html [makes sense for v7, too] PSP 7 Beginner's Guide to Vector Tools:  http://arizonakate.com/t31vectortools.html   Editing Vector Shapes PSP 8:  http://www.khiba.com/PSP/Spring03/61203.htm PSP 8 Node Types:  http://www.tut.pspug.org/tut8eff/vectors101_v8.htm PSP 8 Bezier Curve Video Clip: http://moonsdesigns.com/tutorials/psp8/bezier.html     Lesson Submittal Please remember to resize your final image so that it is no larger than 350 pixels on the largest/longest side. Please name your results as:  Your name -vector1 (for tutorial 1) Your name - vector2 (for tutorial 2) Your name - vector3 (for tutorial 3) Submit your results to the group at http://pspimaginarium.com/forum   ::Index:: ::Intermediate Series:: ::Glossary:: ::Short Cut Keys:: ::Resources::   Copyright © 2000-2004 PSPImaginarium All rights reserved. Unless specifically made available for download, no graphics or text may be removed from this site for any reason without express written permission from PSPImaginarium Paint Shop Pro is a registered trademark of Jasc Software, Inc.