The Options icon shown above can be placed anywhere, but putting it in the top tool box will keep it displayed at all times. We will be adding this icon as an exercise in customizing the tool bars. The Property Bar will change with each object selected. The view shown above is when no objects are selected. The "No Selection" properties will allow you to set preferences for the job you are working on. You can easily apply the settings to a single document, or all documents.
Once you determine the best settings for all documents, you can set the other preferences on a job-by-job basis. For example, when I start, the units for measuring are set to inches. This is good most of the time. If I am starting a job for the web, I can select pixels. Those settings will apply every time I access that file without affecting any other files. The ease of use and ability to customize is the strength of Corel.
When an object is selected, such as the ellipse shown on the previous page, the Property Bar changes to the tools needed to manipulate the selected object; in this case, an ellipse. Notice the tool bar above the Property Bar has not changed from the one on top except for inactive icons becoming active. You have the option of adding more icons, or deleting icons from the Property Bar, or any other tool bar for that matter.
I like this Status Bar because it displays information without getting in the way like a docker window will. At a single glance, I can see if the selected object is grouped or any other variable that lets you know what kind of object you have selected. You can also see the outline and fill properties.
© 2002 Steve Chittenden