# 3.3. Transformation of 2D-Primitives

KIllustrator offers tools that allow the easy modification of drawn primitives, such as scaling, rotating, and shifting tools. This section describes how to perform these transformations.

## 3.3.1. Rotation

Rotation here describes the rotation of an object about a centre point. Proceed as follows:

1. left-click on the object to be rotated. The selection frame appears around the object. Left-click again and the transformation frame appears.

2. left-click (and hold) over one of the corner arrows and rotate the object by moving the mouse while holding down the left mouse button.

3. release the mouse button

## 3.3.2. Scaling

Scaling an object allows the user to increase or reduce the size of an object. To scale an object:

1. left-click on the object to be scaled---the selection frame appears.

2. left-click (and hold) on a point in the selection frame in the direction the object is to be scaled.

3. scale the object by moving the mouse with the left button held down.

4. release the mouse button.

Proportional scaling can be done by holding down the CTRL key in the third step.

## 3.3.3. Shifting

To shift an object proceed as follows:

1. left-click on the object to be shifted

2. with the left mouse button pressed move the mouse to reposition the object

3. release the left mouse button

If you hold down the CTRL key while shifting, the object will be shifted horizontally or vertically only.

## 3.3.4. Modifying an object

In the previous sections the transformations of whole objects were presented. We now turn our attention to the manipulation of individual sections of objects. NOTE: Before the object can be modified the object must be selected using the selection tool.

### 3.3.4.1. Moving points

For shifting individual points in a object:

1. left-click (and hold) on the point to be shifted

2. with the left mouse button held move the mouse to reposition the point

3. release the mouse button

### 3.3.4.2. Adding points

This tool adds control points to an object. To add a point left-click on the object at the point where the new control point is desired.

### 3.3.4.3. Removing points

With this tool one can delete control points from an object---simply left-click on the point to be deleted.

### 3.3.4.4. Filling objects

To fill an object with a colour select the object and left-click on the desired colour in the colour palette. If the required colour is not in the palette or a pattern fill is required, proceed as follows:

1. select the object to be filled.

2. right-click on the object---a popup menu appears.

3. select the "Properties" menu entry.

4. select the "Fill" tab in the dialog.

5. choose to fill with a solid colour, a pattern, or a gradient colour.

NOTE: Remember to choose a colour by clicking the coloured buttons in the dialog else it might appear that there is no fill.