There are four tools that allow you to create shapes:

1. Rectangle
2. Ellipse
3. Line
4. Polygon

Create a rectangle

On the toolbox on the left of your screen, you will see a square next to the letter "A." This is called the rectangle tool. If you don't see your toolbox, select Window>Toolbox from the file menu.

When you select this tool, you will notice that your cursor turns into a "+" sign. You can now create a rectangle by dragging your mouse diagonally in the workspace. When you have the shape you want, simply release the mouse button.

TIP: If you want to create a square, hold down the shift key while dragging..

Exercise:

Create a rectangle in your workspace.

Create a square.

Create a rounded rectangle

You may want to create a rectangle with rounded images, to soften your image. To do so:

Double-click the rectangle tool in the toolbox. This will open a window that allows you to set tool options.

By clicking on the drop-down box, you can set how round your corners are.

TIP: The 100% setting creates a circle.

Exercise:

Set the corner to 25% and then create a rectangle.

Create an ellipse or polygon

To select a different shape, click on the rectangle tool and keep your mouse button depressed. Three different options will appear. You can then move your mouse to the desired object and click on it. To choose an ellipse (oval or circle), select the oval. To create an object with multiple sides, choose the polygon.

This is what you will see when you depress and hold the rectangle tool:

Exercise:

Create an oval. Select the ellipse tool. Drag and drop to create an oval.

Create a polygon. Select the polygon tool. Double click the polygon tool to select the number of sides. Set the number of sides to six. Drop and drag to create a hexagon (a six-sided object).