Overview
Objects placed on the label canvas can be moved and altered. It is sometimes easier to place an object quickly, and then fine-tune it later.
Selecting and Editing Objects
To select an object, simply click on it. A selected object will have a rectangular ?selection box? of dashed lines surrounding it. To select more than one object at a time, press and hold the Ctrl key on your keyboard as you click on the objects. The keyboard shortcut Ctrl + A will select all of the objects on the design. You can also select objects on your design with the Tab key, which will select one object at a time, moving to the next object with each press of the key; select a previous object with Shift + Tab.
To edit the properties of an object, double-click on the object. The Object Menu on the left will be replaced with the appropriate detailed menu, and you can make new selections there. In addition to double-clicking, you can simply select an object (by clicking on it once) and then choose the appropriate Object Menu. If you double-click on a text object, a typing cursor will appear; you can then type on your keyboard to change the text in that object.
Moving and Locking Objects
To move an object, simply drag it on the label canvas to the new position. If multiple objects are selected, they will all move together. You can also use the direction arrows on your keyboard (Up, Down, Left, and Right) to move selected objects in those directions.
To lock an object in place so that it can't be accidentally moved, select it and navigate to the objects detailed menu, or double-click on the object. The Lock button at the lower end of the Details menu will show an open lock (for unlocked objects) or a closed lock (for locked objects). Click that button to toggle position locking. Locked objects cannot be deleted until they are unlocked again.
The Lock/Unlock option is also found in each objects Dimensions menu.
Rotating and Resizing Objects
To rotate an object, select the object and click the Rotate Item button. The object (or objects) will turn 45 degrees clockwise each time you click the button. You can also set a specific angle with the Dimensions menu for an object; select the object, click the Dimensions button, and type the desired angle of rotation in the ?Degrees? box. For counterclockwise rotation, you can enter a negative value; LabelForge will automatically convert it.
To resize an object, select the object and click the Increase or Decrease Item Size button. The selected object (or objects) will expand or contract in size horizontally, vertically, or in both directions (proportionally) as shown in the arrows on the Increase/Decrease Button Axis button. Clicking on that button will cycle through the three resizing axis selections. The keyboard shortcuts are ?+? to increase a selected objects size, and ?-? to decrease the objects size.
You can also set an object?s exact dimensions with the Dimensions menu. Select the object, click the Dimensions button, and type the desired Width and Height in those boxes.
Object Dimensions
Each object can have its exact size, rotation, and position adjusted with the Dimensions menu, accessed by selecting the object and clicking the Dimensions button. Objects can also be Locked in place, or Unlocked, from this menu. This menu also offers specific positioning options not available elsewhere. You can also open the Dimensions menu with the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + D.
FIT WIDTH AND FIT HEIGHT
These options in the Dimensions menu expand or contract the selected object (or objects) to fit the current dimensions of the label. The object (or objects) will also be moved, if necessary, to extend from one edge of the label to the other. Using both options together is the easiest way to make an object completely fill your label.
MOVE TO FRONT AND MOVE TO BACK
These options in the Dimensions menu adjust the layering of different objects in your label design, determining which elements cover others. Moving an item to the front by clicking the Move to Front button will make that item cover others, while moving it to the back with the Move to Back button will let the item be covered by other objects. Non-editable backgrounds that appear as a result of Label Type selections, like the red "DANGER" header for certain die-cut labels, will never cover up other objects.
Common Controls
Several of the other controls for manipulating objects on a design are shared with other programs, and you may already be familiar with them.
CUT, COPY, AND PASTE
The Cut button will remove the selected object or objects, to be placed again with the Paste function. The Copy button will make a duplicate of the selected object or objects for later pasting, leaving the original in place. The Paste button will place the most recently Cut or Copied objects onto your label design.
Like many other programs, LabelForge also allows you to Cut objects with Ctrl + X, Copy objects with Ctrl + C, and Paste objects with Ctrl + V.
UNDO AND DELETE
The Undo button will cancel the most recent change to your label design. Pressing the Undo button repeatedly will cancel previous changes, as well. You can also Undo a change with Ctrl + Z.
The Delete button will completely remove the selected object (or objects) from your design. You can also Delete selected objects with the Delete or Del key.
More Support Options
If you have any questions about using LabelForge label design software, get help from DuraLabels world-class support team by calling 800-788-5572 or visiting DuraLabel.com. We're here to help with all your labeling needs!
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