TIP:   Difference between the first and second arrows

    

 

Here's a short tip on the difference between the first (left, black) and second (middle) arrows.  It’s really easy to keep straight.

• The first (left) arrow is the default mode.  When you open the program, you are in that mode and you are ready to start designing:  drag your design components onto the canvas, move the components around the canvas, size them, group your components, rotate or skew them, etc.

• The second (middle) arrow is used to FILL a design with color, fabric, or transparency.  So if you want to fill a design with color/fabric/transparency, then switch to the second (middle) arrow.  When you are done filling, then go back to the left arrow.

 

Just remember these 3 tips:   

1. First (left) arrow -- for designing

2. Second (middle) arrow -- for filling with color/fabric/transparency

3. Every time you change arrows, then do the click-away!   

 

It really is that easy.  Don’t overthink this.  Change arrows, do the click-way.  That means, click your mouse on an empty spot of the canvas.  That’s the click-away!  This just ensures that nothing is highlighted on the canvas, and you can start the next operation with a clean slate. 

Then go about filling your design with fabric (if you changed to the middle arrow), or go about moving your design around the canvas (if you switched back to the first arrow).

  

Feature of the first arrow:   Just one more note.  You can fill a design with color while on the first arrow.  I call that “quick color”, because you will color the entire design with one click.  If your design is a grouped design containing multiple components (like a completed design that you can break apart into swags, panels, rods, etc.), then all components get colored at once.  It’s quick color, on the black arrow.

Feature of the second arrow:   If you want to discretely color (or fill with fabric or transparency) a completed finished treatment, i.e. your design is grouped and you have multiple pieces, then switch to the second arrow and you can discretely custom color/fill any area of the completed design, WITHOUT ungrouping and taking it apart. 

 

You do not have to ungroup a design to fill the various areas with color/fabric.  That is the beauty of the second (middle) arrow!  Changing to the second arrow allows you to discretely choose the area of the design with your mouse that you want to fill with color or fabric or transparency.  You can have a whole room elevation grouped into a single object, with it containing a window treatment, furniture, molding, etc.  And you can custom color/fill any part of that elevation with the second arrow, without having to ungroup the whole sketch!

99% of the time, you will only be using the first 2 arrows.  You can accomplish everything with the first 2.  To see the 2 arrows in action, click here to visit our tutorial webpage and the view the lessons on filling with fabric and color.

Click here to learn about the third (right) arrow.