ImageWell comes complete with an array of shapes called draw objects that can be added to your
images. Whether you are adding some talking balloons and thought clouds to an image or annotating
a screen shot, ImageWell editor has all the tools you need. Version 3.5 adds more objects and line
styles.
Screencast is not available, please scroll down to read the manual.
Draw Objects are divided into three groups - Text, Shapes, and Lines. Text
draw objects contain text such as labels or balloons. Shape objects can be solid
colors or a shape can be used as a mask for an image. Line objects can be
simple lines or arrows.
Once a draw object is placed on the canvas, it can be easily changed to another object within that
group. For example, a text object such as a talking balloon can be changed to a thought cloud. But a
talking balloon can't be changed to a line with a arrow head.
Adding a Draw Object
To add a draw object, first click on one of the group icons in the top right corner of the Edit Window. A
semi transparent balloon with all the objects in that group will appear. Click on the object you want
and drag it off the semi transparent balloon and on to the canvas. It's that easy!
Deleting a Draw Object
To delete a draw object, first select the object and then press the delete key on your keyboard.
Making Adjustments to the Draw Object Attributes
Whenever an object is selected, the bottom portion of the Edit Window will display various UI controls
to make adjustments such as size, shape, color, drop shadows, borders, opacity, etc.
Note: These UI components are object dependent and not all objects show the same UI components.
For example, a line will not show the background color well because a line doesn't have a background.
Common Object Properties
The picture below illustrates the common object properties displayed when an object is selected. To
change the Width and Height, simply input the new values into the boxes (or use the grab handles).
The background and border color wells will change the colors respectively when you click on each well
and select the desired colors. To change the shape of the object, to another shape within the object's
group (Text, Shapes, Lines), click on the Shape button and a semi-transparent balloon will pop open
displaying all the shapes. Click on the new shape to make the change.
Drop Shadows
Select Shadow from the popup list in the additional
properties section. By checking the box beside the word
'Shadow', a drop shadow will be added to your object.
You can adjust the color, size and angle of the drop
shadow with the labeled controls shown in the illustration
to the right.
Gradients - Version 3.5
Objects with background colors can be solid colors, or a
gradient fill can be applied to the background.
To apply a Gradient, select Gradient from the popup list in
the additional properties section and check the box beside
the word Gradient.
You can select a gradient pattern by clicking the Pattern box
and choosing from one of the patterns.
Opacity
Selecting Opacity from the additional properties popup list
reveals a slider bar that lets you adjust the opacity of the draw
object.
When the slider is slid completely to the right, the object's
opacity will be 100%. Sliding it to the left will make the object
more transparent.
Text Draw Objects
To edit the text in a Text Draw Object, double click the object. You can type the text directly on the
canvas and the text will automatically wrap to fit the size and shape of the object. To adjust the text,
press the font control button and a standard OS X Font panel will open. You can change all or just a
selection of the text's font, color, size, etc.
Line Draw Objects - Version 3.5
Line Draw Objects can be simple, curved or shaped lines. A line object
does not have a background color so the background color well is
replaced with a line style button. Click the button to change the line style
from no arrows, to single arrow, double arrow, dashed, dotted, etc.
Handy Keyboard Controls & Tips
• Command-C and Command-V will copy and paste a draw object.
• Select a draw object and then drag a new object to the canvas. The new object will have the same
color, border, etc. style as the selected object.
• The Tab key will cycle from one object to another.
And now off to discovering all the great features for adding shapes and borders to your
images - Click here