Snagit Learning Center

Snagit 9 Tutorial:

Arrows

Learn to use the Arrow tool to create a variety of arrows.

Use the Arrow tool   to create vector-based arrows. Choose from a variety of arrows in the Quick Style Gallery or create your own.

To use this tool:

1. Select Draw tab > Drawing Tools group > Arrow  tool.
2. Select a style from the Styles group.
3. Drag the mouse on the canvas to apply arrow.

Select a Style from the Quick Style Gallery

1. Select Draw tab > Drawing Tools group > Arrow tool.
2. Select Styles group > More button .
3. Select an arrow from the Quick Styles Gallery.
   

Draw a Bezier Curved Arrow

To draw a curved arrow:

1. Select Draw tab > Drawing Tools group > Arrow tool.
2. In the Quick Style Gallery, select a curved arrow style.
   
3. Click and drag the arrow on the canvas.
4. Click and drag again to set the first curve point.
5. Click and drag again to set the second curve point.
6. Drag the white object handles to modify the curves.

Select the Arrow Color from Colors on the Canvas

1. Select Draw tab > Drawing Tools group > Arrow tool.
2. Select Styles group > Outline > Select color from image.
3. Click on the canvas to pick a fill color.
4. Drag cursor on canvas to create arrow.

-Or-

1. Select Draw tab > Drawing Tools group > Arrow tool.
2. Hold the <CTRL> key to use the eyedropper to select a color from the canvas.
3. Release the <CTRL> key after color selection.
4. Drag cursor on canvas to create arrow.

Pick a Custom Arrow Color

1. Select Draw tab > Drawing Tools group > Arrow tool.
2. Select Styles group > Outline option > More Outline Colors > Colors task pane.
3. Select a color from the Standard or Custom tab. Click OK.
4. Drag cursor on canvas to create arrow.

Change the Look of the Arrow Head or End

1. Click an arrow on the canvas to give it focus.
2. Select Styles group > Outline option > Ends. Select a style from the menu or click Custom Ends to create a new look.

Change the Arrow Width

1. Click an arrow on the canvas to give it focus.
2. Select Styles group > Outline option > Width. Select a width from the menu or click Custom Lines to create a new width.

Change the Look of the Arrow Line

1. Click an arrow on the canvas to give it focus.
2. Select Styles group > Outline option > Dashes. Select a style from the menu or click Custom Lines to create a new look.

Move or Reshape an Arrow

• To move an arrow, click down on the center of the arrow and drag to a new location.
• Use the white handles to change the shape and size of the arrow.
• Hold down <SHIFT> to keep the arrow straight  as you draw a vertical, horizontal, or diagonal arrow.

Set the Arrow Transparency Level

Transparency is the ability to see through the arrow. The graphic below shows a sample of effects that can be achieved by controlling the transparency level.

1. Click an arrow on the canvas to give it focus.
2. Select Styles group > Effects > Transparency > Select the transparency level or click Custom to enter a specific percentage.

Add, Remove, or Customize the Arrow Shadow

Click an arrow on the canvas to give it focus.

• To add a shadow, select Styles group > Effects > Shadow > Select the shadow effect using the icons.
• To remove a shadow, select Styles group > Effects > Shadow > No Shadow icon.
• To add a custom shadow, select Styles group > Effects > Shadow > Click More Shadows. Use the options in the Drop Shadow task pane to create a custom look. Click OK.

Add a Custom Arrow to the Quick Styles Gallery

The Quick Styles Gallery is used to save custom arrows so they can be reused.

1. Click an arrow on the canvas to give it focus.
2. Right-click the arrow.
3. From the popup menu, click Add to Quick Styles. The callout is now available in the Quick Styles Gallery.
   

Antialiasing for Smooth Lines

Antialiasing is a technique used to make lines appear smooth. Without antialiasing being applied, object edges will appear jagged. The antialiasing option is turned to “on” for all of Editor’s vector-based tools.
To turn antialiasing on or off:

1. Click an arrow on the canvas to give it focus.
2. Select Styles group > Effects > Antialias.