Vector sub-object or contour fill

[googolarock]

I'm new to PSP 8x but familiar with graphic software.

I manually traced a bitmap, with vectors, and the resultant object has many sub-objects. I wish to fill a sub-object independent of all other sub-objects so I presume I must create a new layer with the sub-object but see no way to do so! In pentool edit mode I can copy the sub-object but cant paste onto as new layer of onto a new layer, only into the existing layer, as another sub-object, which doesnt help!

Similarly, if the vectors are nested ie concentric but not sub objects on the same layer ie a donut, can the 2 circles have different fills?

Thank you for any assistance.

[LindaSue]

Right-click on the layer for the object you'd like to edit and choose "Properties". You'll get a dialog box with options for changing the colors for the fill and stroke.

[googolarock]

thank you for your response but that changes all the sub-objects to the same colour, I want individual control of each closed vector.

regards

GR

[LeviFiction]

So, subobjects as you call them are called "contours" in PSP. Each vector layer can have multiple vector objects and object groups. Each Object is made up of contours which are in turn made up of Nodes (vertex points) and lines that connect them. There can be multiple closed and open contours inside a single object.

Now each object can only have one fill and stroke. So all contours in that object must share the same fill and stroke settings. Each individual object can have its own settings. So you don't need a new layer, you just need a new object.

To copy and paste between objects you have to use the Objects menu or the right-click context menu. The context menu is faster.

Select all of the nodes (vertex points) you want to move. Right-click, under Edit you'll see options for Cut, Copy, and Paste.

Now you need to create a new object to paste the contour into. You cannot paste as a brand new vector object like you can pasting as a new layer. So you'll have to pre-create the new object before you paste into it.

I have another option for you, though its a bit slower.

Select the vector object, then go to the Layers menu and select "Duplicate" it'll create another vector object that is exactly the same. Now, delete the contours from this new object that you won't.

Both options should do what you're looking to do.

[googolarock]

Thank you LeviFiction, it seems a bit clumsy, but it will work. Do you know if this same task could be performed more elegantly in Corel Draw?

Kind regards

[LeviFiction]

I do not, I don't use CorelDraw because it's way too expensive just to do what little I do with vectors. If I wanted a full vector program I'd go with Inkscape, PagePlus, or Xara. Inkscape is free and powerful though it can start getting sluggish and still has a long way to go if you're doing anything professional. PagePlus is decent and can either be free or paid depending on the version, and Xara is paid but one of the best vector programs and much cheaper than CorelDraw.

But it all really depends on what you need the vectors for.

[photodrawken]

Do you know if this same task could be performed more elegantly in Corel Draw?

I've just done a completely new, clean installation of Windows 10 on my machine and I'm slowly building up my set of installed programs. Haven't got around to installing CorelDraw yet, so it'll be a while before I can answer that CDR question.

In addition to the other programs that have been mentioned, there's also PhotoLine: Alt+Click selects the vector (sub)object, Ctrl+X cuts the vector object to the Clipboard, and Ctrl+V pastes the vector object in on its own new vector layer. Simple. Quick. Elegant.

[LeviFiction]

Okay, I've created a script that can do this in one step. I can't say if PSP's vectors will ever be enough, they are very much on the skimpy side. Only the absolute basics are included. So definately continue to look at other vector options if you intend to get vector heavy. But with scripts we might be able to make PSP a little more usable.

Here's a link to the topic where you can download the script, it also includes a video demonstrating its use. http://forum.corel.com/EN/viewtopic.php?f=104&t=59933

[googolarock]

Wow that's, great very informative video, re script implementation and usage...Bravo!

Thank you very much!

GR

[googolarock]

Thank you Ken for your input.

I will try out LeviFiction's scripts before considering the alternatives.

I do have an old version of Corel Draw 7 but havent used it in years, as I remember it wasnt happy on Win XP, I run 3 OS, Xp, Win 7 32 and 64 bit, and Win 8.1 64 bit!

Do you know if this same task could be performed more elegantly in Corel Draw?

I've just done a completely new, clean installation of Windows 10 on my machine and I'm slowly building up my set of installed programs. Haven't got around to installing CorelDraw yet, so it'll be a while before I can answer that CDR question.

In addition to the other programs that have been mentioned, there's also PhotoLine: Alt+Click selects the vector (sub)object, Ctrl+X cuts the vector object to the Clipboard, and Ctrl+V pastes the vector object in on its own new vector layer. Simple. Quick. Elegant.

Regards GR

[brucet]

FWIW I tried to install my old Draw on a Win 7 and a Win 8.1 computers and both failed to even begin on the newer systems.

regards

[googolarock]

FWIW I tried to install my old Draw on a Win 7 and a Win 8.1 computers and both failed to even begin on the newer systems.

regards

Was your Win 7 32 or 64 bit? I'm sincerely doubt old programs would ever work on 64 os, unless maybe using Microsoft WOW64... Windows on Windows which allows 32 bit apps to run on 64 bit os. I see your present os Win 8.1 is 64 bit.

[brucet]

Both 64 bit systems.
I was cleaning out my top draw and found the CD of Draw. So what the heck? Tried to install it and installation went no where. So Cd went in the trash can!!!

regards