The User Layer Palette

User layers are created in Edit mode using the User Layer palette. This palette provides drawing tools for creating and editing a wide variety of objects in the User Layer. Once the User Layer palette is opened, you can begin to edit the displayed User Layer using the Tools, Fill, or Line options on the palette.

Open the User Layer PaletteOpen the User Layer Palette

To open the User Layer palette, make sure a User Layer is selected and then do one of the following:

  • From the User Layer pop-up menu, choose Edit User Layer.
  • Press Ctrl+U .
  • Open the Define User Layers dialog box and click Edit.

    In all the above cases the User palette opens to the left of the Workspace. You can begin to edit the User layer in the Atlas tab.

The Tools SectionThe Tools Section

The Tools section provides options for controlling and adding items to the User layer, as listed below. Unless specified otherwise, the cursor changes to a small plus sign when the tool is selected.

Icon Tool Name Use When Selected/Clicked
Selection Tool Change the cursor to an arrow
Horizontal/Vertical Line Tool Draw a horizontal or vertical line at a 90° angle
Angle Line Tool Draw a line at any angle
Rectangle Tool Add a rectangle shape
Rounded Corner Rectangle Tool Add a rectangle shape with rounded corners
Oval/Circle Tool Add a circle or oval shape
Curve Tool Draw a line with points and handles (Bezier curve)
Add Point Tool Add points on the curve
Delete Point Tool The cursor changes to a small minus sign; removes points from the curve
Front Button Brings the selected object to the front of the drawing area (no change in cursor)
Text Tool Add text; the cursor changes to an insertion bar

The Fill SectionThe Fill Section

The Fill options apply to standard shapes, shapes drawn with the curve tool, and text or picture objects. The Fill section provides:

  • A palette of colors.
  • A palette of transparent patterns, as well as no fill () and solid fill () options.

The Line Section The Line Section

The Line color, style, and width apply to all individual lines, shape outlines, and text or picture objects. The arrows apply only to straight or curved lines. The Line section provides:

  • A palette of colors.
  • A choice of solid or transparent line styles.
  • A selection of various line widths: None (), 1, 2, 3, 5, and 8 points.
  • An option for choosing arrows at one, none, or both ends.