Creating Shapes
Logos InkPen provides a comprehensive set of shape tools for creating geometric objects. Each shape tool has unique properties and modifiers for precise control.
Basic Shape Creation
Drawing Shapes
- Select a shape tool from the vertical toolbar
- Click and drag on the canvas to create the shape
- Release the mouse to complete the shape
- The shape adopts current fill and stroke settings
Shape Modifiers While Drawing
- Shift: Constrain proportions (creates squares from rectangles, circles from ellipses)
- Option (⌥): Draw from center outward instead of corner to corner
- Shift + Option: Constrained shape from center
- Space: Reposition shape while drawing (hold and drag)
Rectangle Shapes
Rectangle Tool (⌥R)
Creates rectangular shapes with independent width and height.
- Drag diagonally to define opposite corners
- Click once to enter exact dimensions
- Corner radius can be adjusted after creation
Square Tool (⌥S)
Creates perfect squares without needing to hold Shift.
- Automatically constrains to equal width and height
- Diagonal drag distance determines size
- Ideal for icons and grid-based designs
Rounded Rectangle Tool (⇧⌥R)
Creates rectangles with pre-set rounded corners.
- Default corner radius: 10pt
- Adjust radius in properties panel
- Each corner can be adjusted independently
- Perfect for buttons and UI elements
Pill Tool (⇧⌥P)
Creates stadium/capsule shapes with fully rounded ends.
- Corner radius automatically set to half the height
- Cannot adjust corner radius (always maximum)
- Great for tags, badges, and pill buttons
Circular Shapes
Circle Tool (⌥C)
Creates perfect circles without constraint keys.
- Radius determined by drag distance
- Hold Option to draw from center
- Click to enter exact diameter
Ellipse Tool (E)
Creates oval shapes with variable proportions.
- Width and height can differ
- Hold Shift to constrain to circle
- Useful for perspective circles and organic shapes
Oval Tool (O)
Creates elongated ovals with specific aspect ratios.
- Optimized for common oval proportions
- 2:1 aspect ratio by default
- Good for pills, race tracks, and badges
Egg Tool (⇧E)
Creates egg-shaped objects with asymmetric curves.
- Wider at bottom, narrower at top
- Natural organic appearance
- Perfect for character bodies and natural forms
Cone Tool (⇧⌥C)
Creates teardrop or cone shapes.
- Rounded base with pointed top
- Adjust roundness with handles
- Ideal for location pins and droplets
Triangle Shapes
Equilateral Triangle (⇧T)
All three sides equal length, 60° angles.
- Perfect geometric triangle
- Rotates from base by default
- Hold Shift for point-up orientation
Isosceles Triangle (I)
Two equal sides with symmetry.
- Adjust height independently of base
- Creates arrows and directional indicators
- Mirror-symmetric shape
Right Triangle (⇧⌥R)
One 90-degree angle.
- Perfect for geometric constructions
- Corner indicators and brackets
- Pythagorean proportions available
Acute Triangle (⇧A)
All angles less than 90 degrees.
- Sharp, pointed appearance
- Dynamic and directional
- Good for arrows and pointers
Polygon Shapes
Pentagon Tool (5)
Regular 5-sided polygon.
- Home plate shape when rotated
- Military insignia and badges
- 72° rotation between vertices
Hexagon Tool (6)
Regular 6-sided polygon.
- Honeycomb and tile patterns
- Efficient packing shape
- 60° rotation between vertices
Heptagon Tool (7)
Regular 7-sided polygon.
- Unique and uncommon shape
- Badge and coin designs
- 51.43° rotation between vertices
Octagon Tool (8)
Regular 8-sided polygon.
- Stop sign shape
- Classic floor tile pattern
- 45° rotation between vertices
Nonagon Tool (9)
Regular 9-sided polygon.
- Complex geometric shape
- Decorative and ornamental
- 40° rotation between vertices
Custom Polygon Tool (⌥P)
Create polygons with 3-100 sides.
- Set number of sides before drawing
- Automatic regular spacing
- Can create near-circles with many sides
Star Shapes
Star Tool (⇧S)
Creates star shapes with customizable points.
Star Variants (Long-press to access)
- 3-Point Star: Triangle-based star
- 4-Point Star: Diamond/compass star
- 5-Point Star: Classic star shape
- 6-Point Star: Star of David style
- 7-Point Star: Mystical/badge star
- 8-Point Star: Starburst shape
- Custom Points: 3-100 points
Star Properties
- Outer Radius: Distance to points
- Inner Radius: Distance to valleys
- Ratio: Inner/outer relationship (0.3-0.9)
- Rotation: Starting angle of first point
Shape Editing
After Creating a Shape
- Selection Tool (A): Move and transform entire shape
- Direct Selection (D): Edit individual points
- Corner Radius (⌃↑): Round rectangle corners
- Scale Tool (S): Resize proportionally or freely
- Rotate Tool (R): Rotate around center or custom point
Converting Shapes
- To Path: Convert shape to editable bezier path
- Expand: Convert stroke to filled shape
- Outline: Create path from shape outline
- Compound Path: Combine multiple shapes with holes
Shape Properties Panel
Access Paint panel (⌘⇧P) to adjust:
- Fill: Interior color, gradient, or pattern
- Stroke: Outline width, color, and style
- Opacity: Transparency of fill and stroke
- Shadow: Drop shadow effects
- Blend Mode: How shape interacts with objects below
Precise Shape Creation
Numeric Input
Click once with any shape tool to enter exact dimensions:
- Width: Horizontal size in current units
- Height: Vertical size in current units
- Constrain: Lock aspect ratio
- From Center: Create from click point
Smart Guides
Automatic alignment assistance while drawing:
- Snap to other objects' edges and centers
- Show when dimensions match existing shapes
- Indicate equal spacing between objects
- Display measurement labels
Grid Snapping
Enable grid (⌘') for precise placement:
- Shapes snap to grid intersections
- Adjust grid spacing in preferences
- Hold ⌘ to temporarily disable snapping
Shape Tips and Tricks
Pro Tips
- Double-click shape tools to set default properties
- Option-drag existing shapes to duplicate
- Use Transform Each to modify multiple shapes
- Group similar shapes for easier management
- Lock shapes to prevent accidental changes
- Use layers to organize complex compositions
Common Shape Workflows
Creating Icons
- Start with basic geometric shapes
- Use boolean operations to combine
- Apply consistent corner radius
- Maintain stroke width throughout
Building Patterns
- Create base shape
- Duplicate with Option-drag
- Use Distribute to space evenly
- Group and duplicate pattern tile
Logo Construction
- Build with simple shapes first
- Refine with Direct Selection tool
- Unite shapes for single color areas
- Convert to outlines when complete