2D Design: Editing Vectors

🔧 Carveco Tutorial: Editing Vectors with the Transform Tool

The Transform Tool is one of the most used features when editing vectors in Carveco. It lets you move, resize, rotate, skew, and position vectors with precision. Here’s how to use it effectively:

🔹 Step 1: Activating the Transform Tool

• Select a vector in your workspace.
• Click the Transform Tool on the left panel or press T on your keyboard.
• Once active, transformation handles will appear around the selected vector.

🔹 Step 2: Understanding the Handles

• Red circles: Resize from corners or sides.
• Green circle: Rotate the object manually.
• Blue circle: Move the rotation origin.

🔹 Step 3: Moving, Copying, and Rotating

• Drag inside the box to move the vector.
• Hold Ctrl while dragging to create copies.
• Hover outside the box for rotation — hold Alt for angle snapping (15° steps).

🔹 Step 4: Resizing Vectors

• Use red corner or edge handles to resize.
• Hold Shift to maintain aspect ratio.
• Hold Shift + Alt to resize proportionally from the center.

🔹 Step 5: Skewing Vectors

• Click the small red skew handles (midpoints) to slant the shape horizontally or vertically.

🔹 Step 6: Using the Transform Panel (Right Side)

All transformation actions can also be performed with precision using the panel:

• Size: Enter width and height manually. Use the padlock icon to maintain proportions.
• Position: Set exact X and Y locations based on your origin point.
• Origin: Choose where transformations are anchored from (e.g., bottom left, center).
• Rotate: Enter a degree value (e.g., 45°) to rotate precisely.
• Shear: Apply horizontal or vertical skew values.

🔹 Step 7: Positioning with Precision

• Example: If your material is 12” x 12” and you want the object 0.25” from the edge, set X to -5.75 and Y to -5.75 (assuming origin is bottom-left).
• Use the panel to move the vector in set increments (e.g., 1" at a time).

When you're finished transforming your vector:

• Click anywhere to exit the tool,
• Or press Esc to cancel.

The Transform Tool gives you complete control over vector size, shape, and placement—mastering it will greatly improve your precision and efficiency in Carveco.

💡 Transform Tool Cheat Sheet

• T – Activate the Transform Tool
• Ctrl + Drag – Duplicate the selected vector
• Alt + Rotate – Snap rotate in 15° increments
• Shift + Resize – Maintain aspect ratio
• Shift + Alt + Resize – Scale proportionally from center
• Esc – Exit the Transform Tool
• Transform Panel – Enter exact size, position, rotation, and skew

Tip: Use the padlock icon to maintain proportions when entering sizes manually!