Repositioning Elements Numerically

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Repositioning Elements Numerically

Flash allows you to reposition a selection numerically by specifying a precise Stage location in x and y coordinates. You can enter the x and y coordinates in either the Shape Property Inspector or the Info panel.

To reposition an element via the Shape Property Inspector:

1. With the Property Inspector open , on the Stage, select an element.

   The coordinates for the element's current position appear in the x and y fields of the Shape Property Inspector (Figure 3.22).

   Figure 3.22. With a shape selected on the Stage, the Property Inspector reveals attributes of that shape, including the x and y coordinates of the shape's bounding box. This element is located 1 inch to the right along the horizontal axis and 3 inches down the vertical axis.

   

2. To position the element, do one of the following:

   • Enter a new x coordinate for the element's position along the horizontal axis.

   • Enter a new y coordinate for the element's position along the vertical axis.

     Flash changes the element's horizontal position as soon as you click the y field.

3. Press Enter to confirm the new y coordinate value.

   The element moves to its new position (Figure 3.23).

   Figure 3.23. Changing the x and y coordinates in the Shape Property Inspector changes the location of the selected element. This arrow is now located 2 inches to the right along the horizontal axis and 2.5 inches down the vertical axis.

   

To access the Info panel:

• If the Info panel is not open, from the Window menu, choose Info (Figure 3.24). The Info panel appears.

  Figure 3.24. Choose Window > Info to access the Info panel.

  

To reposition an element via the Info panel:

1. With the Info panel open, on the Stage, select the element you want to reposition. The coordinates for the element's current position appear in the x and y fields of the Info panel (Figure 3.25).

   Figure 3.25. Selecting an element puts that element's information in the Info panel (bottom).

   

2. To select the point Flash uses to position the element, do one of the following:

   • To position your element by its center point, select the center square in the Info panel's element model.

   • To position your element by its top-left corner, select the top-left square in the Info panel's element model.

3. Enter a new x coordinate for the element's position along the horizontal axis.

4. Enter a new y coordinate for the element's position along the vertical axis.

   Flash changes the element's horizontal position as soon as you click the y field.

5. Press Enter to confirm the new y coordinate value.

   The element moves to its new position (Figure 3.26).

   Figure 3.26. Changes of the coordinates in the Info panel work just like changes of the coordinates in the Shape Property Inspector. The selected shape has moved to the right and down.

   

Tip

• If you change multiple values in the Info panel (as in the preceding task), Flash confirms each change when you click the next entry field. To confirm the last new value quickly, click any other field in the panel or click the Stage.

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