Impress Guide 7.4

Chapter 5,
Managing Graphic Objects

CopyrightThis document is Copyright © 2022 by the LibreOffice Documentation Team. Contributors arelisted below. This document maybe distributed and/or modified under the terms of either the GNU
General Public License (https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl.html), version 3 or later, or the Creative
Commons Attribution License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), version 4.0 or later.
All trademarks within this guide belong to their legitimate owners.

Contributors
Contributors for this edition:Peter Schofield
Kees Kriek
Contributors for previous editions:Peter Schofield
Michele Zarri
Kees Kriek
Jean Hollis Weber
Samantha Hamilton
T. Elliot Turner

Low Song Chuan
Vasudev Narayanan
Rachel Kartch

Feedback
Please direct any comments or suggestions about this document to the Documentation Team
mailing list: loguides@community.documentfoundation.org.

Note
Everything sent to a mailing list, including email addresses and any otherpersonal information that is written in the message, is publicly archived andcannot be deleted.

Publication date and software version
Published October 2022. Based on LibreOffice 7.4 Community.
Other versions of LibreOffice may differ in appearance and functionality.

Using LibreOffice on macOS
Some keystrokes and menu items are different on macOS from those used in Windows andLinux. The table below gives some common substitutions used in this document. For a detailed
list, see LibreOffice Help.
Windows or LinuxmacOS equivalent

EffectTools > Options
menu selection

LibreOffice > Preferences

Access setup options

Right-click

Control+click, Ctrl+click, or rightclick depending on computer setup

Open a context menu

Ctrl or Control⌘ and/or Cmd or Command,
depending on keyboard

Used with other keys

Alt

⌥ and/or Alt or Option dependingon keyboard

Used with other keys

F11

⌘+T

Open the Styles deck in the
SidebarDocumentation for LibreOffice is available at https://documentation.libreoffice.org/en/Contents
Copyright..........................................................................................................................2
Contributors................................................................................................................................2
Feedback....................................................................................................................................2
Publication date and software version........................................................................................2
Using LibreOffice on macOS......................................................................................................2

Introduction......................................................................................................................6
Drawing toolbar................................................................................................................6
Drawing tools..............................................................................................................................6

Creating lines and shapes............................................................................................ 12
Drawing regular shapes............................................................................................................12
Regular shape adjustment........................................................................................................12
Basic Shapes.......................................................................................................................13
Symbol Shapes....................................................................................................................13
Block Arrows........................................................................................................................14
Callout Shapes....................................................................................................................15
Stars and Banners...............................................................................................................15
Drawing curves, polygons and freeform lines...........................................................................15
Curves.................................................................................................................................16
Polygons and Polygons 45°.................................................................................................16
Freeform lines......................................................................................................................16
Drawing lines and arrows.........................................................................................................17
Straight lines........................................................................................................................17
Arrows..................................................................................................................................17

Grouping objects........................................................................................................... 18
Temporary grouping..................................................................................................................18
Permanent grouping.................................................................................................................18
Editing or formatting groups.....................................................................................................19
Ungrouping...............................................................................................................................19

Positioning and resizing graphic objects....................................................................20
Using the cursor........................................................................................................................20
Positioning...........................................................................................................................20
Resizing...............................................................................................................................20
Position and Size dialog...........................................................................................................21
Positioning...........................................................................................................................21
Resizing...............................................................................................................................22
Sidebar Position and Size panel...............................................................................................23
Positioning...........................................................................................................................23
Resizing...............................................................................................................................24

Applying special effects................................................................................................24
Rotating graphic objects...........................................................................................................24
Quick rotation.......................................................................................................................24
Position and Size dialog rotation.........................................................................................25
Sidebar rotation...................................................................................................................25
Flipping objects.........................................................................................................................26
Quick flipping.......................................................................................................................26
Chapter 5, Managing Graphic Objects | 3

Flip tool................................................................................................................................26
Mirror copies........................................................................................................................27
Distorting images......................................................................................................................27
Distort tool............................................................................................................................27
Set in Circle (perspective) tool.............................................................................................28
Set to circle (slant) tool........................................................................................................28

Aligning objects.............................................................................................................29
Using grid or snap functions........................................................................................29
Configuring grid and snap.........................................................................................................29
Snap to grid..............................................................................................................................31
Using Snap to Grid..............................................................................................................31
Displaying grid.....................................................................................................................31
Changing color of grid points...............................................................................................32
Snap points and lines...............................................................................................................32
Inserting snap points and lines............................................................................................32
Displaying snap points and lines.........................................................................................33
Editing snap points..............................................................................................................33
Editing snap lines.................................................................................................................34
Deleting snap points and lines.............................................................................................34
Configuring snap range.......................................................................................................34

Using Helplines..............................................................................................................35
Arranging objects.......................................................................................................... 36
Connectors and gluepoints.......................................................................................... 36
Connectors...............................................................................................................................36
Connector types...................................................................................................................37
Drawing connectors.............................................................................................................37
Formatting connectors.........................................................................................................39
Gluepoints.................................................................................................................................40
Gluepoint types....................................................................................................................40
Inserting gluepoints..............................................................................................................41
Customizing gluepoint exit direction....................................................................................42
Customizing gluepoint position............................................................................................42
Deleting gluepoints..............................................................................................................42

Working with 3D objects...............................................................................................43
Converting objects........................................................................................................ 44
Conversion options...................................................................................................................44

Interaction with objects.................................................................................................45
Fontwork.........................................................................................................................47
Creating Fontwork....................................................................................................................47
Fontwork toolbar.......................................................................................................................47
Modifying Fontwork...................................................................................................................49

Animations..................................................................................................................... 49
Creating an animation...............................................................................................................49
Animation tools and options.....................................................................................................50
Effect Options dialog.................................................................................................................52
Effect page...........................................................................................................................52
4| Chapter 5, Managing Graphic Objects

Timing page.........................................................................................................................52
Text Animation page............................................................................................................53
Animated images......................................................................................................................54
Creating animated image.....................................................................................................54
Animation dialog controls.....................................................................................................55

Chapter 5, Managing Graphic Objects | 5

Introduction
This chapter describes how to rotate, distort, arrange, and position graphic objects on a slideusing the available tools in Impress. However, some of the techniques described in this chapter
are also applicable to images imported into slides.

Drawing toolbar
The Drawing toolbar (Figure 1) contains the majority of the tools normally used to create graphic
objects. If this toolbar is not visible, select View > Toolbars > Drawing from the Menu bar. By
default, the Drawing toolbar is docked vertically at the left side of the Impress window.

Figure 1: Drawing toolbar

Note
The Drawing toolbar shown in Figure 1 may differ between different operating
systems and computer setup. Also, the Drawing toolbar displayed depends on
how many drawing tools have been placed on the toolbar. Right-click in an empty
area of the Drawing toolbar, then select Visible Buttons from the context menu
to display, install and remove available tools. See Appendix B, Toolbars and theGetting Started Guide for more information on customizing toolbars in Impress.

Drawing tools
From left to right, the drawing tools shown in Figure 1 are as follows:
SelectSelects objects. To select a group of objects, position the cursor above the top left object,then click, hold and drag the cursor below the bottom right object of the intended
selection. A rectangle identifying the selection area is displayed. Also, several objects canbe selected by holding down the Shift key while selecting the individual objects.
Zoom & Pan
Used to zoom out and pan the selected slide in the Workspace. Hold down the Ctrl key(macOS ⌘) and select the tool to zoom out and reduce the screen display of a slide in
LibreOffice. The current zoom factor is displayed as a percentage value on the Status bar.
Hold down the Shift key and select the tool to move the displayed slide withoutchanging the zoom percentage.
Insert Text Box
Creates a text box with text aligned horizontally. See Chapter 3, Adding and Formatting
Text for more information on working with text.

6 | Chapter 5, Managing Graphic Objects

Insert Vertical Text
Creates a text box with text aligned vertically. This tool is available only when Asian
language support has been enabled in Tools > Options > Language Settings >Languages (macOS LibreOffice > Preferences > Language Settings > Languages).
See Chapter 3, Adding and Formatting Text for more information on working with text.
Line Color
Click on the triangle ▼ next to Line Color to open a color palette and select a color forthe line. More colors are available by selecting a different color palette from the dropdown list at the top of the color palette.
Fill Color
Click on the triangle ▼ next to Fill Color to open a color palette and select a color for thearea fill. More colors are available by selecting a different color palette from the dropdown list at the top of the color palette.
Insert Line
Draws a straight line from the point where the cursor is dragged to the point where thecursor is released. Press the Shift key to restrict the angle of the line to multiples of 45°.
Press the Alt key (macOS ⌥) to draw a line from its center. Release the cursor before
releasing the Shift or Alt (macOS ⌥) keys.
Rectangle
Draws a rectangle when the cursor is dragged from the top left to the bottom right corner.
Press the Shift key to draw a square. Press the Alt key (macOS ⌥) to draw a shapefrom its center. Press the Shift+Alt keys (macOS ⌥+Shift) to draw a square fromthe center. Release the cursor before releasing the Shift or Alt (macOS ⌥) keys.
EllipseDraws an ellipse. Press the Shift key to draw a circle. Press the Alt key (macOS ⌥) todraw a shape from its center. Press the Shift+Alt keys (macOS ⌥+Shift) to draw acircle from the center. Release the cursor before releasing the Shift or Alt (macOS ⌥)keys.
Line and Arrows
Draws a straight line ending with an arrowhead. The arrowhead is placed at the end of
the line where the cursor is released. Click the triangle ▼ next to Line and Arrows toshow the available tools (Figure 2). The Shift and Alt (macOS ⌥) keys have the same
effect as the Insert Line tool. Actual icon shown on the toolbar depends on the tool that
had previously been selected.

Figure 2: Lines and Arrows sub-toolbar
Curves and Polygons
Draws a shape depending on the option that has been selected. Click the triangle ▼ next
to Curves and Polygons to show the available tools (Figure 3). Actual icon shown on the
toolbar depends on the tool that had previously been selected.

Figure 3: Curves and Polygons sub-toolbar

Drawing toolbar | 7

Connectors
Draws a connector line between two figures. Click the triangle ▼ next to Connectors toshow the available tools (Figure 4). Actual icon shown on the toolbar depends on the toolthat had previously been selected. For more information see “Connectors and gluepoints”
on page 36.

Figure 4: Connectors sub-toolbar
Basic Shapes
Click the triangle ▼ next to Basic Shapes to open a toolbar showing the available tools(Figure 5). The Shift and Alt (macOS ⌥) keys have the same effect as the Rectangle
tool. Actual icon shown on the toolbar depends on the tool that had previously been
selected.

Figure 5: Basic Shapes sub-toolbar
Symbol Shapes
Click the triangle ▼ next to Symbol Shapes to open a toolbar showing the available tools(Figure 6). The Shift and Alt (macOS ⌥) keys have the same effect as the Rectangle
tool. Actual icon shown on the toolbar depends on the tool that had previously been
selected.

Figure 6: Symbol Shapes sub-toolbar
Block Arrows
Click the triangle ▼ next to Block Arrows to open a toolbar showing the available tools(Figure 7). The Shift and Alt (macOS ⌥) keys have the same effect as the Rectangle
tool. Actual icon shown on the toolbar depends on the tool that had previously been
selected.

Figure 7: Block Arrows sub-toolbar
Flowchart
Click the triangle ▼ next to Flowchart to open a toolbar showing the available tools(Figure 8). The Shift and Alt (macOS ⌥) keys have the same effect as the Rectangle
tool. Actual icon shown on the toolbar will depend on the tool that had previously been
selected.

Figure 8: Flowchart sub-toolbar

8 | Chapter 5, Managing Graphic Objects

Callout Shapes
Click the triangle ▼ next to Callout Shapes to open a toolbar showing the available tools(Figure 9). The Shift and Alt (macOS ⌥) keys have the same effect as the Rectangle
tool. Actual icon shown on the toolbar depends on the tool that had previously been
selected.

Figure 9: Callouts sub-toolbar
Stars and Banners
Click the triangle ▼ next to Stars and Banners to open a toolbar showing the available
tools (Figure 10). The Shift and Alt (macOS ⌥) keys have the same effect as the
Rectangle tool. Actual icon shown on the toolbar depends on the tool that had previously
been selected.

Figure 10: Stars and Banners sub-toolbar
3D-Objects
Click the triangle ▼ next to 3D-Objects to open a toolbar showing the available tools(Figure 11). The Shift and Alt (macOS ⌥) keys have the same effect as the
Rectangle tool. Actual icon shown on the toolbar depends on the tool that had previously
been selected. For more information on 3D objects, see “Working with 3D objects” onpage 43.

Figure 11: 3D-Objects sub-toolbar
RotateSelect an object then click on this tool to switch the object in rotation mode. The selection
handles change color and pivot point appears in the center of the object.
Align Objects
Click the triangle ▼ next to Align Objects to open the available alignment tools(Figure 12) for two or more objects: See “Aligning objects” on page 29 for more
information.
Left, Centered, Right
Determines the horizontal alignment of selected objects.
Top, Center, Bottom
Determines the vertical alignment of selected objects.

Figure 12: Align Objects sub-toolbar

Drawing toolbar | 9

Arrange
Changes the stack level of an object. Click the triangle ▼ next to Arrange to open the
Position sub-toolbar and the available arrange tools (Figure 13) for a selected object. See“Arranging objects” on page 36 for more information.
Bring to front
Selected object is moved in front of all other objects.
Bring forward
Selected object is moved one level up in the stack.
Send backwards
Selected object is moved one level down in the stack.
Send to backSelected object is moved behind all other objects.
In front of object
Moves the first selected object in front of the second selected object.
Behind object
Moves the first selected object behind the second selected object.
ReverseSwaps the stacking order of two selected objects.

Figure 13: Position sub-toolbar
Distribute Selection
Changes the distribution between objects by using the horizontal and vertical spacing
between objects. Click the triangle ▼ next to Select at least three objects to distributeto open the Distribute Selection sub-toolbar and the available distribution tools(Figure 14). A minimum of three objects have to be selected for this tool to be active.

Figure 14: Distribute Selection sub-toolbar
Shadow
Applies a shadow to a selected object using the shadow settings from the Area or Linedialog.
Crop Image
This tool only becomes active when an image is selected that can be cropped.
FilterThis tool only becomes active when an image is selected and opens the available filter
options on the Image Filter toolbar (Figure 15) for application to an image. For more
information on image filters, see the Draw Guide.
InvertInverts the color values of a color image, or the brightness values of a grayscale image.
Apply the filter again to reverse the effect.
SmoothSoftens or blurs the image by applying a low pass filter.
10 | Chapter 5, Managing Graphic Objects

Figure 15: Image Filter toolbar
SharpenSharpens the image by applying a high pass filter.
Remove Noise
Removes noise by applying a median filter.
Solarization
Opens a dialog for defining solarization. Solarization refers to an effect that looks likewhat can happen when there is too much light during photo development.
Aging
All pixels are set to their gray values. The green and blue color channels are thenreduced by the amount you specify. The red color channel is not changed.
Posterize
Opens a dialog to determine the number of poster colors. This effect is based on the
reduction of the number of colors. It makes photos look like paintings.
Pop ArtConverts an image to a pop-art format.
Charcoal Sketch
Displays the image as a charcoal sketch. The contours of the image are drawn in black,and the original colors are suppressed.
Relief
Displays a dialog for creating reliefs. You can choose the position of the imaginary lightsource that determines the type of shadow created, and how the graphic image looks
in relief.
MosaicJoins small groups of pixels into rectangular areas of the same color. The larger theindividual rectangles are, the fewer details the graphic image has.
PointsSelect this tool and then select an object to edit the individual points in the object. The
object must be converted to a curve or polygon first before editing the object points.
Clicking on the keyboard shortcut F8 also selects this tool.
Show Gluepoints Functions
Opens the Gluepoints toolbar (Figure 16) for editing the gluepoints of a graphic object.
Glue points are the positions where connector lines terminate or start. See “Gluepoints”
on page 40 for more information.

Figure 16: Gluepoints toolbar
Toggle Extrusion
Switches 3D effects on or off for the selected object. Clicking on this tool also opens the
3D-Settings toolbar (Figure 17). See “Working with 3D objects” on page 43 for more
information.

Drawing toolbar | 11

Figure 17: 3D-Settings toolbar

Creating lines and shapes
This section is an introduction to creating lines and shapes. For more information on working withlines and shapes, see the Draw Guide.

Drawing regular shapes
Regular shapes that are available on the Drawing toolbar are as follows:
Rectangle
Ellipse
Basic Shapes

Symbol Shapes
Block Arrows
Flowchart

Callouts Shapes
Stars and Banners
3D Objects

Some icons for regular shapes have a triangle ▼ next to the icon that gives access to several
different types of regular shapes. Also, the icons for some of the regular shapes displayed on the
Drawing toolbar show the last tool used for each of these regular shapes.
Drawing a regular shape is as follows:
1) Select the required tool from the Drawing toolbar or a sub-toolbar after selecting thetriangle ▼ next to the icon.
2) Place the cursor on the slide, then click and drag to define an enclosing rectangle.
3) Release the cursor and the selected shape is drawn on the slide.
4) Press and hold the Shift key when creating a shape to maintain equal height and width.
For example, using Rectangle or Ellipse to draw a square or a circle. Release the cursor
before releasing the Shift key.
5) Press and hold the Alt key (macOS ⌥) to draw a shape from its center. Release thecursor before releasing the Alt key (macOS ⌥).
6) Press and hold the Shift and Alt (macOS ⌥) keys when creating a shape to maintainequal height and width and draw the shape from the center. For example, when using
Rectangle or Ellipse tool to draw a square or a circle. Release the cursor before
releasing the Shift and Alt (macOS ⌥) keys.
7) Press and hold the Ctrl key (macOS ⌘) when creating a shape to snap the top left
corner of the shape selection box to the nearest grid point.

Note
If the Snap to Grid option in Tools > Options > LibreOffice Impress > Grid
(macOS LibreOffice > Preferences > LibreOffice Impress > Grid) has been
selected, pressing and holding the Ctrl key (macOS ⌘) prevents the top left
corner of the shape selection box snapping to the nearest grid point.

Regular shape adjustment
When creating shapes that are included in Impress, one or more dots maybe displayed in adifferent color to the selection handles. These dots perform a different function according to theshape they are applied to and are listed below.

12 | Chapter 5, Managing Graphic Objects

Basic Shapes
The Basic Shapes with shape adjustment dots are as follows:
Rectangle, Rounded
Changes the radius of the curve used for corners on a rounded rectangle or square.
Square, Rounded
Changes the radius of the curve used for corners on a rounded rectangle or square.
Parallelogram
Changes the internal angles between the sides.
Trapezoid
Changes the internal angles between the sides.
Circle Pie
Changes the size of the filled sector.
Block Arc
Changes both internal diameter and size of the filled area.
Isosceles Triangle
Changes the shape and type of the triangle.
HexagonChanges the internal angles between the sides.
OctagonChanges the internal angles between the sides.
CylinderChanges the perspective.
Cube
Changes the perspective.
Folded Corner
Changes the size of the folded corner.
Cross
Changes the thickness of the four arms of the cross.
Frame
Changes the thickness of the frame.
Ring
Changes the internal diameter of the ring.

Symbol Shapes
The Symbol Shapes with shape adjustment dots are as follows:
Smiley Face
Changes the smile on the face.
Sun
Changes the shape of the symbol.
Moon
Changes the shape of the symbol.
Prohibited
Changes the thickness of the ring and the diagonal bar.
Square Bevel
Changes the thickness of the bevel.
Creating lines and shapes | 13

Octagon Bevel
Changes the thickness of the bevel.
Diamond Bevel
Changes the thickness of the bevel.
Double Bracket
Changes the curvature of the bracket.
Left Bracket
Changes the curvature of the bracket.
Right Bracket
Changes the curvature of the bracket.
Double Brace
Changes the curvature of the bracket.
Left Brace
Changes the curvature of the brace and the position of the point.
Right Brace
Changes the curvature of the brace and the position of the point.

Block Arrows
The Block Arrows with shape adjustment dots are as follows:
Right Arrow
Changes the shape and thickness of the arrow.
Left Arrow
Changes the shape and thickness of the arrow.
Down Arrow
Changes the shape and thickness of the arrow.
Up Arrow
Changes the shape and thickness of the arrow.
Left and Right Arrow
Changes the shape and thickness of the arrow.
Up and Down Arrow
Changes the shape and thickness of the arrow.
Circular Arrow
Changes the shape and thickness of the arrow.
4-way Arrow
Changes the shape and thickness of the arrow.
ChevronChanges the angle between the sides and the shape.
Pentagon
Changes the angle between the sides and the shape.
Striped Right Arrow
Changes the shape and thickness of the arrow.
Up, Right and Down Arrow
Changes the shape and thickness of the arrow.
Notched Right Arrow
Changes the shape and thickness of the arrow.
14 | Chapter 5, Managing Graphic Objects

Up and Right Arrow
Changes the shape and thickness of the arrow.
Right Arrow Callout
Changes the shape and thickness of the callout.
Left Arrow Callout
Changes the shape and thickness of the callout.
Down Arrow Callout
Changes the shape and thickness of the callout.
Up Arrow Callout
Changes the shape and thickness of the callout.
Left and Right Arrow Callout
Changes the shape and thickness of the callout.
Up and Down Arrow Callout
Changes the shape and thickness of the callout.
4-way Arrow Callout
Changes the shape and thickness of the callout.
Up and Right Arrow Callout
Changes the shape and thickness of the callout.

Callout Shapes
All Callouts use shape adjustment dots to change the length, position and angle of the pointer.

Stars and Banners
The Stars and Banners with shape adjustment dots are as follows:
4-Point Star
Changes the thickness and shape of the star points.
8-Point Star
Changes the thickness and shape of the star points.
24-Point Star
Changes the thickness and shape of the star points.
Vertical Scroll
Changes the width and shape of the scroll.
Horizontal Scroll
Changes the width and shape of the scroll.
Doorplate
Changes the inward curvature of the corners.

Drawing curves, polygons and freeform lines
Curves, polygons and lines on the Drawing toolbar have a triangle ▼ next to the icon. Clicking on
this triangle ▼ opens a sub-toolbar giving access to several different types of curves, polygons
and lines. The icons on the Drawing toolbar show the last tool used for each of these curves,
polygons and lines. If a filled curve, filled polygon, or filled freeform line was selected, Impress
draws the line connecting the last point to the start point and fills the inside area with the default
fill color.

Creating lines and shapes | 15

Curves
1) Click the triangle ▼ next to Curves and Polygons on the Drawing toolbar to open theCurves and Polygons sub-toolbar.
2) Select either Curve or Curve Filled.
3) Place the cursor on the slide, then click and drag to create the starting point of a curve.
4) Release the cursor and drag the cursor to draw a curve on the slide, bending the line intoa curve.
5) Click to set the end point of the curve and fix the curve on the slide.
6) Drag the cursor to continue drawing a straight line. Each click sets a corner point andallows drawing of another straight line from the corner point.
7) Double-click to end the drawing of the curve. If Curve Filled was selected, Impress
automatically fills the curve with the default fill color.

Note
Holding down the Shift key when drawing lines with the curve or polygon tools
restricts the angles between lines to 45 or 90 degrees.

Polygons and Polygons 45°
1) Click the triangle ▼ next to Curves and Polygons on the Drawing toolbar to open theCurves and Polygons sub-toolbar.
2) Select either Polygon, Polygon Filled, Polygon (45°) or Polygon Filled (45°).
3) Place the cursor on the slide, then click and drag to draw the first line from the start point.
Release the cursor and a line between the first and second points is drawn.
4) Move the cursor to draw the next line. Each click sets a corner point and allows drawingof another line.
5) Double-click to end the drawing of a polygon. If Polygon Filled or Polygon Filled (45°)
was selected, Impress automatically fills the polygon with the default fill color.

Note
If Polygon (45°) or Polygon Filled (45°) were selected, the movement of the
cursor and the angles between lines is restricted to increments of 45°.

Freeform lines
Using Freeform Line or Freeform Line Filled tools is similar to drawing with a pencil on paper.
1) Click the triangle ▼ next to Curves and Polygons on the Drawing toolbar to open theCurves and Polygons sub-toolbar.
2) Select either Freeform Line or Freeform Line Filled.
3) Click and drag the cursor to the line shape required.
4) When finished drawing a freeform line, release the cursor and the drawing is completed. If
Freeform Line Filled was selected, Impress automatically fills the drawing between thestart and end points with the default fill color.

16 | Chapter 5, Managing Graphic Objects

Drawing lines and arrows
Straight lines
A straight line is the simplest element or object in Impress to create.
1) Use one of the following methods to draw a line:– Click Insert Line in the Drawing toolbar.
– Click the triangle ▼ on the right of Lines and Arrows on the Drawing toolbar andselect Insert Line from the Lines and Arrows sub-toolbar.
2) Click at the start position for the line and drag the cursor.
3) Release the cursor at the end position of the line. A selection handle appears at each endof the line. The selection handle at the starting point of the line is larger than the selection
handle at the end point.
4) Keep the Ctrl key (macOS ⌘) pressed while drawing a line to enable the end of the line
to snap to the nearest grid point.
5) Keep the Shift key pressed while drawing a line to restrict the drawing angle of a line tomultiple of 45 degrees.
6) Keep the Alt key (macOS ⌥) pressed while drawing a line to cause the line to extend
outwards symmetrically in both directions from the start point. This draws lines by startingfrom the middle of the line.

ArrowsArrows are drawn like lines and are classified as a subgroup of lines, that is lines witharrowheads. Hovering the cursor over each type of arrow that is available shows the type ofendings each tool will draw.
1) Click the triangle ▼ on the right of Lines and Arrows on the Drawing toolbar and selectthe type of arrow from the Lines and Arrows sub-toolbar.
2) Click at the starting position for drawing the arrow, then drag the cursor. The arrowhead(s)is drawn at the end of the line when the cursor is released.
3) Keep the Ctrl key (macOS ⌘) pressed while drawing an arrow to enable the end of thearrow to snap to the nearest grid point.
4) Keep the Shift key pressed while drawing an arrow to restrict the drawing angle of anarrow to multiple of 45 degrees.
5) Keep the Alt key (macOS ⌥) pressed while drawing an arrow to cause the arrow toextend outwards symmetrically in both directions from the start point. This draws arrows
by starting from the middle of the arrow.

Note
If the Snap to Grid option in Tools > Options > LibreOffice Impress > Grid
(macOS LibreOffice > Preferences > LibreOffice Impress > Grid) has been
selected, pressing and holding the Ctrl key (macOS ⌘) whilst drawing a line orarrow has the opposite effect and prevents the line or arrow snapping to thenearest grid point.

Creating lines and shapes | 17

Figure 18: Example of grouping objects

Grouping objects
This section gives only a brief introduction to grouping of objects. An example of grouping two
objects together is shown in Figure 18. For more information on working with grouped objects,
see the Draw Guide.
Grouping of objects is similar to putting objects into a container. Objects within a group are
moved together as one object and any changes made are applied globally to the objects within
the group. A group can always be undone and the objects that make up the group can always be
manipulated separately.

Temporary grouping
Temporary grouping is when several objects are selected together. Any changes to the objects
are applied to all of the objects within the temporary group. For example, a temporary group of
objects can be rotated in its entirety.
A temporary group is created using one of the following methods:• Hold down the Shift key whilst clicking multiple objects on a slide.
• Click and drag the cursor to create a marquee around multiple objects. Release thecursor and all the objects within the marquee are selected.
To cancel a temporary grouping of objects, simply click outside of the selection handles displayedaround the objects.

Permanent grouping
1) Objects are grouped together using one of the following methods:– Hold down the Shift key whilst clicking multiple objects on a slide.
– Click and drag the cursor to create a marquee around multiple objects. Release thecursor and all the objects within the marquee are selected.
– To select all the objects on the slide, go to Edit > Select All on the Menu bar, or use
the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+A (macOS ⌘+A).

18 | Chapter 5, Managing Graphic Objects

Figure 19: Example of editing inside a group
2) With selection handles displayed, use one of the following methods to create a group of
selected objects:– Go to Format > Group > Group on the Menu bar.
– Use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Shift+G (macOS ⌘+Shift+G).
– Right-click on an object within the selected group and select Group from the context
menu.

Editing or formatting groups
1) Click on an object in the group to select the group. Any editing or formatting can then be
carried out on all the objects within the group or on individual objects within the group.
2) To edit an individual object within a group, enter the group using one of the following
methods:– Use the keyboard shortcut F3.
– Go to Format > Group > Enter Group on the Menu bar.
– Right-click and select Enter Group from the context menu.
3) Select individual objects within the group for editing or formatting. An example of editing
individual objects in a group is shown in Figure 19.
4) When editing or formatting is completed, use one of the following methods to exit thegroup and the whole group then becomes selected:– Use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+F3 (macOS ⌘+F3).
– Go to Format > Group > Exit Group on the Menu bar.
– Right-click and select Exit Group from the context menu.

Ungrouping
1) Click on any one of the objects in the group to select the group.
2) With selection handles displayed, use one of the following methods to ungroup a group of
objects:– Go to Format > Group > Ungroup on the Menu bar.

Grouping objects | 19

– Use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Alt+Shift+G (macOS ⌘+⌥+Shift+G).
– Right-click on the group and select Ungroup from the context menu.

Tip
If group and ungroup commands are regularly used, or any other command,commands can be added to a toolbar so that they are readily available. See
Chapter 11, Setting Up and Customizing Impress; Appendix B, Toolbars; and theGetting Started Guide for more information on customizing the user interface.

Positioning and resizing graphic objects
Using the cursor
Positioning
1) Click on an object or a group of objects to display the selection handles.
2) Move the cursor over a selected graphic object until the cursor changes shape. The
cursor shape depends on the computer setup and the computer operating system.
3) Click and drag the object to the desired position. During movement, a ghost image of theobject appears to help with repositioning (Figure 20).
4) Release the cursor when the object is in the desired position.

Note
The arrow keys can also be used to quickly move a selected object or group to a
new position.

Resizing
1) Click on an object or a group of objects to display the selection handles.
2) Move the cursor over a selection handle.

Figure 20: Example of moving objects

20 | Chapter 5, Managing Graphic Objects

Figure 21: Example of resizing an object
3) Click and drag the selection handle to resize the graphic object. During resizing, a ghost
image of the object appears to help with resizing (Figure 21).
4) To maintain the width to height ratio, hold down the Shift key before clicking anddragging on a selection handle. Remember to release the cursor before releasing theShift key.
5) Release the cursor when the object is at the desired size.

Position and Size dialog
Positioning
For a more accurate placement of a graphic object on a slide, use the Position and Size dialog(Figure 22) as follows:
1) Select an object to display the selection handles and open the Position and Size dialog
using one of the following methods:– Use the keyboard shortcut F4.
– Go to Format > Text Box and Shape > Position and Size on the Menu bar.
– Right-click on the selected object and select Position and Size from the context
menu.
– Click on More Options on the right of the title bar for the Position and Size panel in
the Properties deck on the Sidebar.
2) Click on the Position and Size tab to open the Position and Size page.
3) In the Position section, specify Position X (horizontal) and Position Y (vertical) position of
the object. The values represent the distance from the Base point selected on the righthand side of the dialog. The default selection for Base point is relative to the top left
corner of the slide.
4) If necessary, in the Protect section of the dialog, select the Position option to prevent theobject from being repositioned.
5) Click OK to save the changes and to close the dialog.

Positioning and resizing graphic objects | 21

Figure 22: Position and Size dialog - Position and Size pageNote
The units of measurement used in this dialog and other Impress dialogs are set inTools > Options > LibreOffice Impress > General (macOS LibreOffice >Preferences > LibreOffice Impress > General).

Resizing
1) Select an object to display the selection handles and open the Position and Size dialog
using one of the following methods:– Use the keyboard shortcut F4.
– Go to Format > Text Box and Shape > Position and Size on the Menu bar.
– Right-click on the selected object and select Position and Size from the context
menu.
– Click on More Options on the right of the title bar for the Position and Size panel in
the Properties deck on the Sidebar.
2) Click on the Position and Size tab to open the Position and Size page.
3) In Size, select a Base point to use as an anchor when resizing the object. The default
selection of top left corner means that the top left corner of the object will not change
position when resizing.
4) To maintain the proportions between width and height, in the Size section select the Keepratio option before changing the Width or Height. When Keep ratio is selected, changing
the value of one dimension automatically changes the other dimension maintaining theratio between object width and height.
5) To specify the object width or height independently, make sure Keep ratio is deselected,
then, in the Size section, enter a value for the Width and/or Height of the object.
22 | Chapter 5, Managing Graphic Objects

6) If necessary, in the Protect section of the dialog, select the Size option to prevent theobject from being resized.
7) Click OK to save the changes and to close the dialog.

Sidebar Position and Size panel
Use the Position and Size panel in the Properties deck on the Sidebar (Figure 23) to position
and resize a graphic object.

Positioning
1) Select an object to display the selection handles.
2) Click on Properties in the Sidebar to open the Properties deck.
3) Click on Position and Size to open the panel.
4) Specify Position X (horizontal) and Position Y (vertical) position of the object. The values
represent the distance from the Base point that has been selected in the Position andSize dialog.
5) Press the Enter key to make the changes.

Figure 23: Position and Size panel in Properties deck on Sidebar

Positioning and resizing graphic objects | 23

Resizing1) Select an object to display the selection handles.
2) Click on Properties in the Sidebar to open the Properties deck.
3) Click on Position and Size to open the panel.
4) To maintain the proportions between width and height, select the Keep ratio option beforechanging the Width or Height. When Keep ratio is selected, changing the value of one
dimension automatically changes the other dimension maintaining the ratio between
object width and height.
5) To specify the object width or height independently, make sure Keep ratio is deselected,
then, enter a value for the Width and/or Height of the object.
6) Press the Enter key to make the changes.

Applying special effects
As well as the basic actions of moving and resizing an object, a number of special effects canalso be applied to objects in Impress. This section describes how to rotate, flip, and distort an
object.

Rotating graphic objects
Quick rotation
1) Select an object to display the selection handles.
2) On the Line and Filling toolbar, click on the triangle ▼ next to Transformations then clickon Rotate on the Transformations sub-toolbar. The selection handles change shape andcolor as shown in Figure 24. A pivot point indicating the rotation center also appears in thecenter of the object.
3) Move the cursor over one of the corner handles and the cursor changes shape indicating
the movement direction.
4) Click on a corner selection handle and move in the direction required to rotate the object.
Only the corner selection handles are active for rotation.
5) When satisfied with the rotation, release the cursor.
6) To change the rotation center of the object, click and drag the pivot point to the desired
position before rotating. The pivot point can be moved to any position on the slide, evenoutside of the object boundaries.

Figure 24: Example of rotating objects
24 | Chapter 5, Managing Graphic Objects

7) To restrict the rotation angles to multiples of 15 degrees, press and hold the Shift key
while rotating the object. This is useful for rotating pictures through a right angle, forexample from portrait to landscape. Remember to release the Shift key before
releasing the cursor.

Position and Size dialog rotation
Instead of rotating an object manually, use the Rotation page of the Position and Size dialog(Figure 25) to accurately rotate an object.
1) Select an object to display the selection handles, then open the Position and Size dialog
using one of the following methods:– Use the keyboard shortcut F4.
– Go to Format > Text Box and Shape > Position and Size on the Menu bar.
– Right-click on the selected object and select Position and Size from the context
menu.
– Click on More Options on the right of the title bar for the Position and Size panel in
the Properties deck on the Sidebar.
2) Click on the Rotation tab to open the Rotation page.
3) If necessary, in Pivot Point enter a measurement for Position X and Position Y to movethe position of the pivot point. The default position of the pivot point is the center of theobject. Alternatively, select a pivot point from one of the 9 positions in Default settings.
4) In Rotation Angle, enter the degree amount for rotation in the Angle text box.
Alternatively, in Default settings, click on the rotation angle indicator and drag it to a new
angle. The angle of rotation is displayed in the Angle text box.
5) Click OK to save the changes and to close the dialog.

Sidebar rotation
Use the Position and Size panel in the Properties deck on the Sidebar (Figure 23 on page 23) torotate an object as follows:
1) Select an object to display the selection handles.

Figure 25: Position and size dialog - Rotation page

Applying special effects | 25

2) Click on Properties in the Sidebar to open the Properties deck.
3) Click on Position and Size to open the panel.
4) In Rotation, enter the degree amount for rotation in the text box or click on the rotation
angle indicator and drag it to a new angle. The angle of rotation is displayed in the
Rotation text box.
5) Press the Enter key to make the changes.

Flipping objects
Quick flipping1) Click on an object to display the selection handles.
2) Quickly flip a selected object so it faces the other direction using one of the following
methods:– Right-click on the selected object and select Flip > Vertically or Horizontally fromthe context menu.
– Click on Vertically or Horizontally flip tool on the Standard toolbar.
– Go to Format > Flip > Vertically or Horizontally on the Menu bar.
– Click on Flip Vertically or Flip Horizontally in the Position and Size panel on theProperties deck of the Sidebar.

Flip tool
To change the position and angle that an object flips over, the Flip tool on the Transformations
toolbar (Figure 26) is used as shown by the example in Figure 27.
1) Click on an object to display the selection handles.
2) Go to View > Toolbars > Transformations to open the Transformations toolbar.
3) Click on Flip on the Transformations toolbar and a symmetry axis appears as a dashedline through the center of the object (Item (1) in Figure 27). The object is flipped about thisaxis of symmetry.

Figure 26: Transformations toolbar

Figure 27: Example of using the Flip tool

26 | Chapter 5, Managing Graphic Objects

4) Click and drag the symmetry axis to a new position, or position the cursor in one of thecircles at each end of the symmetry axis and drag with the cursor to change the angle(Item (2) in Figure 27).
5) Place the cursor over one of the selection handles for the object.
6) Click and drag the cursor across the symmetry axis to flip the object. The new position of
the object is shown faintly until the cursor is released.
7) Release the cursor and the object appears flipped over. Angle and position of the flip
depends on the angle and position of the symmetry axis (Item (3) in Figure 27).

Note
Press and hold the Shift key while moving the symmetry axis to rotate it in
45 degree increments.

Mirror copies
Impress does not include a mirror command. However, mirroring an object can be emulated byflipping the object:
1) Select the object to make a mirror copy and copy the object to the clipboard.
2) Flip the object using one of the methods in “Quick flipping” on page 26, then move theflipped object to one side.
3) Click in an empty area of the slide to deselect the object.
4) Paste the copied object from the clipboard into the slide.
5) Select both objects, then right-click and select Alignment from the context menu.
6) Select the type of alignment required. Top, Center, or Bottom if a horizontal mirror copy
is being created. Left, Centered, or Right if a vertical mirror copy is being created.

Distorting images
Three tools on the Transformations toolbar allow an object to be distorted.
• Distort – distorts an object in perspective.
• Set to circle (slant) and Set in Circle (perspective) – both create a pseudo 3D effect.

Note
When using these tools, an object has to be converted to a curve before
distorting. Converting an object into a curve cannot be reversed and can only beundone by using the Undo function.

Distort tool
Examples of corner, vertical, and horizontal distortion of an object using the Distort tool are
shown in Figure 28.
1) Select an object and click on Distort on the Transformations toolbar.
2) Click Yes to convert the object to a curve. If the object is already a curve, this dialog does
not appear.
3) Click and drag a corner selection handle to distort the object using the opposite corner
selection handle as an anchor point for the distortion.

Applying special effects | 27

Figure 28: Example of object distortion
1)
2)

Original shape
Corner distortion

3)
4)

Vertical distortion
Horizontal distortion

Figure 29: Example of perspective distortion
1)
2)

Original object
Set in Circle (perspective) distortion

Figure 30: Example of slant distortion1)

Original object

2)

Set in Circle (slant) distortion4) Click and drag the vertical selection handles to distort the object using the opposite
vertical side as an anchor point for the distortion.
5) Click and drag the horizontal selection handles to distort the object using the opposite
horizontal side as an anchor point for the distortion.

Set in Circle (perspective) tool
Example of distorting an object using the Set in Circle (perspective) tool is shown in Figure 29.
1) Select an object and click on Set in Circle (perspective) in the Transformations toolbar.
2) Click Yes to convert the object to a curve. If the object is already a curve, this dialog does
not appear.
3) Click and drag one of the selection handles to give a pseudo 3D perspective using the
opposite side as an anchor point. A ghosted image appears as the object is distorted togive an indication of how the resulting object will look.

Set to circle (slant) tool
Example of distorting an object with the Set to circle (slant) tool is shown in Figure 30.
1) Select an object and click on Set to circle (slant) in the Transformations toolbar.

28 | Chapter 5, Managing Graphic Objects

2) Click Yes to convert the object to a curve. If the object is already a curve, this dialog does
not appear.
3) Click and drag one of the selection handles to give a pseudo 3D perspective using the
opposite side as an anchor point. A ghosted image appears as the object is distorted togive an indication of how the resulting object will look.

Aligning objects
Use the alignment tools in LibreOffice to adjust the relative position of an object compared toanother object. These alignment tools are only active if two or more objects are selected. The
alignment options are as follows:• Left, Centered, Right — determines the horizontal alignment of selected objects.
• Top, Center, Bottom — determines the vertical alignment of selected objects.
Select two or more objects for alignment and use one of the following methods to access thealign options:• Click on the triangle ▼ next to Align Objects on the Line and Filling toolbar. Select analignment option from the tools available. The Align Objects icon shown on the Line andFilling toolbar depends on the last tool used.
• Go to View > Toolbars > Align Objects on the Menu bar to open the Align Objects
toolbar. Select an alignment option from the tools available.
• Right-click on the group of selected objects and select Align Objects and then one of thealignment options from the context menu.

Using grid or snap functions
In Impress, objects can be positioned accurately and consistently using grid points, snap points
and lines, object frames, individual points on objects, or page edges. This function is known as
Snap. It allows positioning of an object in exactly the same place on multiple slides.
It is easier to use snap functions at the highest practical zoom value for a presentation. Two
different snap functions can be used at the same time. For example, snapping to a guide line andthe slide edge. It is recommended to activate only those snap functions that are really required.

Configuring grid and snap
To configure the grid and snap in a presentation, go to Tools > Options > LibreOffice Impress> Grid (macOS LibreOffice > Preferences > LibreOffice Impress > Grid) on the Menu bar todisplay the Grid dialog (Figure 31).
Grid
Specifies the settings for the grid used in Impress. This grid helps to determine the exact
position of objects. Also, the grid can be set in line with the snap grid. If the snap grid isactivated, to move or create individual objects without snapping to the grid, keep the Shift
key pressed to deactivate this function for as long as necessary.
Snap to gridSpecifies how frames, drawing elements, and controls are moved between grid points.
To change the status of Snap to grid only for the current action, drag an object while
holding down the Ctrl key (macOS ⌘).
Visible gridSpecifies how the grid is displayed.

Using grid or snap functions | 29

Figure 31: Options LibreOffice Impress Grid dialog
Resolution
Horizontal
Defines the unit of measure for the spacing between grid points on the X-axis.
VerticalDefines the grid points spacing in the desired unit of measurement on the Y-axis.
Subdivision
Horizontal
Specify the number of intermediate spaces between grid points on the X-axis.
VerticalSpecify the number of intermediate spaces between grid points on the Y-axis.
Synchronize axes
Specifies how the current grid settings are changed symmetrically. The resolution andsubdivision for the X and Y axes remain the same.
Snap
To snap lines
Snaps the edge of a dragged object to the nearest snap line when the cursor isreleased. Also, this setting can be defined by using Snap to Snap Guides on the
Options toolbar (Figure 32).

Figure 32: Options toolbar
To the page margins
Specifies whether to align the contour of the graphic object to the nearest page margin.
The cursor or a contour line of the object must be in the snap range. In a presentation,
this function can also be accessed with Snap to page Margins in the Options toolbar.
To object frame
Specifies whether to align the contour of the object to the border of the nearest object.
The cursor or a contour line of the object must be in the snap range. In a presentation,
this function can also be accessed with Snap to Object Border in the Options toolbar.

30 | Chapter 5, Managing Graphic Objects

To object points
Specifies whether to align the contour of the object to the points of the nearest object.
This only applies if the cursor or a contour line of the object is in the snap range. In apresentation, this function can also be accessed with Snap to Object Points in the
Options toolbar.
Snap range
Defines the snap distance between the cursor and the object contour. Snaps to a snap
point if the cursor is closer than the distance selected.
Constrain Objects
When creating or moving objects
Specifies that objects are restricted vertically, horizontally or diagonally (45°) whencreating or moving them. This setting can be temporarily deactivated by pressing andholding the Shift key.
Extend edges
Specifies that a square is created based on the longer side of a rectangle when the
Shift key is pressed before releasing the cursor. This also applies to an ellipse (acircle will be created based on the longest diameter of the ellipse). When Extend edges
is not selected, a square or a circle is created based on the shorter side or diameter.
When rotating
Specifies that objects can only be rotated within the rotation angle that is selected. To
rotate an object outside the defined angle, press the Shift key when rotating. Release
the Shift key when the desired rotation angle is reached.
Point reduction
Defines the angle for point reduction. When working with polygons, this is useful in
reducing the editing points.
The grid and snap functions can also be displayed and switched on or off using one of thefollowing methods:• Go to Tools > Options > LibreOffice Impress > Grid (macOS LibreOffice >Preferences > LibreOffice Impress > Grid) on the Menu bar to display the Grid dialog.
• Right-clicking on a slide and using the options in the context menu.
• Using the tools in the Options toolbar.

Snap to gridUsing Snap to Grid
Use the Snap to Grid function to move an object exactly onto a grid point in a slide. This function
can be switched on and off using one of the following methods:• Go to View > Snap Guides > Snap to Grid on the Menu bar.
• Right-click on a slide and select Snap Guides > Snap to Grid from the context menu.
• Click on Snap to Grid on the Options toolbar.

Displaying grid
To display or turn off the grid in a presentation using one of the following methods:• Go to View > Grid and Helplines > Display Grid on the Menu bar.
• Click on Display Grid on the Options toolbar.

Using grid or snap functions | 31• Right-click on a slide and select Grid and Helplines > Display Grid from the context
menu.
• Select Visible grid option in Tools > Options > LibreOffice Impress > Grid (macOS
LibreOffice > Preferences > LibreOffice Impress > Grid).

Changing color of grid points
By default and depending on the display and computer setup, the grid points are gray and are notalways easy to see. To change the color of the grid points, go to Tools > Options > LibreOffice> Application Colors (macOS LibreOffice > Preferences > LibreOffice > Application Colors)
to open the Options LibreOffice Application Colors dialog (Figure 33). In the
Drawing/Presentation section, select a more suitable color for the grid from the drop-down list to
make the grid points more prominent against the color scheme being used.

Snap points and lines
Unlike the grid, snap lines and snap points are inserted when positioning an object to a specificposition on a slide. Snap lines can either be horizontal or vertical and appear as dashed lines.
Snap points appear as small crosses with dashed lines. Snap points and snap lines do notappear in printed output.

Inserting snap points and lines
To insert a snap point or line use one of the following methods to open the New Snap Object
dialog (Figure 34):
• Go to Insert > Snap Guide on the Menu bar.
• Right-click in an empty space on a slide and select Insert Snap Guide from the context
menu.

Figure 33: Options LibreOffice Application Colors dialog

32 | Chapter 5, Managing Graphic Objects

Figure 34: New Snap Object dialog
The options available in the New Snap Object dialog are as follows:
Position
Sets the position of a selected snap point or line relative to the top left corner of the page.
X:
Enter the amount of space required between the snap point or line and the left edge ofthe page.
Y:
Enter the amount of space required between the snap point or line and the top edge ofthe page.
Type
Specifies the type of snap object required.
Point
Inserts a snap point. Both X: and Y: text boxes are active.
VerticalInserts a vertical snap line. Only X: text box is active.
Horizontal
Inserts a horizontal snap line. Only Y: text box is active.

Tip
When positioning snap lines, it is useful to display the rulers by selecting View >Rulers on the Menu bar. Click on the horizontal or vertical ruler and drag a snapline onto the slide.

Displaying snap points and lines
Display or turn off snap points and lines in a presentation using one of the following methods:• Go to View > Snap Guides > Display Snap Guides on the Menu bar.
• Click on Display Snap Guides on the Options toolbar.
• Right-click on a slide and select Snap Guides > Display Snap Guides from the context
menu.

Editing snap points
1) Right-click on a snap point and select Edit Snap Point from the context menu to open the
Edit Snap Point dialog (Figure 35).
2) Enter new X: and Y: coordinate settings for the snap point and click OK.

Using grid or snap functions | 33

Figure 35: Edit Snap Point dialog

Figure 36: Edit Snap Line dialog
3) Alternatively, click on the snap point and drag it to a position on the slide.

Editing snap lines
1) Right-click on a snap line and select Edit Snap Line from the context menu to open the
Edit Snap Line dialog (Figure 36).
2) Enter a new X: coordinate setting for vertical snap lines or a new Y: coordinate setting forhorizontal snap lines and click OK.
3) Alternatively, click on a snap line and drag it to a new position on the slide.

Deleting snap points and lines
1) Right-click on a snap point or line.
2) Select Delete Snap Point or Delete Snap Line from the context menu.

Note
Clicking on Delete in the Edit Snap Point dialog or Edit Snap Line dialog alsodeletes a snap point or snap line.

Configuring snap range
The default snap range of when an object snaps to a snap point or line can be configured asfollows:
1) Go to Tools > Options > LibreOffice Impress > Grid (macOS LibreOffice >Preferences > LibreOffice Impress > Grid) on the Menu bar to open the Options
LibreOffice Impress Grid dialog.
2) Enter the number of pixels to set the proximity of when the object snaps into position in
the Snap range text box. The default setting is 5 pixels.
3) Click OK to set the new snap range and close the dialog.

34 | Chapter 5, Managing Graphic Objects

Using Helplines
Helplines are a function in Impress to help position objects and can be displayed while an object
is being moved. They extend from the edges of the object to the rulers at the top and left side ofa workspace and do not have a snap function (Figure 37).
Use one of the following methods to display helplines while moving an object:• Go to Tools > Options > LibreOffice Impress > View (macOS LibreOffice >Preferences > LibreOffice Impress > View) to open the Options LibreOffice Impress
View dialog (Figure 38) on the Menu bar and select Helplines while moving.
• Click on Helplines While Moving on the Options toolbar.
• Right-click in an empty area on a slide and select Grid and Helplines > Helplines While
Moving from the context menu.

Figure 37: Example of using helplines

Figure 38: Options LibreOffice Impress View dialog

Using Helplines | 35

Arranging objects
Impress organizes objects in a stack so that the objects on the top level of the stack cover theobjects on lower levels, if any overlapping occurs. The stack level of each object can be changed
by arranging shapes on a slide. Select an object or objects and use one of the following methods
to change the stack level:• Click on the required arrange tool on the Line and Filling toolbar.
• Right-click on selected objects and select Arrange from the context menu, then selectthe required arrange option from the sub-context menu.
• Go to Format > Arrange on the Menu bar and select an option from the submenu.
The options available for arranging the object stack level on a slide are as follows:
Bring to Front
Selected object is moved in front of all other objects.
Keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Shift++ (macOS ⌘+Shift++).
Bring Forward
Selected object is moved one level up in the stack.
Keyboard shortcut Ctrl++ (macOS ⌘++).
Send Backward
Selected object is moved one level down in the stack.
Keyboard shortcut Ctrl+– (macOS ⌘+–).
Send to Back
Selected object is moved behind all other objects.
Keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Shift+– (macOS ⌘+Shift+–).
In Front of Object
Moves the first selected object in front of the second selected object. Select the firstobject, then click on the second object and the objects swap position.
Behind Object
Moves the first selected object behind the second selected object. Select the first object,then click on the second object and the objects swap position.
ReverseSwaps the stacking order of two selected objects.

Connectors and gluepoints
Connectors are lines that can be anchored to gluepoints and by default are positioned on theborder of an object. When an object with a connector attached is moved or resized, theconnector automatically adjusts to the change. When creating a flowchart, organization chart,
schematics, or diagrams, it is highly recommended to use connectors instead of simple lines.

Connectors
When a connector is drawn or selected, Impress displays selection handles that are different tothe selection handles for normal lines. The termination points of a connector are round at eachend of a connector. The square selection handles on a connector line are used to change therouting of a connector where applicable.

36 | Chapter 5, Managing Graphic Objects

Figure 39: Connectors sub-toolbar
Impress offers a wide variety of predefined connectors, which differ in the termination shape(none, arrow, circle) and in the way the connector is drawn (straight, line, curved). The connector
types that are installed on the Connectors sub-toolbar (Figure 39) are normally indicated by acheck mark or highlighting, depending on the computer operating system and setup.
The full list of available connector types that can be installed on the Connectors sub-toolbar are
as follows. The connector types are numbered to indicate the installation position from left to righton the sub-toolbar.
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)

Connector Ends with Arrow 12)
Straight Connector Ends
13)
with Arrow
Curved Connector Ends
14)
with Arrow
Line Connector Ends with 15)
Arrow
Connector
16)
Straight Connector
Curved Connector
17)Line Connector
18)
Connector with Arrows
Straight Connector with
19)
ArrowsCurved Connector with
20)
ArrowsLine Connector with Arrows 21)
Connector Starts with
Arrow
22)
Straight Connector Starts
with Arrow
23)
Curved Connector Starts
with Arrow
24)
Line Connector Starts with
Arrow
25)
Connector Ends with Circle 26)
Straight Connector Ends
with Circle
27)Line Connector Ends with 28)
CircleCurved Connector Ends
with Circle

Connector Starts with
CircleStraight Connector Starts
with Circle
Line Connector Starts with
CircleCurved Connector Starts
with Circle
Connector with Circles
Straight Connector with
CirclesLine Connector with Circles
Curved Connector with
Circles

Connector types
The full range of predefined connectors can be accessed by clicking on the triangle ▼ on the title
bar of the Connectors sub-toolbar and selecting Visible Buttons. The connectors fall into fourgroup as follows:Standard
Connector name starts with Connector. Line segments run vertically and horizontallycreating a connector with one or more 90-degree angle bends.
Line
Connector name starts with Line. Consists of a line segment with two smaller segments at
the ends and creates a connector that bends near a gluepoint. To adjust the length of theline segment between a bend point and a gluepoint, click the connector and drag thebend point.
Straight
Connector name starts with Straight. Consists of a single line and draws a straight line
connector.
CurvedConnector name starts with Curved. Based on Bézier curves and curves around objects,
creating a curved line connector.

Drawing connectors
1) Click on the triangle ▼ next to Connectors on the Drawing toolbar to open theConnectors sub-toolbar.
2) Select the type of connector required from the Connectors sub-toolbar.

Connectors and gluepoints | 37

3) Move the cursor over one of the objects to be connected and small crosses appear
around the object edges, normally in the same position as selection handles. Thesecrosses are gluepoints to which a connector attaches, as shown in Figure 40.
4) Click on the required gluepoint to attach one end of the connector, then click, hold anddrag the connector to another object.
5) When the cursor is over the gluepoint of the target object release the cursor and theconnector is drawn.
6) The selection handles that appear on the connector are used to adjust the path of theconnector so that the connector can be adjusted not to cover another object in its path, asshown by the example in Figure 41.

Note
The ends of the connector cannot be swapped, that is start point cannot become
the end point and the end point cannot become the start point. To swap the ends
of a connector, a new connector has to be created in the opposite direction.

Figure 40: Example of connector gluepoints

Figure 41: Example of connectors between objects

38 | Chapter 5, Managing Graphic Objects

Figure 42: Connector dialog

Formatting connectors
To detach or reposition a connector, click on a round selection handle at either end of theconnector and drag to a different location, as shown in Figure 41.
To change the connector route between objects avoiding any objects on the route, click on asquare control handle on the connector line and drag it to a new position, as shown in Figure 41.
To change a connector type, right-click on the connector and select Connector from the context
menu to open the Connector dialog (Figure 42). Use this dialog to select a connector type andchange the connector properties.
Type
Select the connector type from the drop-down list.
Line skew
Defines the skew of the line and the dialog preview displays the result.
Line spacing
Sets the spacing for the connectors.
Begin horizontal
Amount of horizontal space required at the beginning of the connector.
Begin verticalAmount of vertical space required at the beginning of the connector.
End horizontal
Amount of horizontal space required at the end of the connector.
End verticalAmount of vertical space required at the end of the connector.
Preview window
A left click zooms in on the preview and a right-click zooms out.

Connectors and gluepoints | 39

Figure 43: Gluepoints toolbar

Gluepoints
Glue points are not the same as the selection handles of an object. The selection handles are formoving or changing the shape of an object. Glue points are used to fix or glue a connector to an
object so that when the object moves, the connector stays fixed to that object. All objects havegluepoints, which are not normally displayed and only become visible when Connectors on the
Drawing toolbar is selected.
To insert, customize or delete gluepoints on an object, open the Gluepoints toolbar (Figure 43)
using one of the following methods:• Go to View > Toolbars > Gluepoints on the Menu bar.
• Go to Edit > Gluepoints on the Menu bar.
• Click on Show Gluepoint Functions on the Drawing toolbar.

Gluepoint types
When the Gluepoints toolbar opens, only the six tools on the left of the toolbar are active. The
remaining six tools on the right of the toolbar only become active when Gluepoint Relative isdeselected.
The six tools on the left of the Gluepoints toolbar are as follows:
Insert Gluepoint
Inserts a gluepoint when clicking twice on an object. See “Inserting gluepoints” onpage 41 for more information.
Exit Direction Left
Connector attaches to the left edge of the selected gluepoint.
Exit Direction Top
Connector attaches to the top edge of the selected gluepoint.
Exit Direction Right
Connector attaches to the right edge of the selected gluepoint.
Exit Direction Bottom
Connector attaches to the bottom edge of the selected gluepoint.
Gluepoint Relative
Maintains the relative position of a selected gluepoint to an object when that object isresized. This tool is selected by default when the Gluepoint toolbar opens.
The six tools on the right of the Gluepoints toolbar only become active when Gluepoint Relativeis deselected.
Gluepoint Horizontal Left
When applied to a gluepoint in an object and the object is resized, the horizontal positionof the gluepoint remains fixed at the same distance from the left edge of the object. The
vertical position of the gluepoint changes with the resizing of the object.
Gluepoint Horizontal Center
When applied to a gluepoint in an object and the object is resized, the horizontal positionof the gluepoint remains fixed at the same distance from the horizontal center of theobject. The vertical position of the gluepoint changes with the resizing of the object.
40 | Chapter 5, Managing Graphic Objects

Gluepoint Horizontal Right
When applied to a gluepoint in an object and the object is resized, the horizontal positionof the gluepoint remains fixed at the same distance from the right edge of the object. The
vertical position of the gluepoint changes with the resizing of the object.
Gluepoint Vertical Top
When applied to a gluepoint in an object and the object is resized, the vertical position of
the gluepoint remains fixed at the same distance from the top edge of the object. The
horizontal position of the gluepoint changes with the resizing of the object.
Gluepoint Vertical Center
When applied to a gluepoint in an object and the object is resized, the vertical position of
the gluepoint remains fixed at the same distance from the vertical center of the object.
The horizontal position of the gluepoint changes with the resizing of the object.
Gluepoint Vertical Bottom
When applied to a gluepoint in an object and the object is resized, the vertical position of
the gluepoint remains fixed at the same distance from the bottom edge of the object. The
horizontal position of the gluepoint changes with the resizing of the object.

Note
Glue points inserted into an object can only have one horizontal position and one
vertical position. Only one horizontal position and/or one vertical position can beselected on the Gluepoints toolbar and used to customize a gluepoint.

Inserting gluepoints
By default, most objects normally have four gluepoints. Insert additional gluepoints into an object
as follows:
1) Make sure no objects are selected and use one of the following methods to open the
Gluepoints toolbar:– Go to View > Toolbars > Gluepoints on the Menu bar.
– Go to Edit > Gluepoints on the Menu bar.
– Click on Show Gluepoint Functions on the Drawing toolbar.
2) Select the object, then click on Insert Gluepoint on the Gluepoints toolbar. Alternatively,
right-click on a gluepoint previously inserted and select Insert Gluepoint from the context
menu.
3) Move the cursor to a position where the gluepoint is to be inserted into an object and click
to insert the gluepoint.
4) To insert more gluepoints, move the cursor to a new position and click to insert anothergluepoint.
5) With the gluepoint selected, select the type of gluepoint required from the options on the
Gluepoints toolbar.
6) To move a gluepoint to another position, click on the gluepoint and drag it to its new
position.
7) When inserting gluepoints is complete, make sure Insert Gluepoint on the Gluepoints
toolbar is deselected.

Connectors and gluepoints | 41

Tip
When inserting, moving or customizing gluepoints, it is recommended to use thezoom function to make it easier to work with gluepoints. Also, gluepoints snap to
the grid making it easier to position a gluepoint.

Note
Only gluepoints that have been inserted onto an object can be customized ordeleted. The default gluepoints included with an object cannot be customized ordeleted.

Customizing gluepoint exit direction
1) Make sure no objects are selected and use one of the following methods to open the
Gluepoints toolbar:– Go to View > Toolbars > Gluepoints on the Menu bar.
– Go to Edit > Gluepoints on the Menu bar.
– Click on Show Gluepoint Functions on the Drawing toolbar.
2) Double-click on a gluepoint that has been inserted to select the gluepoint forcustomization.
3) Select an exit direction for the connector from the options available on the Gluepoints
toolbar, or right-click on the gluepoint and select the exit direction from the context menu.
4) When customizing exit direction is complete, make sure Insert Gluepoint on the
Gluepoints toolbar is deselected.

Customizing gluepoint position
1) Make sure no objects are selected and use one of the following methods to open the
Gluepoints toolbar:– Go to View > Toolbars > Gluepoints on the Menu bar.
– Go to Edit > Gluepoints on the Menu bar.
– Click on Show Gluepoint Functions on the Drawing toolbar.
2) Double-click on a gluepoint that has been inserted to select the gluepoint forcustomization.
3) Click on Gluepoint Relative on the Gluepoints toolbar to deselect this tool, or right-clickon the gluepoint and deselect Gluepoint Relative from the context menu.
4) Select the horizontal and vertical positioning tools required for the gluepoint. Only one
horizontal positioning tool and one vertical positioning tool can be used on a gluepoint at
any one time.
5) When customizing gluepoint position is complete, make sure Insert Gluepoint on the
Gluepoints toolbar is deselected.

Deleting gluepoints
1) Make sure no objects are selected and use one of the following methods to open the
Gluepoints toolbar:– Go to View > Toolbars > Gluepoints on the Menu bar.
– Go to Edit > Gluepoints on the Menu bar.
42 | Chapter 5, Managing Graphic Objects

– Click on Show Gluepoint Functions on the Drawing toolbar.
2) Select the gluepoint that has been previously inserted.
3) Press the Delete, or Backspace key, or go to Edit > Cut on the Menu bar.

Working with 3D objects
Although Impress offers advanced functions to manipulate 3D objects, this guide describes only
the 3D settings applicable to an object. For additional information on how to use advanced 3D
effects such as geometry and shading, refer to the Draw Guide.
3D objects can be created in Impress in any of the following ways:• Click on the triangle ▼ next to 3D Objects on the Drawing toolbar and select a 3D object
from the drop-down list. After selection, draw a 3D object in exactly the same way as anyother object. The icon shown on the Drawing toolbar depends on the 3D object that had
been previously selected and used.
• Go to View > Toolbars > 3D-Objects on the Menu bar to open the 3D-Objects toolbar(Figure 44). This toolbar is the same as the 3D-Objects sub-toolbar that is available on
the Drawing toolbar.

Figure 44: 3D-Objects toolbar• Right-click on an object already drawn on a slide and select Convert > To 3D or To 3D
Rotation Object from the context menu. To 3D adds thickness to the object to create a
3D object. To 3D Rotation Object creates a 3D object by rotating the object around anaxis.
• Select an object and click on Toggle Extrusion on the Drawing toolbar to apply a basic
3D effect and open the 3D-Settings toolbar (Figure 45). Select one of the options on the
3D-Settings toolbar to apply a different 3D effect.

Figure 45: 3D-Settings toolbar
The options available on the 3D-Settings toolbar are as follows:
Toggle Extrusion
Adds thickness to an object and activates the 3D properties.
Tilt Down
Tilts the object downwards around a horizontal axis.
Tilt Up
Tilts the object up around a horizontal axis.
Tilt Left
Tilts the object left around a vertical axis.
Tilt Right
Tilts the object right around a vertical axis.
Working with 3D objects | 43

DepthDetermines the thickness of the shape. An extended toolbar opens where some default
values are given. If none of the values are satisfactory, select Custom and then enter thedesired thickness.
Direction
Clicking on the triangle ▼ next to Direction opens a sub-toolbar to select the direction of
the perspective as well as the type (parallel or perspective).
Lighting
Clicking on the triangle ▼ next to Lighting opens a sub-toolbar to specify the direction
and intensity of light.
Surface
Clicking on the triangle ▼ next to Surface opens a sub-toolbar to specify the type of
surface from Wire Frame (useful when manipulating the object), Matt, Plastic, or Metal.
3D–Color
Clicking on the triangle ▼ next to 3D–Color opens a color palette to select a color forobject thickness when an object is extruded to 3D.

Note
Most of the Fontwork shapes (see “Fontwork” on page 47) have 3D properties
and can be manipulated with the 3D-Settings toolbar.

Converting objects
Objects are converted into different types using one of the following methods:• Right-click on the object and select Convert from the context menu, then select aconversion option from the context menu.
• Select an object and go to Format > Convert on the Menu bar and select a conversion
option from the submenu.

Conversion options
To Curve
Converts the selected object to a Bézier curve. Click on Points on the Drawing toolbar toedit the points after conversion to a Bézier curve.
To Polygon
Converts the selected object to a polygon. Click on Points on the Drawing toolbar to edit
the object after conversion to a polygon. A polygon always consists of straight segments.
To Contour
For basic shapes and is equivalent to converting to polygon. For more complex shapes(or for text objects) this conversion creates a group of polygons that can be manipulatedby entering the group.
To 3–D
Converts the selected object to a 3D object.
To 3–D Rotation Object
Creates a three-dimensional shape by rotating the selected object around its vertical axis.
To Bitmap
Converts the selected object to a bitmap.

44 | Chapter 5, Managing Graphic Objects

To Metafile
Converts the selected object to Windows Metafile Format (WMF), containing both bitmap
and vector graphic data.

Note
In most cases the conversion to a different type of object does not immediately
produce visible results.

Tip
To Curve, To Polygon, To 3–D, and To 3–D Rotation Object can be added to
the Drawing toolbar as additional tools by right-clicking in an empty area on the
toolbar and selecting Visible Buttons. See Appendix B, Toolbars for more
information.

Interaction with objects
Associating an object to an action that is performed when the object is clicked is called aninteraction.
1) Select an object for interaction and open the Interaction dialog (Figure 46) using one of
the following methods:– Click on Interaction on the Line and Filling toolbar.
– Right-click on the object and select Interaction from the context menu.
– Go to Format > Interaction on the Menu bar.
2) Select the interaction from the available options in Action at mouse click and any
parameters (if applicable) that maybe available. The Interaction dialog changes
depending on the type of interaction selected. The interactions and parameters are
explained in Table 1.
3) Click OK to save the changes and close the dialog.
4) To remove an interaction from an object, repeat the procedure and select No action as
the interaction type at Step 2.

Figure 46: Interaction dialog
Interaction with objects | 45

Table 1: Interaction types and parameters
Interaction

Parameters

No action

No parameters.

Go to previous slide

No parameters.

Go to next slide

No parameters.

Go to first slide

No parameters.

Go to last slide

No parameters.

Go to page or object

Specify the target from the list in the Target box. Search for a
specific target in the Slide/Object box at the bottom of the screen.

Go to document

Select the document in the Document box. Use Browse to open afile browser. If the document to be opened is in ODP format, thetarget list is populated allowing selection of the specific target.

Play soundSelect the file containing the sound to be played. Use Browse toopen a file browser.

Run program

Select the program to execute. Use Browse to open a file browser.

Run macro

Select a macro that runs during the presentation. Use Browse toopen the Macro Selector dialog.

Exit presentation

When the cursor is clicked over the object, the presentation
terminates.

Figure 47: Fontwork Gallery dialog

46 | Chapter 5, Managing Graphic Objects

Fontwork
With Fontwork, graphical text art objects can be created to make a presentation more attractive.
There are many different settings for text art objects (line, area, position, size, and more) giving alarge selection of effects. Fontwork is also available with the Writer, Calc, and Draw modules ofLibreOffice, but there are small differences in the way that each module displays it. For more
information about Fontwork, see the Getting Started Guide.

Creating Fontwork
1) Click on Fontwork on the Standard toolbar, or go to Insert > Fontwork on the Menu bar
to open the Fontwork Gallery dialog (Figure 47).
2) Select a Fontwork style from the dialog and click OK. The selected Fontwork appears
centrally on the slide and the dialog closes.
3) Double-click on the Fontwork text graphic to switch on editing mode.
4) Type in the required text to replace the default text in the Fontwork graphic and the text
appears over the default text as shown by the example in Figure 48.
5) Press the Esc key or click outside the Fontwork graphic and the text replaces default text.

Fontwork toolbar
The Fontwork toolbar (Figure 49) becomes visible and active when a Fontwork object is selected.
If the toolbar is not visible, go to View > Toolbars > Fontwork on the Menu bar. Also, theFontwork panel opens in the Properties deck on the Sidebar (Figure 50) and contains the same
tools as the Fontwork toolbar.

Figure 48: Example of creating Fontwork

Figure 49: Fontwork toolbar

Fontwork | 47

Figure 50: Fontwork panel in Properties deck on Sidebar

Figure 51: Fontwork Shape sub-toolbar
The Fontwork toolbar contains the following tools:
Insert Fontwork Text
Opens the Fontwork Gallery dialog.
Fontwork Shape
Changes the shape of the selected object. Clicking on the triangle ▼ next to Fontwork
Shape opens the Fontwork Shape sub-toolbar (Figure 51) allowing selection of different
Fontwork shapes.
Fontwork Same Letter Heights
Changes the height of characters in the selected Fontwork object. Toggles between
normal height where the characters have different heights to where all characters havethe same height.
Fontwork Alignment
Specifies the text alignment within the frame. Options available are Left Align, Center,
Right Align, Word Justify, and Stretch Justify. The effects of the text alignment can only
be seen if the text spans over two or more lines. In the Stretch Justify mode, all lines arefilled completely.
Fontwork Character Spacing
Selects the spacing between characters and whether kerning pairs are used. Options
available are Very Tight, Tight, Normal, Loose, Very Loose, and Custom Spacing. For
Custom Spacing, input a percentage value: 100% is normal character spacing, less than
100% character spacing is tighter, and more than 100% character spacing is looser.
Toggle Extrusion
Converts the Fontwork object into a 3D shape using extrusion. See the Draw Guide formore information.

48 | Chapter 5, Managing Graphic Objects

Modifying Fontwork
It is possible to treat Fontwork text as an object and apply all the formatting that has been
described in this chapter. Assign line properties only to Fontwork which does not have a 3D
effect, otherwise the changes will not be visible. Also, modify some of the Fontwork shapes bymoving the dot that is displayed along with the selection handles. This is similar to modification of
the angles of trapezoid and parallelogram basic shapes.

Animations
Animated slide transitions can be added between slides to give presentations a more
professional look when changing to the next slide (see Chapter 9, Slide Shows for more
information on transitions). However, Impress also allows animations to be added onto the slides
to create more interest in a presentation.
An animation consists of a sequence of images or objects called frames that are displayed insuccession when the animation runs. Each frame may contain one or more objects. For example,
bullet points appearing one by one; pictures, shapes or other objects appearing singly or as agroup onto a slide. Animations can be controlled using the keyboard, a click, or automatically in a
timed sequence.

Note
Anything that can be placed onto a slide is an object. For example, an object canbe an image, clip art drawing, text, and so on.

Tip
Animations can look great in a presentation, but overuse of animations can makea good presentation into a poor presentation. Always use discretion when adding
animations to a presentation.

Creating an animation
1) Select an object on a slide and open the Animation deck on the Sidebar (Figure 52) using
one of the following methods:– Click on Animation on the Sidebar.
– Right-click on a selected object and select Animation from the context menu.
– Go to View > Animation on the Menu bar.
2) Click on Add Effect to add the selected object into the Animation preview box.
3) Select a category type from the options available in the Category drop-down list.
4) Select an animation effect from the options available in the Effects list.
5) Select how the animation starts from the options available in the Start drop-down list.
6) Select how the animation appears from the options available in the Direction drop-list.
Available options are specific to the effect selected in the Effects list.
7) Enter a time in seconds for how long the animation lasts in the Duration box.
8) Enter a timing delay in seconds for when the animated object appears in the presentationin the Delay box.

Animations | 49

Figure 52: Animation deck on Sidebar9) If necessary, click on Options to open the Effect Options dialog (Figure 53 on page 51) to
set any effect options required for the animation, then click OK to close the Effect Options
dialog.
10) If necessary, change the order of when the selected object appears in the animation using
Move Up or Move Down below the Animation preview box.
11) Click on Play to preview the animation effect.
12) If necessary, select Automatic Preview so that each time the animation is changed,
there is a preview of the effect.
13) When satisfied, run the slide show to check the presentation.

Animation tools and options
The available tools and options on the Animation deck on the Sidebar provides control over how
an animation is applied to an object on a slide.
Add EffectAdds a selected object to the Animation preview box and add animation effects to theobject.
Remove Effect
Removes a selected object and its animated effects from the Animation preview box.
Move Up
Moves the selected object and its animation effect up the order of animation effects thathave been applied to an object.
50 | Chapter 5, Managing Graphic Objects

Move Down
Moves the selected animation effect down the order of animation effects that have been
applied to an object.
Category
Select a category from the options available in the drop-down list.
EffectSelect an animation effect from the options available in the list.
Start
Select from the drop-down list how an animation effect starts when running an animation:
On click
Animation stops at this effect until the next click.
With previous
Animation runs immediately.
After previous
Animation runs as soon as the previous animation ends.
Direction
Select from the drop-down list how an animation effect appears on the slide. The options
available depend on the animation effect selected.
Options
Opens the Effect Options dialog for adjusting and applying options to the animation effectand timing.
Duration
Select the duration, in seconds, of the selected animation effect.
Delay
Select the delay, in seconds, of when the animation effect starts.

Figure 53: Effect Options dialog – Effect page

Animations | 51

Automatic Preview
Select this option to automatically preview an animation effect when it is applied to an
object.
Play
Test run the animation.

Effect Options dialog
Effect page
The Effect page (Figure 53) contains options that match the animation effect selected:
Settings
Direction
Specify the direction of the animation effect from the options available in the drop-down
list.
Enhancement
Sound
Select a sound from the drop-down list that plays when the animation effect is run.
After animation
Select from the drop-down list what happens after an animation effect ends.
— Don't dim – no after-effect runs.
— Dim with color – after the animation a dim color fills the shape.
— Hide after animation – hides the shape after the animation ends.
— Hide on next animation – hides the shape on the next animation.
Dim color
Select a dim color from the available color palettes.
Text animation
Select the animation mode for the text in an object:— All at once – animates the text all at once.
— Word by word – animates the text word by word.
— Letter by letter – animates the text letter by letter.
Delay between characters
Specifies the percentage of delay between animations of words or letters.

Timing page
The Timing page on the Effect Options dialog (Figure 54) contains the following options:
TimingStart
Displays the start property of the selected animation effect.
— On click – animation stops at this effect until the next click.
— With previous – animation runs immediately.
— After previous – animation runs as soon as the previous animation ends.
DelaySpecifies a delay in seconds before the effect starts.
Duration
Specifies the duration in seconds of the effect.

52 | Chapter 5, Managing Graphic Objects

Figure 54: Effect Options dialog - Timing page
RepeatSpecifies whether and how to repeat the current effect. Enter the number of repeats, or
select from the list:— none – effect is not repeated.
— Until next click – animation is repeated until the next click.
— Until end of slide – animation repeats as long as the slide is displayed.
Rewind when done playing
Specifies whether to let the animated object returns to its starting state after the
animation ends.
Trigger
Animate as part of click sequence
Specifies whether to let the animation start in the normal click sequence.
Start effect on click ofSpecifies whether to let the animation start when a specified shape is clicked. Selectthe shape by its name from the drop-down list.

Text Animation page
The Text Animation page on the Effect Options dialog (Figure 55) contains the following options:Group text
Specifies how the text is animated.
As one object
Whole text object is animated.
All paragraphs at once
All text paragraphs are animated.
By XX level paragraphs
Text for the outline level selected is animated. The options available depends on how
many outline levels there are in the animated text.
Animations | 53

Figure 55: Effect Options dialog - Text Animation page
Automatically afterSpecifies a delay in seconds before the text animation effect starts.
Animate attached shape
Animates an object that contains text.
In reverse order
Text paragraphs are animated in reverse order.

Animated images
Animation of drawing objects, text objects, and graphic objects (images) on slides can make apresentation more interesting. LibreOffice Impress provides a simple animation editor where
animation images (frames) can be created by assembling objects from a slide. The animation
effect is achieved by rotating through static frames that are created.

Creating animated image
The following is an example of how to create an animated image.
1) Select an object or group of objects for inclusion in an animation and go to Insert >Media > Animated Image to open the Animation dialog (Figure 56).

Figure 56: Animation dialog
54 | Chapter 5, Managing Graphic Objects

2) Add an object or objects using one of the following methods:– Click on Apply Object to add a single object or a group of objects to the current
animation frame.
– Click on Apply Objects Individually to create a separate animation frame for each of
the selected objects.
3) In Animation Group, select Bitmap object.
4) Enter the frame (image) number in the Image Number box to setup the image.
5) In Duration specify the duration time in seconds for displaying a frame.
6) Specify the number of times a frame is displayed in the animation sequence in Loop
Count. This is called looping.
7) Repeat Steps 4 thru 6 for each image or object used for the animated image.
8) Click on Create and the animated image appears centrally on the slide.

Note
If the image to be copied consists of several objects, each object can be treatedas a separate frame. In this case, click on Apply Objects Individually.
Remember that each object is centered in the animation.

Animation dialog controls
First Image
Jumps to the first image in the animation sequence.
Backwards
Plays the animation backwards.
Stop
Stops playing the animation.
Play
Plays the animation.
Last Image
Jumps to the last image in the animation sequence.
Image Number
Indicates the position of the current image in the animation sequence. To view anotherimage, enter its number or click the up and down arrows.
DurationEnter the number of seconds to display the current image. This option is only available if
Bitmap object is selected in Animation group.
Loop Count
Sets the number of times that animation will play. If the animation is to play continuously,
select Max. This option is only available if Bitmap object is selected in Animation group.
Apply Object
Adds selected object or objects as a single image.
Apply Objects IndividuallyAdds an image for each selected object. If a grouped object is selected, an image iscreated for each object in the group.
Delete Current Image
Deletes the current image from the animation sequence.
Animations | 55

Delete All Images
Deletes all images in the animation.
NumberTotal number of images in the animation.
Group object
Assembles images into a single object so that they can be moved as a group. Individual
objects can still be edited by double-clicking the group in the slide.
Bitmap object
Combines images into a single image.
CreateInserts the animation into the current slide.

Note
An animation, such as an animated GIF, can be selected. Click Apply Objects
Individually to open it for editing. When finished editing the animation, click
Create to insert a new animation into a slide.

56 | Chapter 5, Managing Graphic Objects