Rotation of Text Boxes and Typewriter entries SOLVED

[Victor Warner]

As far as I can see it is possible only to rotate Text Boxes and Typewriter entries by use of the mouse (by clicking on the green dot above the relevant tool):

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This is very useful, but it is difficult to control the rotation to a precise degree with a mouse. For example, if I want to turn the TextBox to 90 degrees exactly.

Would it be possible to add in the Properties for the particular Text Box and Typewriter entry a box where the rotation can be set to an exact degree (i.e. so that the amount of rotation be entered by keyboard?)

Or is there a way already to do what I would like to achieve?

[Bhikkhu Pesala]

Hold down the shift key to rotate the text box in increments of 15­­ degrees

[Victor Warner]

Bhikku,

Thank you for the information.

It still would be good if Tracker could make this option available from the keyboard (for those who find using a mouse difficult).

[Bhikkhu Pesala]

It still would be good if Tracker could make this option available from the keyboard (for those who find using a mouse difficult).

How are you going to draw a text box without using a mouse. And how are you going to access the Properties toolbar without using a mouse?

You can assign a shortcut to select the text box tool, and the Escape key will select the box to show the rotate handle. What next to rotate it or change it's other properties?

I am definitely in favour of making all dialogues accessible with just the keyboard, but there are limits. When it comes to drawing and manipulating objects, one has to use a pointing device.

[Victor Warner]

Bhikku,

You make some good points. But my point was solely limited to there being a property setting for rotation degree via the keyboard (i.e. to minimise the use of the mouse, not eliminate its use).

FYI: I use a Mac mainly nowadays and in particular a macro program (Keyboard Maestro). It is entirely possible assign a keyboard shortcut to mimic the steps needed to draw a Text Box (i.e. click left-button on the mouse, hold-down the left-button and drag to a specified area and then release the button. I suspect the accessibility features built into Windows can (less easily) do this as well.

[Tracker Supp-Stefan]

Hi Victor,

For Keyboard only use - once the object is selected - go to the main menu -> Object -> Transform selection, and you have a rotation field in there.

Regards,
Stefan

[Victor Warner]

Stefan,

Thank you for the information. Just what I needed to know.

[Tracker Supp-Stefan]