How to create standard objects

At a Glance

Standard objects are the basic elements of graphic screens.

They are the simple objects which allow the composition of complex objects.

There are two types of standard objects:

Static objects do not have variables associated with them. Their graphic representation is fixed.

Dynamic objects possess one associated variable, which allows their display to be modified.

The create standard object procedure is identical regardless of the object, with the exception of polygons.

Step	Action
1	Select the type of object that you wish to create from the tool palette.
2	Move the mouse cursor to the position where you want to place the top left corner of your object.
3	Press down the left mouse button.
4	Hold the button down and move the mouse cursor to the position where you want to place the bottom right corner of the object.
5	Release the button. Result: The object is created when you release the mouse button
6	Right click on the object. Result: The contextual menu appears
7	Enable the Properties command. Result: A contextual dialog box appears This box depends on the type of object and allows the attributes to be fixed.

The procedure for creating a polygon object is as follows.

Step	Action
1	Select the type of polygon object that you require from the tool palette.
2	Move the mouse cursor to the position where you want to place the first point of your object.
3	Press the left mouse button then release. Result: The object’s start point is created
4	Move the mouse cursor to the position where you want to end the first line.
5	Press the left mouse button then release. Result: You have just created the first line of your object
6	Repeat steps 4 and 5 to create new lines to form your polygon object. Result: Segments of consecutive straight lines are created
7	Finish by left clicking on the end point of the object. Result: The object is created
8	Right click on the object. Result: The contextual menu appears
9	Enable the Properties command. Result: A contextual dialog box appears This box depends on the type of object and allows the attributes to be fixed.