inDesign Tip #15 Converting shapes

What we are accomplishing: Using the convert shapes command to create new shapes from existing ones.

This is one that I don’t think I could live without.  Converting shapes is essential tool for any designer in need of a new shape fast.  To change the shape, first make sure you have the shape you want to change highlighted.  Then, you can go to “Object>Convert Shape”.  Here, you will be presented with a decent list of shapes, such as rectangles, ellipses and triangles.  Just click on the shape you want and voila, you now have a new shape!  Now, for most designers, this would suffice, I however take this a step further. 

To make changing shapes easier (and because I measure shapes easier using rectangles) I set the main 4 to my numeric pad keys 0, 1, 2 and 3. 
0-circle
1-rectangle
2-polygon (which changes according to your current polygon settings)
3-triangle
If you wish to know more about making your own shortcuts, be anticipating next week’s post.