Forum Discussion
Alignment
Hello. I have an image that I cropped in the shape of a parallelogram. I'm wanting to create a rectangular bar shape that runs parallel to the angle of the image. Is there a way to align them since the image is cropped at an angle and I've rotated the shape to try to align them? I tried playing with the percentage that the shape is rotated but that isn't helping me get it aligned exactly. TIA.
Attach the .story file here, and let someone take a shot at it.
OK...so here an example that I threw together. I cropped the image as a shape and I want the blue bar to run parallel to the shape of the image. So far, I've just eye balled it to try to get it as close as possible but I feel like there should be a better way to be sure it is exactly lined up. TIA for help.
Hi Mona. Yeah, this is a tricky one. The solution is relatively easy but it's still not mathematically perfect.
I see that your image frame is the default shape when it is converted to a Parallelogram.
Simply create another shape, preferably the Parallelogram option, but you can always create a rectangle and change the format after the fact.
Align the bottom-left point of your new shape to the bottom-right visible point of your image (not its boundary box). It doesn't have to be pixel perfect (ideally, it would be awesome if it could be).
Reduce the opacity (or increase the transparency) of your new shape so we can see the image behind it. We are going to have to manually align the angles because, as you are well aware, Storyline doesn't allow us to make precise measured specifications of our angles or corner radii, etc, etc, etc.
Now we simply slide the little yellow dot (by zooming in REEEEEEAAAAALLLLLLY close) and shift it forwards and backwards, occasionally having to zoom out to see if it roughly aligns with the angle of the picture frame.
And, voila, after ages of trial and error you now have an approximately accurate parallel Parallelogram. Be careful when you realise that, damn, you wanted the shape to be bigger, because if you drag the shapes handlebars the angle will distort accordingly.
You will just have to manually drag the yellow dot along till you get it right.
Here's you file back with these shapes embedded. I hope that helped.
An easier solution would be to just use the INSERT > SHAPE > LINE option and drag it along your angle.
If you then go to the Format Shape panel and choose the Square Cap Type (Format Shape > Line Style > Cap Type)...
... this will extend the stroke of the line beyond the boundaries of the slide...
... which will then allow you to increase the width of your line...
without the 'edge' of the endpoint creeping into your content.
The second option is way easier but it still relies on eye alignment. Make sure your Snap Objects To Grid option is turned off within the Grid and Guides dialogue panel.
The first option is good if you want the shape to contain additional content (text or images).
Apologies for the EXTREMELY LONG (image) posts.
Ahhhhh.....thank you so much!!!! This helps!!!! All these little tips and tricks :)
