Preparing selections for transformations
Before you can apply transformations to a path-based selection, you have to add nodes along the path. Before you apply transformations to a pixel-based selection, you have to convert it to a path-based selection. Both of these options are accessible from the property bar.
It’s important to note that when converting a pixel-based selection, the modified selection is reduced to only two levels of protection: the inside or the outside of the selection is protected. For more information, see Choosing the protected area of a selection.
To prepare a selection for a transformation, you can set the reference point around which the transformation is performed. The reference point is located at the center of the selection by default.
You can also apply transformation simultaneously across multiple layers. For more information, see Transforming layers.
To add nodes to a path-based selection
1
Create a path-based selection.
2
Choose the
Selection Adjuster tool
![](../Shared_graphics/Selection-Adjuster.svg)
from the toolbox.
3
In the
Transform section on the property bar, click the
Transform button
![](../Shared_graphics/sg-transform-button.svg)
.
Corel Painter adds nodes along the path of the selection. You can now scale the selection by using the nodes directly, or use the
Transform tool
![](../Shared_graphics/Transform.svg)
for other transformations.
To convert a pixel-based selection to a path-based selection
1
Create a pixel-based selection.
2
Choose
Select
Convert to Path and Transform.
Corel Painter generates paths from the outlines of the pixel-based selection. You can now use the
Transform tool
![](../Shared_graphics/Transform.svg)
for transformations.
To set the reference point for a transformation
1
Choose the
Transform tool
![](../Shared_graphics/Transform.svg)
from the toolbox.
If the
Transform tool is not displayed in the toolbox, click and hold the
Layer Adjuster tool
![](../Shared_graphics/Layer-Adjuster.svg)
to open the flyout, and then choose the
Transform tool
![](../Shared_graphics/Transform.svg)
.
2
Point to the center of the selection’s bounding box.
3
Drag the
Reference Point to new location on the canvas.
You can place the
Reference Point outside the selection.
![*](images/tip.svg)
You can reset the Reference Point to its default location by clicking the Reset Reference Point button
on the property bar or choosing the Edit
Transform
Reset Reference Point.