drawing with straight lines

[john LG]

when i try to draw a polygon, with straight edges, i usually get at least one
line curved. How do I force only straight lines?

 

[John Wilson]

Unfortunately we can't see into your computer. Some more info would help.
What version of powerpoint, what tool are you using to draw the polygon?

 

[john LG]

I am using the 2007 version. Under shapes, I use the "Freeform Tool". In the
previous version 2003, the lines were by default, straight. With this
version, they seem to be randomly straight or curved.

 

[John Wilson]

Hi

I drew a variety of shapes with the 2007 freeform tool and all the lines
were straight! How are you drawing the shape, do you just click the mouse at
each "corner" of the polygon?

 

[john LG]

Yes, just as I used to do in 2003.

Hi

I drew a variety of shapes with the 2007 freeform tool and all the lines
were straight! How are you drawing the shape, do you just click the mouse at
each "corner" of the polygon?
--
Amazing PPT Hints, Tips and Tutorials-
http://www.PPTAlchemy.co.uk
http://www.technologytrish.co.uk
email john AT technologytrish.co.uk

 

[Echo S]

You may be dragging at the corner, not just clicking. When you click and
drag (while holding down the left mouse button), you get curves. When you
just click, you get straight lines.

 

[john LG]

No, that does not seem to be it either. I went very slowly, to make sure I
was not dragging while holding the mouse down. I still get a curve every few
sides.

When I intentionally hold the left button down and drag, the results are the
same as the scribble tool, perhaps a little more jerky.

I'm beginning to wonder if I have a bug or an error in my version somhow.

Thanks for trying to help. I've had to give up using version 2007 since I
cant make even the simplest drawings, (nor can I put in patterns, but for
that I can stick with 2003)

You may be dragging at the corner, not just clicking. When you click and
drag (while holding down the left mouse button), you get curves. When you
just click, you get straight lines.

--
Echo [MS PPT MVP] http://www.echosvoice.com
What's new in PPT 2007? http://www.echosvoice.com/2007.htm
Fixing PowerPoint Annoyances http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/powerpointannoy/

I am using the 2007 version. Under shapes, I use the "Freeform Tool". In
the
previous version 2003, the lines were by default, straight. With this
version, they seem to be randomly straight or curved.

 

[Echo S]

I'm sorry you've had to give up 2007 because of this. I know the drawing
tools can be frustrating in this version -- which is one reason I personally
keep 2003 around. I tend to do various drawings in 2003 where the tools
aren't so fiddly, then open the slide in 2007 and paste the object into my
2007 presentation and add colors and effects there.

I do like that in 2007, I can convert autoshapes into freeforms and then use
edit points to modify them. So that helps keep me from having to do so much
actual drawing in 2007. Sometimes I convert the shape to a freeform and then
open it in 2003 to tweak -- again because the 2007 drawing tools are so
fiddly.

However, I still can't think of why you'd get a curve every few sides with
the Freeform tool. Odd.

--
Echo [MS PPT MVP] http://www.echosvoice.com
What's new in PPT 2007? http://www.echosvoice.com/2007.htm
Fixing PowerPoint Annoyances http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/powerpointannoy/

No, that does not seem to be it either. I went very slowly, to make sure
I
was not dragging while holding the mouse down. I still get a curve every
few
sides.

When I intentionally hold the left button down and drag, the results are
the
same as the scribble tool, perhaps a little more jerky.

I'm beginning to wonder if I have a bug or an error in my version somhow.

Thanks for trying to help. I've had to give up using version 2007 since I
cant make even the simplest drawings, (nor can I put in patterns, but for
that I can stick with 2003)

You may be dragging at the corner, not just clicking. When you click and
drag (while holding down the left mouse button), you get curves. When you
just click, you get straight lines.

--
Echo [MS PPT MVP] http://www.echosvoice.com
What's new in PPT 2007? http://www.echosvoice.com/2007.htm
Fixing PowerPoint Annoyances
http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/powerpointannoy/

I am using the 2007 version. Under shapes, I use the "Freeform Tool".
In
the
previous version 2003, the lines were by default, straight. With this
version, they seem to be randomly straight or curved.

:

Unfortunately we can't see into your computer. Some more info would
help.
What version of powerpoint, what tool are you using to draw the
polygon?
--
Amazing PPT Hints, Tips and Tutorials-
http://www.PPTAlchemy.co.uk
http://www.technologytrish.co.uk
email john AT technologytrish.co.uk


:

when i try to draw a polygon, with straight edges, i usually get at
least one
line curved. How do I force only straight lines?

 

[john LG]

Thanks for the advice, I wil do as you suggest and use the 2003 version where
I have to, which is most of the time now.

The strange thing is that apparently you and others dont have this
problem...can you draw a multiiple pointed object, like a star, and get all
straight lines?

I'm sorry you've had to give up 2007 because of this. I know the drawing
tools can be frustrating in this version -- which is one reason I personally
keep 2003 around. I tend to do various drawings in 2003 where the tools
aren't so fiddly, then open the slide in 2007 and paste the object into my
2007 presentation and add colors and effects there.

I do like that in 2007, I can convert autoshapes into freeforms and then use
edit points to modify them. So that helps keep me from having to do so much
actual drawing in 2007. Sometimes I convert the shape to a freeform and then
open it in 2003 to tweak -- again because the 2007 drawing tools are so
fiddly.

However, I still can't think of why you'd get a curve every few sides with
the Freeform tool. Odd.

--
Echo [MS PPT MVP] http://www.echosvoice.com
What's new in PPT 2007? http://www.echosvoice.com/2007.htm
Fixing PowerPoint Annoyances http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/powerpointannoy/

No, that does not seem to be it either. I went very slowly, to make sure
I
was not dragging while holding the mouse down. I still get a curve every
few
sides.

When I intentionally hold the left button down and drag, the results are
the
same as the scribble tool, perhaps a little more jerky.

I'm beginning to wonder if I have a bug or an error in my version somhow.

Thanks for trying to help. I've had to give up using version 2007 since I
cant make even the simplest drawings, (nor can I put in patterns, but for
that I can stick with 2003)

You may be dragging at the corner, not just clicking. When you click and
drag (while holding down the left mouse button), you get curves. When you
just click, you get straight lines.

--
Echo [MS PPT MVP] http://www.echosvoice.com
What's new in PPT 2007? http://www.echosvoice.com/2007.htm
Fixing PowerPoint Annoyances
http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/powerpointannoy/


I am using the 2007 version. Under shapes, I use the "Freeform Tool".
In
the
previous version 2003, the lines were by default, straight. With this
version, they seem to be randomly straight or curved.

:

Unfortunately we can't see into your computer. Some more info would
help.
What version of powerpoint, what tool are you using to draw the
polygon?
--
Amazing PPT Hints, Tips and Tutorials-
http://www.PPTAlchemy.co.uk
http://www.technologytrish.co.uk
email john AT technologytrish.co.uk


:

when i try to draw a polygon, with straight edges, i usually get at
least one
line curved. How do I force only straight lines?

 

[Echo S]

OMG! NO! I *cannot* draw a star using the freeform tool. It does exactly
what you've described.

I was drawing pentagons before, and I wasn't seeing the problem. Thank you
for adding the bit about the star!

I'll make a little video and report this bug. Not that it will help you now,
but hopefully it will eventually get fixed in a service pack or something.

--
Echo [MS PPT MVP] http://www.echosvoice.com
What's new in PPT 2007? http://www.echosvoice.com/2007.htm
Fixing PowerPoint Annoyances http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/powerpointannoy/

Thanks for the advice, I wil do as you suggest and use the 2003 version
where
I have to, which is most of the time now.

The strange thing is that apparently you and others dont have this
problem...can you draw a multiiple pointed object, like a star, and get
all
straight lines?

I'm sorry you've had to give up 2007 because of this. I know the drawing
tools can be frustrating in this version -- which is one reason I
personally
keep 2003 around. I tend to do various drawings in 2003 where the tools
aren't so fiddly, then open the slide in 2007 and paste the object into
my
2007 presentation and add colors and effects there.

I do like that in 2007, I can convert autoshapes into freeforms and then
use
edit points to modify them. So that helps keep me from having to do so
much
actual drawing in 2007. Sometimes I convert the shape to a freeform and
then
open it in 2003 to tweak -- again because the 2007 drawing tools are so
fiddly.

However, I still can't think of why you'd get a curve every few sides
with
the Freeform tool. Odd.

--
Echo [MS PPT MVP] http://www.echosvoice.com
What's new in PPT 2007? http://www.echosvoice.com/2007.htm
Fixing PowerPoint Annoyances
http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/powerpointannoy/

No, that does not seem to be it either. I went very slowly, to make
sure
I
was not dragging while holding the mouse down. I still get a curve
every
few
sides.

When I intentionally hold the left button down and drag, the results
are
the
same as the scribble tool, perhaps a little more jerky.

I'm beginning to wonder if I have a bug or an error in my version
somhow.

Thanks for trying to help. I've had to give up using version 2007
since I
cant make even the simplest drawings, (nor can I put in patterns, but
for
that I can stick with 2003)

:

You may be dragging at the corner, not just clicking. When you click
and
drag (while holding down the left mouse button), you get curves. When
you
just click, you get straight lines.

--
Echo [MS PPT MVP] http://www.echosvoice.com
What's new in PPT 2007? http://www.echosvoice.com/2007.htm
Fixing PowerPoint Annoyances
http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/powerpointannoy/


I am using the 2007 version. Under shapes, I use the "Freeform
Tool".
In
the
previous version 2003, the lines were by default, straight. With
this
version, they seem to be randomly straight or curved.

:

Unfortunately we can't see into your computer. Some more info would
help.
What version of powerpoint, what tool are you using to draw the
polygon?
--
Amazing PPT Hints, Tips and Tutorials-
http://www.PPTAlchemy.co.uk
http://www.technologytrish.co.uk
email john AT technologytrish.co.uk


:

when i try to draw a polygon, with straight edges, i usually get
at
least one
line curved. How do I force only straight lines?

 

[john LG]

Whew! I thought I was losing it... Thanks a lot for the help, and the hint
of converting autoshapes, I can use that.

OMG! NO! I *cannot* draw a star using the freeform tool. It does exactly
what you've described.

I was drawing pentagons before, and I wasn't seeing the problem. Thank you
for adding the bit about the star!

I'll make a little video and report this bug. Not that it will help you now,
but hopefully it will eventually get fixed in a service pack or something.

--
Echo [MS PPT MVP] http://www.echosvoice.com
What's new in PPT 2007? http://www.echosvoice.com/2007.htm
Fixing PowerPoint Annoyances http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/powerpointannoy/

Thanks for the advice, I wil do as you suggest and use the 2003 version
where
I have to, which is most of the time now.

The strange thing is that apparently you and others dont have this
problem...can you draw a multiiple pointed object, like a star, and get
all
straight lines?

I'm sorry you've had to give up 2007 because of this. I know the drawing
tools can be frustrating in this version -- which is one reason I
personally
keep 2003 around. I tend to do various drawings in 2003 where the tools
aren't so fiddly, then open the slide in 2007 and paste the object into
my
2007 presentation and add colors and effects there.

I do like that in 2007, I can convert autoshapes into freeforms and then
use
edit points to modify them. So that helps keep me from having to do so
much
actual drawing in 2007. Sometimes I convert the shape to a freeform and
then
open it in 2003 to tweak -- again because the 2007 drawing tools are so
fiddly.

However, I still can't think of why you'd get a curve every few sides
with
the Freeform tool. Odd.

--
Echo [MS PPT MVP] http://www.echosvoice.com
What's new in PPT 2007? http://www.echosvoice.com/2007.htm
Fixing PowerPoint Annoyances
http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/powerpointannoy/

No, that does not seem to be it either. I went very slowly, to make
sure
I
was not dragging while holding the mouse down. I still get a curve
every
few
sides.

When I intentionally hold the left button down and drag, the results
are
the
same as the scribble tool, perhaps a little more jerky.

I'm beginning to wonder if I have a bug or an error in my version
somhow.

Thanks for trying to help. I've had to give up using version 2007
since I
cant make even the simplest drawings, (nor can I put in patterns, but
for
that I can stick with 2003)

:

You may be dragging at the corner, not just clicking. When you click
and
drag (while holding down the left mouse button), you get curves. When
you
just click, you get straight lines.

--
Echo [MS PPT MVP] http://www.echosvoice.com
What's new in PPT 2007? http://www.echosvoice.com/2007.htm
Fixing PowerPoint Annoyances
http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/powerpointannoy/


I am using the 2007 version. Under shapes, I use the "Freeform
Tool".
In
the
previous version 2003, the lines were by default, straight. With
this
version, they seem to be randomly straight or curved.

:

Unfortunately we can't see into your computer. Some more info would
help.
What version of powerpoint, what tool are you using to draw the
polygon?
--
Amazing PPT Hints, Tips and Tutorials-
http://www.PPTAlchemy.co.uk
http://www.technologytrish.co.uk
email john AT technologytrish.co.uk


:

when i try to draw a polygon, with straight edges, i usually get
at
least one
line curved. How do I force only straight lines?

 

[Echo S]

I have to tell you, though...

I made a little Jing screengrab. You can see it here:
http://screencast.com/t/2Ncfvw4LHTw

Steve Rindsberg took a look at it for me, and he said he saw motion when I
was clicking sometimes. He's right. I didn't even realize it! But yeah,
sometimes when I click, I'm actually moving the mouse just a wee bit, and
that's causing the curved segments.

If I concentrate really hard (it's a stretch, I tellya!) and click-pause,
click-pause, click-pause, I get all straight segments. So it can be done!

The drawing tools in PPT 2007 are just plain too sensitive and fiddly.
That's really what the bug is, and this is just another example. But if you
take your time and be patient when clicking through objects with the
freeform tool, you can really get the straight segments. (I know, I know --
it's hard!)

--
Echo [MS PPT MVP] http://www.echosvoice.com
What's new in PPT 2007? http://www.echosvoice.com/2007.htm
Fixing PowerPoint Annoyances http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/powerpointannoy/

Whew! I thought I was losing it... Thanks a lot for the help, and the
hint
of converting autoshapes, I can use that.

OMG! NO! I *cannot* draw a star using the freeform tool. It does exactly
what you've described.

I was drawing pentagons before, and I wasn't seeing the problem. Thank
you
for adding the bit about the star!

I'll make a little video and report this bug. Not that it will help you
now,
but hopefully it will eventually get fixed in a service pack or
something.

--
Echo [MS PPT MVP] http://www.echosvoice.com
What's new in PPT 2007? http://www.echosvoice.com/2007.htm
Fixing PowerPoint Annoyances
http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/powerpointannoy/

Thanks for the advice, I wil do as you suggest and use the 2003 version
where
I have to, which is most of the time now.

The strange thing is that apparently you and others dont have this
problem...can you draw a multiiple pointed object, like a star, and get
all
straight lines?

:

I'm sorry you've had to give up 2007 because of this. I know the
drawing
tools can be frustrating in this version -- which is one reason I
personally
keep 2003 around. I tend to do various drawings in 2003 where the
tools
aren't so fiddly, then open the slide in 2007 and paste the object
into
my
2007 presentation and add colors and effects there.

I do like that in 2007, I can convert autoshapes into freeforms and
then
use
edit points to modify them. So that helps keep me from having to do so
much
actual drawing in 2007. Sometimes I convert the shape to a freeform
and
then
open it in 2003 to tweak -- again because the 2007 drawing tools are
so
fiddly.

However, I still can't think of why you'd get a curve every few sides
with
the Freeform tool. Odd.

--
Echo [MS PPT MVP] http://www.echosvoice.com
What's new in PPT 2007? http://www.echosvoice.com/2007.htm
Fixing PowerPoint Annoyances
http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/powerpointannoy/

No, that does not seem to be it either. I went very slowly, to make
sure
I
was not dragging while holding the mouse down. I still get a curve
every
few
sides.

When I intentionally hold the left button down and drag, the results
are
the
same as the scribble tool, perhaps a little more jerky.

I'm beginning to wonder if I have a bug or an error in my version
somhow.

Thanks for trying to help. I've had to give up using version 2007
since I
cant make even the simplest drawings, (nor can I put in patterns,
but
for
that I can stick with 2003)

:

You may be dragging at the corner, not just clicking. When you
click
and
drag (while holding down the left mouse button), you get curves.
When
you
just click, you get straight lines.

--
Echo [MS PPT MVP] http://www.echosvoice.com
What's new in PPT 2007? http://www.echosvoice.com/2007.htm
Fixing PowerPoint Annoyances
http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/powerpointannoy/


I am using the 2007 version. Under shapes, I use the "Freeform
Tool".
In
the
previous version 2003, the lines were by default, straight. With
this
version, they seem to be randomly straight or curved.

:

Unfortunately we can't see into your computer. Some more info
would
help.
What version of powerpoint, what tool are you using to draw the
polygon?
--
Amazing PPT Hints, Tips and Tutorials-
http://www.PPTAlchemy.co.uk
http://www.technologytrish.co.uk
email john AT technologytrish.co.uk


:

when i try to draw a polygon, with straight edges, i usually
get
at
least one
line curved. How do I force only straight lines?

 

[john LG]

Fascinating!

Very tiny movements make the difference.
Guess we use version 2003 after a couple cups of coffee, 2007 before...

Thanks again

I have to tell you, though...

I made a little Jing screengrab. You can see it here:
http://screencast.com/t/2Ncfvw4LHTw

Steve Rindsberg took a look at it for me, and he said he saw motion when I
was clicking sometimes. He's right. I didn't even realize it! But yeah,
sometimes when I click, I'm actually moving the mouse just a wee bit, and
that's causing the curved segments.

If I concentrate really hard (it's a stretch, I tellya!) and click-pause,
click-pause, click-pause, I get all straight segments. So it can be done!

The drawing tools in PPT 2007 are just plain too sensitive and fiddly.
That's really what the bug is, and this is just another example. But if you
take your time and be patient when clicking through objects with the
freeform tool, you can really get the straight segments. (I know, I know --
it's hard!)

--
Echo [MS PPT MVP] http://www.echosvoice.com
What's new in PPT 2007? http://www.echosvoice.com/2007.htm
Fixing PowerPoint Annoyances http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/powerpointannoy/

Whew! I thought I was losing it... Thanks a lot for the help, and the
hint
of converting autoshapes, I can use that.

OMG! NO! I *cannot* draw a star using the freeform tool. It does exactly
what you've described.

I was drawing pentagons before, and I wasn't seeing the problem. Thank
you
for adding the bit about the star!

I'll make a little video and report this bug. Not that it will help you
now,
but hopefully it will eventually get fixed in a service pack or
something.

--
Echo [MS PPT MVP] http://www.echosvoice.com
What's new in PPT 2007? http://www.echosvoice.com/2007.htm
Fixing PowerPoint Annoyances
http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/powerpointannoy/


Thanks for the advice, I wil do as you suggest and use the 2003 version
where
I have to, which is most of the time now.

The strange thing is that apparently you and others dont have this
problem...can you draw a multiiple pointed object, like a star, and get
all
straight lines?

:

I'm sorry you've had to give up 2007 because of this. I know the
drawing
tools can be frustrating in this version -- which is one reason I
personally
keep 2003 around. I tend to do various drawings in 2003 where the
tools
aren't so fiddly, then open the slide in 2007 and paste the object
into
my
2007 presentation and add colors and effects there.

I do like that in 2007, I can convert autoshapes into freeforms and
then
use
edit points to modify them. So that helps keep me from having to do so
much
actual drawing in 2007. Sometimes I convert the shape to a freeform
and
then
open it in 2003 to tweak -- again because the 2007 drawing tools are
so
fiddly.

However, I still can't think of why you'd get a curve every few sides
with
the Freeform tool. Odd.

--
Echo [MS PPT MVP] http://www.echosvoice.com
What's new in PPT 2007? http://www.echosvoice.com/2007.htm
Fixing PowerPoint Annoyances
http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/powerpointannoy/

No, that does not seem to be it either. I went very slowly, to make
sure
I
was not dragging while holding the mouse down. I still get a curve
every
few
sides.

When I intentionally hold the left button down and drag, the results
are
the
same as the scribble tool, perhaps a little more jerky.

I'm beginning to wonder if I have a bug or an error in my version
somhow.

Thanks for trying to help. I've had to give up using version 2007
since I
cant make even the simplest drawings, (nor can I put in patterns,
but
for
that I can stick with 2003)

:

You may be dragging at the corner, not just clicking. When you
click
and
drag (while holding down the left mouse button), you get curves.
When
you
just click, you get straight lines.

--
Echo [MS PPT MVP] http://www.echosvoice.com
What's new in PPT 2007? http://www.echosvoice.com/2007.htm
Fixing PowerPoint Annoyances
http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/powerpointannoy/


I am using the 2007 version. Under shapes, I use the "Freeform
Tool".
In
the
previous version 2003, the lines were by default, straight. With
this
version, they seem to be randomly straight or curved.

:

Unfortunately we can't see into your computer. Some more info
would
help.
What version of powerpoint, what tool are you using to draw the
polygon?
--
Amazing PPT Hints, Tips and Tutorials-
http://www.PPTAlchemy.co.uk
http://www.technologytrish.co.uk
email john AT technologytrish.co.uk


:

when i try to draw a polygon, with straight edges, i usually
get
at
least one
line curved. How do I force only straight lines?

 

[Echo S]

Fascinating!

Very tiny movements make the difference.
Guess we use version 2003 after a couple cups of coffee, 2007 before...

LOL! 'zactly!