Mapdiva, LLC | Mac OS X Software

The Format Bar sits above the horizontal ruler and provides quick access to create and edit simple fill and stroke styles.

The Format Bar is visible by default with the Rulers. If your Format Bar is turned off, choose View > Show Rulers & Format Bar from the main menu. The format bar provides access to simple stroke style components: color, stroke width, dashes, end-caps and corner joints; and fill style components: color and shadow.

NOTE: Advanced "expert" styles should be edited within the Style Inspector. The Format Bar does not provide access to advanced style components, such as gradients, arrows, or "stacked" styles available in the Style Inspector. To create or edit complex styles, open the Style Inspector.

Remember the Basics: Drawing Tool + Style = Draw

• To draw with a style you create, choose a drawing tool from the Tools palette and draw a shape or path.
• To format a simple style, click the checkmarks in the Format Bar to turn stroke and fill on or off as desired. Click and hold the color-wells to display the color array, or click once on the color-well to open the Colors panel. Set line width with the drop-down line width list or the slider. Continue drawing with the style you have defined.
• To change styles, edit the style properties in the Format Bar and continue drawing.
• To reset to the default style, click the "Reset" button in the Format Bar, edit the style, and continue drawing.

Note, the Format Bar is designed to provide quick access to simple fill and stroke styles. See "Using the Style Inspector" to edit complex styles, such as those containing arrows, hatches, patterns, or gradients.