Skip to main content
B
bills89323792
Inspiring
March 11, 2016
Answered

How can I decrease the margin in a polygon/circle smart shape even less than "0".

  • March 11, 2016
  • 2 replies
  • 562 views

Hi. I'm putting text in a smart shape hexagon, and I don't want it to wrap, but just stay on the same line (it's not long text). The margin is set to "0", but that corresponds to the left upper side of the shape- not the mid-left point.  Is there a way to change this?  If not, would you suggest grouping two smart shapes together?  A rectangle (w/ text) inside the hexagon?  Thanks for your help.

Bill

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer bills89323792

    Just for future reference.  I ended up drawing my own hexagon.  I found a shape image online- snapped that to the background of a slide and showed gridlines. Then I magnified the size very large and traced with a polygon line (one of the smart shape options).  You can actually move the scroll bar as you draw which helps if you've magnified the screen and can't see the whole shape at once.

    I saved this as a custom shape  under "style" in "properties" on the right hand screen.  When I add text now, it fills the entire smart shape:

    2 replies

    TLCMediaDesign
    TLCMediaDesign
    Inspiring
    March 11, 2016

    Open this file:

    C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Captivate 8 x64\Gallery\AutoShape\S1_04_Hexagon.xml

    change this: <textbox left="@0" top="0" right="@1" bottom="21600"/>

    to this: <textbox left="0" top="0" right="21600" bottom="21600"/>

    make a backup of the file first!

    B
    bills89323792Author
    Inspiring
    March 11, 2016

    Hi TLC,

    This seems like a great solution.  I changed the notepad file as you suggested (as an administrator).  I even went back to check it later and it seems to have kept the change - see below.  But then I opened a new project and inserted a smart shape hexagon, and I still have the same margin problem.

    Another idea I had was to rotate the hexagon 90 degrees because there isn't a padding on the top and bottom.  I don't care which direction the hexagon points.  But then the text also rotates.  is there a way to rotate the text back horizontal even if the shape is rotated? 

    As to Rick's suggestion, I'm concerned about losing capabilities- I want this to be a button, with audio and even variables - so maybe a customized image will run into problems (not sure).Thanks to everyone for the help.

    B
    bills89323792AuthorCorrect answer
    Inspiring
    March 11, 2016

    Just for future reference.  I ended up drawing my own hexagon.  I found a shape image online- snapped that to the background of a slide and showed gridlines. Then I magnified the size very large and traced with a polygon line (one of the smart shape options).  You can actually move the scroll bar as you draw which helps if you've magnified the screen and can't see the whole shape at once.

    I saved this as a custom shape  under "style" in "properties" on the right hand screen.  When I add text now, it fills the entire smart shape:

    Captiv8r
    Captiv8r
    Legend
    March 11, 2016

    That's how I might tackle it. Just superimpose either another shape or a Text Caption that is invisible save for the text.

    Cheers... Rick

    B
    bills89323792Author
    Inspiring
    March 11, 2016

    The problem then is - I can't seem to use the group as a button. From what I've read elsewhere- groups of smart buttons can't be consolidated into single shapes that act in normal ways, as buttons, etc.  Is this still true in Captivate 9?

    Captiv8r
    Captiv8r
    Legend
    March 11, 2016

    Hmmm, what if you created an image that contains the text you want and looking as you want. Then fill the SmartyPants Shape with the image?

    Cheers... Rick

    Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
    Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices