# Constraining Location, Angle and Aspect Ratio

When drawing any object, it may be desirable to constrain it in various ways to keep lines perpendicular or at set angles to the page. The relative horizontal and vertical size of an object is called its "aspect ratio". Artboard makes it easy to constrain object's location, angle and aspect ratio using modfier keys.

## Show Hide To Constrain an Object's Rotation Angle:

1. Choose the Select [s] tool and select an object.
2. Press the SHIFT-key while draging the object's purple Rotation handle to rotate. This constrains the object angle to 15-degree increments.

## Show Hide To Constrain the Angle of a Line:

1. Choose the Irregular Polygon or Line [l] tool.
2. Press the SHIFT-key while drawing. This constrains the line angle to 15-degree increments.

## Show Hide To Constrain an Object's Aspect Ratio While Drawing Circles and Squares:

1. Choose the Rectangle [r] tool, Oval [o] tool, or Round Rectangle tool.
2. While drawing the shape, press the SHIFT-key to constrain its aspect ratio, resulting in a perfect square, circle or rounded square.

HINT: The SHIFT-key can be used in combination with the CMND-key to constrain the aspect ratio and draw out from center.

## Show Hide To Constrain an Object's Aspect Ratio While Resizing:

Do one of the following:

- Choose the Select [s] tool and select an object, press the SHIFT-key to constrain its aspect ratio, and drag the object handles to resize an object or group,
- With the object selected, click the "lock" icon in the Geometry panel to lock the width / height aspect ratio, then enter the object width or height in the Geometry panel.

## Show Hide To Constrain the Angle of a Linear Gradient, Shadow, and Other Style Effects:

While editing any style component with an angle style property, press the SHIFT-key to constrain its angle to 15-degree increments.

## Show Hide To Hold a Shape's Centerpoint in Place While Resizing:

1. Choose the Select [s] tool and select the shape (or group) to resize.
2. Hold the Option-key, then press and drag the object (or group) handles to resize.

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