Measuring area

The Area Tool lets you measure the area of any shape, whether it has curved or straight sides. After you outline the perimeter of the area to be measured, the area measurement appears on the Status Bar.

To measure area by using a parallelogram:

1   Click the Area Tool.

2   Starting with one of the corners of the object, press and hold the left mouse button, then drag a line across one side of the shape. Do not release the mouse button.

3   Press and hold the CTRL key, and drag the mouse along an adjacent side. The outline of a parallelogram appears as you drag the mouse.

4   When the parallelogram surrounds the shape to measure the area of, release both the CTRL key and the mouse button.

To measure the area of a freeform shape:

1   Click the Area Tool.

2   At the desired starting point, press and hold the mouse button and drag the mouse along the outline of the area you wish to measure. Use the following keys to outline the area:

--  To draw any part of the shape that is freeform, press and hold the ALT key while dragging the mouse.

--  To create a vertex (corner), press and release the V key, then drag the mouse in the new direction.

Note:  The results will not be accurate if you cross over the path.

3   When you have outlined the entire area, drag the mouse pointer to meet the starting point, then release the mouse button. The Area Tool automatically completes the polygon, even if you release the mouse button before you return to your starting point.

To measure the area of any straight-sided shape:

1   Click the Area Tool.

2   At the desired starting point, press and hold the mouse button and drag a straight line.

3   Press and release the V key to create a vertex (corner) and drag the next leg.

4   Repeat Step 3 to continue outlining the shape to be measured.

5   When you have outlined the entire perimeter, release the mouse. The Area Tool automatically completes the polygon, even if you release the mouse button before you return to your starting point.