Create Complex Shape

Used to create a complex shape (a closed complex element that can be manipulated as if it were one primitive element) from a series of open planar elements (lines, line strings, arcs, curves , and open B-spline curves). The resulting complex shape takes on the active element attributes regardless of the attributes of the component elements.

Tool Setting	Effect
Method	Sets how elements are added to complex shape. Manual — Each element is manually identified. Automatic — After the first element is identified, and accepted, if endpoints of additional open element(s) are within the Max. Gap distance of each other, they are included automatically until a closed shape is created. Where there is a choice of two or more elements (at the endpoint of an element) then the process lets you choose to either Accept the highlighted element, or Reset to see the alternative(s).
Max(imum) Gap	The largest distance allowed between consecutive elements, if Method is Automatic. If zero, only elements that connect (have a common endpoint) can be added.
Simplify geometry	If on, connected lines are added to the boundary as line strings. If you identify only connected lines, the tool produces a primitive shape element rather than a complex shape.
Area	Sets the type of shape created. Solid — The shape created is solid (can be hatched/patterned). Hole — The shape created is a hole (cannot be hatched/patterned).
Fill Type	Sets the active Fill Type. None — No fill Opaque — Filled with Active Color Outlined — Filled with Fill Color (outline of shape takes the Active Color)
Fill Color	Complex shape is filled with this color if the Fill Type is Outlined; otherwise disabled (dimmed).

To create a complex shape manually

Select the Create Complex Shape tool.

Set Method to Manual.

Identify the first element.

Continue to identify elements to add to the shape.
The elements are connected as they are identified, unless they already are connected.
see footnote 78

If the first and last elements connect, accept the shape.
If the first and last elements do not connect, Reset to close the shape and create a line element between their endpoints.

To create a complex shape automatically

Select the Create Complex Shape tool.

Set Method to Automatic.

Identify the first element.

Accept to automatically include other elements that are within the Max Gap distance.
If the elements do not have a common endpoint, they are connected.
see footnote 79
If a fork is found; that is, if more than one element is within the Max. Gap, the message “FORK — Accept or Reset to See Alternate” displays in the status bar.

Enter a data point to accept the highlighted element.
or
Reset to highlight an alternate element. Continue to Reset until the desired element highlights.

Key-in: CREATE SHAPE [MANUAL | AUTOMATIC]

If an element is accepted that is connected to the first element identified, the complex shape is closed. If no element is found within the Max. Gap, a line element is created between the open endpoints of the first and last elements and the complex shape is closed.

To convert a complex shape back to its individual components, use the Drop Element tool.

To draw a complex shape of connected arcs and line segments with one tool, use the Place SmartLine tool in the Linear Elements tool box.