Apple numbers User Manual

    Working with Shapes, Graphics, and Other Objects 

 

Using Shapes

Numbers comes with predrawn shapes. You can also create your own custom shapes.

You can insert predrawn shapes, such as triangles, arrows, circles, and rectangles, to use 
as simple graphics.

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Click Shapes in the toolbar, and then choose a shape from the Shapes submenu. 

You can also choose Insert > Shape > shape type.

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You can also draw a shape. Option-click Shapes in the toolbar, release the Option key, 
choose a shape, and then drag the crosshair pointer across the sheet to create a shape 
that’s the size you want.

To constrain the shape (for example, to keep triangles equal on all sides), press the Shift 
key as you drag.

You can use the Draw tool to create your own shapes. 

Click Shapes in the toolbar, and then select the Draw tool icon. You can also choose 
Insert > Shape > Draw a Shape.

The pointer changes from an arrow to a small pen tip. 

Click anywhere on a sheet to create the first point of the custom shape.

To create a second point and connect it with the first point using a straight line, click a 
second location. 

To create a curved segment instead of a straight one, click in the second location and 
then drag the mouse to change the curve angle or extend the curve. Release the 
mouse when you’re satisfied with the curve.

The line that connects the two points has the default stroke style for the template 
you’re using. You can change the line into another kind of line later using the Stroke 
settings in the Graphic Inspector.