Working with Static Objects

Static objects are non-data-driven visual elements used for page layout, labels, backgrounds, and decoration. StudioWeb provides 6 static object types.

Static Object Types

TypeDescriptionUse For
RectangleFilled or outlined rectangleBackgrounds, borders, panels
EllipseFilled or outlined ellipse/circleIndicators, decorative elements
LineStraight line between two pointsConnectors, dividers, borders
TextStatic text labelLabels, titles, annotations
PolygonMulti-point closed shapeCustom shapes, arrows
ImageBitmap image from fileLogos, backgrounds, diagrams

Placing Static Objects

  1. Click a static tool in the Static Objects section of the palette
  2. Click on the canvas to place with default size, or click-drag to set size
  3. The object is created and selected

Property Tabs

When a static object is selected, the Property Inspector shows these tabs:

General Tab

PropertyDescription
NameObject identifier
TypeObject type (read-only)
IDUnique identifier (read-only)
X, YPosition on canvas
Width, HeightObject dimensions
LayerWhich layer the object belongs to

Color Tab

PropertyDescription
ForegroundPrimary color (stroke or text color)
BackgroundFill color
Outline ForegroundOutline stroke color
Outline BackgroundOutline fill color

Line Tab

Controls the stroke appearance for shapes with outlines:

PropertyDescriptionOptions
Line StyleStroke patternSolid, Dashed, Dotted, Dash-Dot, Dash-Dot-Dot
Line ThicknessStroke width in pixels1–20
Line CapHow line endpoints lookButt, Round, Square
Line JoinHow corners connectMiter, Round, Bevel
Arrow StyleArrowhead on linesNone, Start, End, Both

Fill Tab

Controls the interior fill for shapes:

PropertyDescriptionOptions
Fill StyleHow the shape is filledSolid, None, Pattern
Fill RuleHow overlapping paths fillEvenodd, Nonzero
Fill PatternPattern type (when fill = Pattern)Various hatch patterns

Font Tab (Text objects)

PropertyDescription
Font FamilyTypeface name
Font SizeSize in points
Font WeightNormal or Bold
Font StyleNormal or Italic

Tips

  • Use rectangles with no fill as border frames around groups of DDOs
  • Text objects make great labels — place them above or beside DDOs
  • Set Line Thickness to 0 for shapes that should have no visible outline
  • Static objects render on the canvas background — DDOs always render on top
  • Use layers to organize static objects separately from DDOs
  • Default static object styles (colors, line, font) come from Edit → Preferences → Static section

See Also