Using the Format Painter to Format Elements

You can apply formatting of one element to other elements quickly by using the format painter. You can apply the format of one element:

• One time to other elements.

• In repetitive mode to other elements.

When you use the format painter, it copies the following formats of the element if applicable to the target elements:

• Font family, size, and style

• Text style, alignment, and word wrap settings

• Line style, weight, pattern, and ends

• Transparency

• Fill style, orientation, behavior, horizontal percent fill, and vertical percent fill

• Unfilled style

• Horizontal and vertical direction properties

You cannot use the format painter for:

• The status element

• An element that is part of a path

• Groups of elements

• Elements in different hierarchy groups

To copy the format of an element one time

1. Select the element with the format you want to copy.

2. On the Edit menu, click Format Painter. The pointer appears as the format painter cursor.

3. Select the element you want to apply the format to. The format is applied to the clicked element.

   

To copy the format of an element in repetitive mode

4. Select the element with the format you want to copy.

5. On the toolbar, double-click the Format Painter icon. The pointer appears as the format painter cursor.

6. Click each element you want to apply the format to. The format is applied to the clicked element.

7. Repeat Step 3 for any other elements you want to apply the format to.

8. When you are done, press the Esc key.

Related Topics

Editing Common Properties of Elements and Graphics