Explode

In this Task

• The Rectangle is created as a polyline. This means it is composed of a single line with 4 vertices at the corners.
• The Explode tool reduces the polyline to 4 single lines connected by a vertex at each corner.

Associated Tasks

• Using the Select tool to select the Rectangle.

Before you Start

• Use the Zoom tools to adjust the magnification so the entire rectangle is visible in the editor.

Take Note

• This instructions for this Task are designed for the Ribbon menu and Default workspace, however, video animation is provided for use in the Default Workspace using the Palettes.
• When using the Explode tool, first select the object to be modified, then the Explode tool.

Reducing the Rectangle to 4 Single Lines

Explode

Ribbon : Format | Explode

Default Menu : Modify > Explode

SHIFT-ALT-E

(Command is activated when object is selected)

The Explode tool reduces a compound entity to its individual components. For example, a rectangle, when exploded comprises 4 single lines instead of a single entity.The object must be pre-selected prior to using the Explode tool.

When the Rectangle tool is used to create a rectangular shape, the shape is created as a polyline. This is a continual line sequence which comprises a single object.

Use the Select tool from the top left corner of the workspace, or right click in the workspace and find the Select tool at the top left corner.

Left click onto the newly drawn rectangle so that it is enclosed in a Selector Shell.

Selector Shell encloses the selected object

Select the Explode tool from the menu options above.

After the Explode tool has been used on the rectangle, each line will now represent a single object, shown below.

Each line is a separate object after Rectangle is exploded