ShaperLabs is a platform for us to experiment with new ideas and provide more functionality for Origin users. The first experiment is a simple design suite for use with ShaperHub. This article will cover the basics of ShaperLabs and provide some examples of what you can do with the tools.
This article is intended to be a basic introduction to the tools available in ShaperLabs. A full rundown of the features, including step-by-step instructions, can be found in our ShaperLabs Explainer Videos.
Design Palette
Find Art
This tool allows you to import files from a library of over 3 million ready-made SVGs to quickly and easily add elements to your design.
Make Shape
You can make a number of basic shapes quickly and easily: circle, ellipse, rectangle (both hard and round corner), and polygons.
Add Text
Add text to your design in a number of fonts and styles. You can then manipulate or edit the text as you’re placing it.
Undo/Redo
The two arrows in the upper left corner represent Undo (pointing to the left) and Redo (pointing to the right). Undo will reverse the most recent command, where Redo will reverse an Undo.
Tool Palette
When you've selected an object or object, your Tool Palette will appear, giving you access to more advanced features:
Shapeshifter
Shapeshifter lets you take any of the shapes in your workspace and slice or combine them to create new compound shapes. You can perform many dynamic transformations of elements in your design using Shapeshifter, and create complex designs with relative ease.
Edit
This will bring up the object editing menu, which is different depending on the type of object:
- If the object is Text: Edit the content, font, style, size or orientation of the text.
- If the object is a Shape: Edit the diameter, height, width, orientation, corner rounding, number of sides, or any other property you can change when placing it.
Duplicate
Any shape or group of shapes can be duplicated by hitting this button OR by hitting [cmd + D] on your keyboard.
Delete
Any shape can be deleted by hitting the delete button or hitting the [DEL] key on your keyboard
Saving Designs
In the top right-hand corner of your screen, you'll see a save icon and text field. Use these features to name, rename, save or download your design.
Rename
You can name and rename your project by typing into this text field. As you save your files to ShaperHub, they will appear as the name entered here. Use this to add version numbers or otherwise disambiguate one iteration from another as your design develops.
Save to ShaperHub
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Click here to save your design to ShaperHub, where it will appear in your Origin Files. This will instantly sync the design to your Origin and the file will appear in the Import menu when your tool is connected to WiFi.
Download
Click here to download the design to your local drive as an SVG.
Settings Menu
Using the menu icon in the upper left corner of the interface, you can open the Settings Menu to access these options:
Clear Canvas
This removes all elements from your design, effectively starting over from scratch. Be careful with this command as it can't be undone.
Log Out
To use ShaperLabs, you'll need a ShaperHub account. You can log out of one account and log into another using this pane.
Units
Just like on Origin, you can toggle between from Metric and Imperial here.