The Measurements field allows you to accurately define several dimensions of your circles. The dimensions you can set depend on the circle tool being used.
Creating a precise circle (Circle tool)
You can create a precise circle by explicitly typing the center point location and radius in the Measurements field. The Measurements field prompt changes to 'Point' when the Circle tool is selected.
Defining the center point location
You can set the center point of a circle, before making the first click with the mouse, using absolute coordinates. For example, to set the center point to location 10",2", type [10",2"] followed by the Enter key (Microsoft Windows) or Return key (Mac OS X). The Measurements field prompt changes to 'Radius' after a center point has been established.
Absolute coordinates are measured from the upper left-hand corner of the page.
Defining the radius
You can set the radius of a circle by typing in a radius value in dimensions or points. For example, to set the radius to 5", type 5" followed by the Enter key (Microsoft Windows) or Return key (Mac OS X). Or, type 5" d followed by the Enter key (Microsoft Windows) or Return key (Mac OS X) to set the diameter to 5".
Creating a precise ellipse
The Measurements field allows you to accurately define several dimensions of your ellipses. You can create a precise ellipses explicitly typing the starting point and end point locations in the Measurements field. The Measurements field prompt changes to 'Point' when the Ellipse tool is selected.
Defining the start point location
You can set the start point of an ellipse, before making the first click with the mouse, using absolute coordinates. For example, to set the start point to location 10",2", type [10",2"] followed by the Enter key (Microsoft Windows) or Return key (Mac OS X). The Measurements field prompt changes to 'Dimensions' after a start point has been established.
Absolute coordinates are measured from the upper left-hand corner of the page.
Defining the end point location
You can define the end point location in absolute coordinates or as a dimension.
Absolute coordinates: You can set the end point of an ellipse, after setting the start point, using absolute coordinates. For example, to set the next point, in absolute coordinates, to location 10",2", type [10",2"] followed by the Enter key (Microsoft Windows) or Return key (Mac OS X).
Absolute coordinates are measured from the upper left-hand corner of the page.
Dimensions: You can set the end point of an ellipse, after setting the start point, in dimensions (width and height). For example, to set the dimensions to 11" x 4" (width by height), type11,4 or <11,4> followed by the Enter key (Microsoft Windows) or Return key (Mac OS X). Dimensions will be in the direction of your mouse. For example, if your mouse is to the bottom and left of the start point, typing "11",4"" or "<11",4">" will create a rectangle with the second point 11 inches left and 4 inches down from the start point.