Frames and drawings > Frames – basic functions > Changing object properties via the dialog box > Changing the default settings for objects

You can change the default settings for objects at any time. This is particularly relevant for drawings (AutoShapes and lines). For certain other objects, there are restrictions on applying the default settings.

If, for example, you don't like the default line thickness for drawings, simply set it to a different value. You can also alter other default settings – for example, the default fill for drawings as well as the settings for shadows and 3D effects.

Note: Changes to the default settings for objects only affect objects that you insert afterwards. Existing objects remain untouched.

To change the default settings for objects, use the Set as default button in the dialog box Object properties.

For example, the default line thickness for drawings can be changed as follows:

1.	Insert a new drawing (or click on an existing drawing).

2.	Right-click on the object to access the context menu and select the last entry Properties to open the dialog box.

3.	Make the desired settings. To change the default setting for the line thickness, for example, switch to the Lines tab and simply set the desired line thickness.

4.	Important: Click on the Set as default button and not on OK.

5.	The program displays another dialog box in which you can also limit which default settings should be changed if necessary. As a rule, there is no need to change anything in this dialog box.

6.	If you confirm with OK, the settings currently made in the dialog box will be set as the default settings for new drawings.

7.	Confirm again with OK to exit the dialog box completely.

All drawings that you insert from now on will use the line thickness set in this way by default.

Note: The default settings for objects can be set separately for each document.

This concludes the general description of frames and drawings. The following sections present the various types of frames in detail:

▪Text frames

▪Picture frames

▪Drawings

▪Forms (see Form objects in detail)