New
New
Year 8

Working with multiple objects

I can work with multiple objects to create a vector drawing.

New
New
Year 8

Working with multiple objects

I can work with multiple objects to create a vector drawing.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. In vector graphics, every shape (like a square or circle) is called an object.
  2. You can use tools to line up objects neatly or spread them out evenly (distribute).
  3. Grouping lets you move or change several objects at once, as if they were one shape.
  4. You can use tools to join shapes, cut them apart or create new outlines.

Keywords

  • Object - something that is uniquely identifiable and has attributes

  • Group - a set of objects placed together

  • Combine - join two or more objects together as one entity

  • Union - a way of combining multiple selected objects into a single, unified shape

Common misconception

Grouping objects is permanent.

Grouping objects can be reversed using ungroup. Combining objects is harder to reverse; only undo fixes combining.


To help you plan your year 8 computing lesson on: Working with multiple objects, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

You need to be familiar with using the alignment and distribution tools in Inkscape, as well as the the logic of union, difference and intersection.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Inkscape software.

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
What is a vector graphic?

a collection of photographs
a type of sound file
Correct answer: an image made up of lines and shapes
an animation sequence

Q2.
What does the z-order decide in a vector graphic?

Correct answer: which shapes are in front or behind
the colours used in the image
the file size
the shape’s size

Q3.
Put these steps in order for moving a shape in vector software:

1 - select the shape
2 - click and hold a handle
3 - drag the shape to a new position
4 - release the mouse button

Q4.
Match each keyword to its meaning:

Correct Answer:vector graphic,an image made up of lines and shapes

an image made up of lines and shapes

Correct Answer:z-order,the order of overlapping objects

the order of overlapping objects

Correct Answer:layer,a level where objects are placed

a level where objects are placed

Correct Answer:handle,used to resize or rotate objects

used to resize or rotate objects

Q5.
What kind of shapes are used to build vector illustrations?

Correct answer: simple geometric shapes
photographs
sound waves
video clips

Q6.
What is the main difference between vector and bitmap images?

the number of layers
the type of software used
the length of the file name
Correct answer: how they are made

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
In vector graphics, what is each shape on the canvas called?

Correct Answer: object, an object

Q2.
What does grouping objects allow you to do?

change the colour of one object
Correct answer: move or change several objects at once
delete all objects
export the drawing

Q3.
What tool can help you spread objects out evenly across the canvas?

crop tool
fill tool
text tool
Correct answer: distribution tool

Q4.
Put these steps in order to group objects:

1 - select all the objects
2 - click the group tool
3 - move the group to a new position
4 - ungroup if needed

Q5.
Match each keyword to its meaning:

Correct Answer:object,something that is uniquely identifiable and has attributes

something that is uniquely identifiable and has attributes

Correct Answer:group,a set of objects placed together

a set of objects placed together

Correct Answer:combine,join two or more objects as one entity

join two or more objects as one entity

Correct Answer:union,combine multiple selected objects into a single, unified shape

combine multiple selected objects into a single, unified shape

Q6.
Which statement about grouping and combining objects in vector graphics is correct?

Grouping objects cannot be undone once applied.
Combining objects is always easy to reverse.
Combining and grouping are both permanent changes.
Correct answer: Grouping can be reversed using ungroup, but combining is harder to undo.