how can i draw a rounded edged rectange shape with just the outline showing and the center transparent center transparent?

thanks pal. i will have a go at that.

If I understand what you mean, the easiest way is to select the Preset Shapes tool, open its properties via the button on the top icon bar (by default it's the fourth bar in, 2nd icon). Then use the drop down box which currently has a square in it, change it to the rectangle with rounded edges.

Before you draw the shape, change the line colour to the one you want, and make the fill colour transparent.

Draw your shape - and there it is in glorious vector.