MS Publisher has a feature that allows an object created in it to be saved as an image. I have often wished to be able to do the same in SS.

What kind of object?

You can do some of that already. If you want an image of a group, put re-render on for the group, and that will create an image file when you publish/preview.

Then drag the image from the preview page in your browser back into the workpage. When you save the project next, SS will give you the option of also saving the image.

Once again, Bruceee to the rescue. It was right in front of my face, but I completely missed it. I just made a rectangle, previewed it, right-click save. Duh.