Modifying lines and curves
You can edit the properties of lines and curves. You can reshape a curve by changing its nodes the shape of the contour at a node by changing the node type, by modifying its line segments on either side of a node, or by connecting line segments. You can also cut a line segment. When you cut a closed path or contour, you open it. When you cut an open path or contour, you create two separate contours.
To edit a line or curve
1
On the Tools toolbar, choose the
Pen tool
.
2
On the Tool Options palette, click the
Edit Mode button
.
4
Modify any of the settings on the Tool Options palette.
You can also edit the curve by clicking the Pick tool , selecting the curve, and modifying any of the settings on the Tool Options palette.
To adjust a line segment by changing the nodes
1
On the Tools toolbar, choose the
Pen tool
.
2
On the Tool Options palette, click the
Edit Mode button
.
3
Right-click a node, choose
Node Type, and select one of the following options:
•
Convert to Line — straightens the segment before and after the node
•
Line Before — straightens the segment before the node
•
Line After — straightens the segment after the node
•
Curve Before — curves the segment before the node
•
Curve After — curves the segment after the node
To connect multiple line segments
1
Create as many connected line segments as you want.
2
On the Tool Options palette, click one of the following buttons:
•
Start New Contour — connects line segments in an open shape
•
Close Selected Open Contours — connects line segments in a closed shape
3
Click the
Apply button
.
You can save a set of Tool Options palette settings as presets. For more information, see Using and creating presets.
To cut a line segment
1
From the Tools toolbar, choose the
Pen tool
.
2
On the Tool Options palette, click the
Knife Mode button
.
3
Drag across the contour where you want to cut it.
When you click the Knife Mode button, you can cut through all selected contours in an object.