Adobe ILLUSTRATOR 10 Using Manual page 56

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Using Help | Contents
2 Reposition the pen tool, drag to create a curve with a second smooth point, and then
press Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac OS) as you drag the direction point to set the slope of
the next curve. Then release the key and the mouse button. This converts the smooth
point to a corner point by splitting the direction lines.
A B
Drawing two curves
A. Dragging a new smooth point B. Pressing Alt/Option to split direction lines while dragging,
and swinging direction point up C. Result after releasing mouse button
3 Reposition the pen tool where you want the second curved segment to end, and drag a
new smooth point to complete the second curved segment.
Dragging a new smooth point (left) to complete the second segment (right)
Adjusting path segments
You can change the shape of a path by adding, deleting, or moving the path's anchor
points. To adjust a curved segment, you move one or more of its anchor points or direction
points. You can also adjust a path by converting smooth points to corner points and
vice versa.
Adding, deleting, and converting anchor points
You can add or delete anchor points on any path. Additional anchor points can give you
more control over the path, or extend an open path. You can also connect two open paths.
Similarly, you can delete anchor points to change the shape of a path or to simplify the
path. It's a good idea to delete any unnecessary points to reduce the complexity of
the path.
You can use the Path Simplify command to remove extra anchor points on a path
without changing the path's shape. (See
The pen tool automatically changes to the add-anchor-point tool or the delete-anchor-
point tool as you position it over a selected path. The add-anchor-point tool adds the
necessary type of point (corner or smooth) to preserve the existing shape of the path.
Note: You must delete anchor points by using the delete-anchor-point tool or the Path
Simplify command. The Delete, Backspace, and Clear keys and the Edit > Cut or Edit >
Clear commands always delete the entire path even if you select an anchor point on
the path.
Using Help | Contents
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C
"Simplifying paths" on page
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Drawing
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61.)
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