Maybe it changes direction (going from clockwise to counterclockwise or vice versa). A curve transition is a place where the curve changes. Place anchor points at curve transitions. And you can match the angle pretty easily because you can see both “before” and “after” versions of the previous line segment. Note that as you change the angle of the direction point on the “other” side (where the previous segment is), you aren’t changing the length of that direction point line. Then click the same anchor point again ( not the direction point) and drag in the same direction as you previously dragged.
(You knew there had to be an exception.) If you click and drag and get a segment just right - only to realize that the next segment requires a longer or shorter control-handle line but the same angle - release the mouse button when the segment is just right. This rule is the exception to the previous two rules. Use different lengths for each direction point, as necessary. Chapter 6 has the lowdown on how you can adjust your path after you draw it. You can always use the Direct Selection tool to fix the poor thing after you finish the path. Instead, focus on the next segment try to ignore the goof-up for now. If you mess up on that last outgoing direction point, don’t try to “fix” the line segment with the anchor point you’re currently dragging. (Aside from that, it isn’t hard at all.)ĭon’t overcompensate for a misdrawn curve. You must master the past, present, and future when you use the Pen tool. ?If you concentrate only on this line segment, the direction point you’re dragging out for the next line segment probably won’t be the right length or angle. You may notice that the line segment between the prior anchor point and the current anchor point can distract you because it changes as you drag. If you need to go back toward the line segment, place an anchor point closer to the previous anchor point you created.įocus on the upcoming segment as well as the current one. Dragging back toward the line segment you just drew results in hard-to-control curves and awkward-appearing line segments between the previous anchor point and the anchor point you’re working with. Even if you don’t plan to follow them right away - because you’re still at that awkward, rebellious age - you at least want to be familiar with these rules:ĭrag in the direction of the path.
Of course, you still have to deal with the other two-thirds of the line segment that’s where a few humble rules can serve you well. The one-third rule is the most important rule when you’re using the Pen tool to draw curves. If you continue to hold down the Shift key, you get the whole shebang: 45? control-handle lines as well as the anchor point. If you press the Shift key before you drag - and release the key while you’re dragging - you get the 45? anchor point. Just don’t press and hold the Shift key until after you begin dragging with the Pen tool. This action lets you make much more accurate curves than by drawing freestyle. Remember that whole song and dance about pressing the Shift key so that new anchor points appear angled at a multiple of 45? relative to the last anchor point? Well, you can also use the Shift key to constrain the angle of control-handle lines to 45?, if you prefer.
Rejoice! If you don’t see the S or reverse- S shape, breathe deeply, count to 10, and try again, exercising superhuman patience and care.
If you drag the same distance that you dragged for the first anchor point, you create an even-looking curve.įinally, place your cursor away from the second point, still moving away from the first anchor point, and click and drag back in the same direction you dragged for the first anchor point.Īfter you release the mouse button, you see an S shape (or a backward S, depending on which way you first dragged). Note that as you drag, you can actually see the curve between the two anchor points take shape and change. Then click and drag in the direction opposite the direction you dragged to create the first anchor point.Īt this stage, the best approach is to place that second click perpendicular to the direction lines. Without clicking, place your cursor away from both the anchor point and the direction points. They’re just tools for controlling the direction of the line segment that you’re drawing. Whether you call them direction points or control handles, lines, or boxes, they don’t print out. The line you see is actually a set of two direction points (connected to the curve by direction lines), cleverly disguised as lines with little control-handle boxes at each end. That’s okay ?it’s supposed to happen that way. To create a lovely, flowing curve for your own purposes, just follow these steps:Ī line extends from the anchor point where you clicked. (Friendly arrows indicate the direction to drag.) Figure 7-7: Creating gentle, smooth curves.