Shape paths

To select a path node
To move a path segment
To rotate a path segment
To skew a path segment
To size a path segment
To shape a curve using the control points

You can change the shape of a path by selecting and moving its nodes, segments, or control points.

Selecting nodes

You must select a node before you can move it to another location, delete it, or drag its associated control points. Selecting several nodes lets you perform the same operation simultaneously on one or more path segments.

Moving path segments

You can move path segments by dragging nodes. When you drag a single node, the segments attached to it move with the node and remain connected. When you drag two or more adjacent nodes, the path segments between the nodes retain their form and move with the nodes.

Rotating and skewing path segments

Rotating paths lets you turn them around a pivot point, called the center of rotation, whereas skewing paths lets you slant them to one side while the opposite side remains stationary.

Sizing path segments

You can change the length or width of the path segments that you select, and you can scale selected path segments. When you scale path segments, they can either keep their proportion or become distorted as you size the path.

Reshaping a curve segment by using control points

When you select a single node on a curve segment, two control points extend from it in opposite directions. You can change the shape of a curve by repositioning the control points. You may need to change the node type to achieve the shape you want. For more information about node types, see Change node types.

To select a path node

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1 In the toolbox, click the Path tool .
2 Click the Shape button on the property bar.
3 Click a node.

 

You can also
 
Select multiple nodes
Hold down Shift, and click the nodes you want to select.
Select all nodes
Hold down Ctrl + Shift, and click a node.

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You can also select multiple nodes by clicking the Shape button and marquee selecting a group of nodes.

You can deselect a node by holding down Shift and clicking a node.

To move a path segment

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1 In the toolbox, click the Path tool .
2 Click the Shape button on the property bar.
3 Select the nodes on a path segment.
4 Drag the nodes to a new location.

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You can move path segments in precise increments by pressing an Arrow key to move the selected nodes the nudge distance, or by holding down Shift and pressing an Arrow key to move the selected nodes the super nudge distance.

To rotate a path segment

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1 In the toolbox, click the Path tool .
2 Click the Shape button on the property bar.
3 Select the nodes on a path segment.
4 Click Object Edit Path Rotate and skew nodes.
5 Drag a rotation handle.

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You can also drag the center of rotation to a new location.

To skew a path segment

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1 In the toolbox, click the Path tool .
2 Click the Shape button on the property bar.
3 Select the nodes on a path segment.
4 Click Object Edit path Rotate and skew nodes.
5 Drag a skewing handle.

To size a path segment

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1 In the toolbox, click the Path tool .
2 Click the Shape button on the property bar.
3 Select the nodes on a path segment.
4 Click Object Edit path Stretch and scale nodes.
5 On the highlighting box, drag any of the following handles:
• side selection handles — stretch the selected path segments
• corner selection handles — scale the selected path segments

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You can also size path segments by clicking the Elastic mode button on the property bar.

To shape a curve using the control points

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1 In the toolbox, click the Path tool .
2 Click the Shape button on the property bar.
3 Select a curve node.
4 Drag the control points.

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