User Guide

Canvas 12 User Guide
In general, if you drag in one direction along a path, the tool will change the shape of a segment
without removing the rest of the path or opening the path. For example, if you follow the curve of a
circle as you drag from the top toward the bottom, you can make the circle narrower. If you drag from
one part of the circle and change direction, you can create a segment that changes the circle to an
open path.
Experimenting with the Reshape tool is the best way to learn the various techniques you can use to
modify paths.
Editing paths with the Push tool
The Push tool provides an alternative way of editing paths. The tool lets you form curves without
having to edit anchor points and tangent lines. The Push tool is useful for people who are not experts
at editing paths and who want to simply drag on path segments to bend them into shape.
The Push tool bends a path where you “push” (drag) on it. Imagine that a rope is laid out straight on
a table. If you push your finger against the middle of the rope, you form a curve at that point. Using
the Push tool has a similar effect on a straight segment of a path.
Dragging a path with the Push tool bends the path. The Range setting controls the width of the
effect.
You can adjust the range of the Push tool effect. A smaller range results in sharper bends, and a
larger range results in smoother bends.
To use the Push tool:
1. Select an object to edit. One vector object can be selected or be in path edit mode.
2.
Select the Push tool.
3. If you want to change the Range of the Push tool, enter a value in the text box in the
Properties bar.
4. Drag on the path where you want to push a segment into a curve shape. When you release
the mouse, Canvas reshapes the path.
After you use the Push tool, the object remains selected or in edit mode. Continue to use the Push tool
to modify the path.
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