User Guide

Canvas 12 User Guide
Simplifying vector paths
The Reduce Points command lets you simplify vector paths by reducing the number of anchor points
in the path.
Simplifying is a good practice when paths you import or create have a very high number of anchor
points. These paths can cause slow printing or printer errors, especially when memory is limited. If
you have problems printing a complex vector path, try simplifying it.
Use the Reduce Points command when one vector object is in path edit mode, or when one or more
vector objects are selected.
Reduce Points works with objects created with the Curve, Auto Curve, Freehand, Smooth Polygon,
and Polygon tools. You can apply it to objects created with other tools if you use the Path | Convert to
Paths command to convert the objects to vector paths.
Reduce Points is not available when specialized vector objects (Concentric Circles, Smart Shapes,
Multigons, and similar objects) are selected or in edit mode. These objects must be converted to
paths to simplify them.
To use the Reduce Points command:
1. Select one or more vector objects, or place one object in path edit mode (select it and choose
Object | Edit). In edit mode, you can select three or more anchor points and apply Reduce
Points.
2. Choose Path | Reduce Points.
3. In the dialog box, drag the slider to set the relative number of anchor points to use for the
path.
Loose: Leaves fewer points in the path by tracing the original path more smoothly.
Tight: Removes fewer points by tracing the original more closely. When more points are
removed, the change in the path can be greater.
4. Click OK to modify the path.
Converting polygons to Bézier objects
The Fit Bézier command changes a polygon to a Bézier curve path. This command can be applied to a
single selected polygon that is not in edit mode. Fit Bézier is useful when you want to use handles
attached to smooth anchor points to “bend” straight path segments into curves. Using Fit Bézier adds
handles to all the corner points (which do not have handles) that define a polygon.
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