User Guide
Reshaping a Curve
One way to create a unique shape is to reshape the contours of a predrawn shape. This
technique can also be used to readjust the curves of a custom shape.
To reshape a curve:
1 Make the shape editable. To learn how, see “Editing Shapes” on page 200.
Red points appear on the shape, indicating that you can reshape the curves at these
points.
2 Click a red point on the curve you want to reshape. Handles appear on both sides of
the red point.
You can also drag a point
to modify the curve.
Drag a control handle or
rotate one or both control
handles to change the curve.
3 To adjust the curvature, drag the red point or one of its handles.
Move the control handles clockwise or counter-clockwise. Dierent eects result when
you move the handles together or independently of each other. Experiment until you
achieve the desired eect.
To move the handles together, hold down the Option key, and then drag either handle.
To move only one handle, press the Command key while dragging the handle.
4 For more precise control of the contour, add more editing points by holding down
the Option key while you hold the pointer along the shape’s border. When the pointer
takes the shape of a pen tip with a plus (+) sign, click where you want to add a new
editing point. For more information, see “Adding, Deleting, and Moving the Editing
Points on a Shape” on page 201.
Reshaping a Straight Segment
You can change the angle between two segments, or change the length of a segment.
To reshape a straight segment:
1 Make the shape editable. To learn how, see “Editing Shapes” on page 200.
2 Click a corner point.
3 To change the angle between the two attached segments, drag the point clockwise or
counter-clockwise.
4 To change the length of one of the segments, drag the point outward or inward.
202 Chapter 9 Working with Shapes, Graphics, and Other Objects