MX

To draw a straight line segment
Using the Shape editor
Tool, start a straight line:
1.
Click where you want to start the line. You can start a line at either end; you don't have to work
left to right, or top-to-bottom. This creates a point handle, and is displayed as a red square to
indicate that it is the selected handle.
2.
If necessary select the Make line button on the InfoBar ("L"). This ensures the next click will
draw a straight line segment.
Either click where you want the next
point handle to be, or click and drag,
and then release the mouse button
when the line is correct. This creates a
line segment and selects the new end
point handle.
Mixing curved and straight lines
To create an object which is a mixture of straight and curved segments, just switch between the Make
Curve and Make Line
buttons as you create the object (you can also press "L" or "C" on the keyboard.)
Note: You can also use the keyboard shortcut "X" to create a Cusp Join or "S" to create a Smooth Join
while using the Shape Editor Tool
. These affect the way two line segments come together. A Cusp Join creates 2 independent Bezier
control handles that you can edit separately. With a cusp join, you can create a sharp angle. A Smooth
Join creates a symmetrical join that works like a see saw. If you drag one Bezier control handle down,
the opposing control handle goes up.
To draw a curved line segment:
This is similar to starting a straight line (described
above).
1.
Click where you want to start the line.
2.
If necessary select the Make curve button (shortcut "C".)
3.
Either click or drag (as described for straight lines) to create a second point handle, and a curve
segment will be added to the line.
A curve segment has Curve handles
associated with the selected point handle. You
can drag these to adjust the angle and radius of
the curve.
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