Creating a Path

Creating a Path

You can create lines and beziers by using the Path tool . The Path tool has extra functionality when used with the Shift, Control and ALT key (Windows) or Option key (MacOS). With the Path tool, you can:

  • Create any form or shape
  • Create lines from and to existing points
  • Add curves to existing lines
  • Replace curves

How to create a path by defining a start and an end point

  1. Select the Path tool from the Tools palette.
  2. Click a starting point and an end point to draw a line between these two points.
  3. Double-click the last point drawn to make it the endpoint. Alternatively you can place multiple points and then double-click to stop creating more points for this particular path.

How to create a path by defining a start point and drawing a line

  1. Select the Path tool  from the Tools palette.

   2. Click a starting point and drag to an end point.

   3. Optional: You can drag multiple points and double-click to stop creating more points for a particular path.
   4. Optional: To create a line that is constrained to a certain angle, hold down the Shift key while drawing the line.
        The constrain angle is set in the Preferences.

How to create a bezier curve or a circular path

Creating beziers or circular paths is easy and precise because of the extra functionality of key combinations in PrintFactory.
    1. Select the Direct Selection tool from the Tools palette.

   2. Select a Path.
   3. Select the Path tool from the Tools palette.
   4. Click the selected path line, hold down the mouse button and drag a rounded line (bezier).
        The selected line will be transformed into a bezier curve with handles at the start and end of the path.

Path options

You can use different key combinations to create different path types:
  • Dragging without a key results in a cubic bezier going through the cursor position.
  • If you hold down the Shift key while dragging, you create a very similar bezier curve, with the difference that the bezier will be drawn smoothly with regard to the previous and next path.
  • If you hold down the CTRL key (Windows) or Command key (MacOS) while dragging, you create a circular path which consists of multiple points with handles.

How to adjust bezier handles

With the Direct Selection tool, you can adjust bezier handles. You can set both bezier handles separately by using the ALT key (Windows) or Option key (MacOS).

Adjusting two handles at once

Select the point from which you want to adjust a bezier handle. If a point is the start or the end of a bezier then the handles will appear.
Drag one handle so that the bezier will get the correct shape. If one handle is adjusted, the other will automatically be changed along. If you release the mouse button, the bezier is adjusted.

Adjusting only one handle

Select the point from which you want to adjust a bezier handle. If a point is the start or the end of a bezier, the handles will appear.
Click the handle and hold down the mouse button.
While holding the mouse button press the ALT key (Windows) or Option key (MacOS).
You can now drag the selected handle so that the bezier can get the correct shape. If you release the mouse button, the bezier is adjusted.


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