Change the shape of a curve

You can change the points and segments of a path object during and after you create it. For a quick reference of modifications that you can make to a path, see Direct Selection tool modifier keys and Pen tool modifier keys.

To change the shape of a curve

  1. In the Tools panel, click Direct Selection Cc294690.6dd6571f-c116-451d-8dd2-1f88b8406362(en-us,Expression.40).png.

  2. Do one of the following:

    • Click a node on either side of the curve that you want to modify (your pointer will change to Cc294690.14507e5f-b77f-4d40-ab45-d53e03f795bd(en-us,Expression.40).png), and then drag the node or drag the control handles to alter the tangent of the curve (your pointer will change to Cc294690.716ef857-03a9-4225-b301-e23ab4a27efa(en-us,Expression.40).png).

    • Click a curve segment on either side of the curve that you want to modify (your pointer will change to Cc294690.26bb0784-c6fd-4927-b15a-54c1d8477e44(en-us,Expression.40).png), and then drag the curve segment or drag the control handles to alter the tangent of the curve (your pointer will change to Cc294690.716ef857-03a9-4225-b301-e23ab4a27efa(en-us,Expression.40).png).

    Tip

    Generally, when you drag one control handle, its opposite will adjust as well to give you a smooth, unified curve. However, this link can be broken by holding ALT down while you drag the control handle to adjust each control handle separately. For more information about adjusting control handles, see Redefine control handles for a point on a path.

See also

Tasks

Draw a free-form path
Draw a curve
Delete part of a path
Add or remove a point on a path
Redefine control handles for a point on a path

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