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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 (Blend) and Pen tool modifier keys (Blend).

To change the shape of a curve

  1. In the Tools panel, click Direct Selection 6dd6571f-c116-451d-8dd2-1f88b8406362.

  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 14507e5f-b77f-4d40-ab45-d53e03f795bd), and then drag the node or drag the control handles to alter the tangent of the curve (your pointer will change to 716ef857-03a9-4225-b301-e23ab4a27efa).

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

    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

Redefine control handles for a point on a path