Jan. 18, 2008, 6:40 p.m.
posted by r11
Drawing Freeform Paths
Different tools can be used to draw paths. For example, you can use the Pencil tool to draw freeform paths. These kinds of paths typically look like lines, and the Pencil and Pen tools can be used to create simple or complex paths.
Using the Pencil Tool
The Pencil tool is perhaps the easiest tool to use when drawing freeform paths (see Figure). Follow these easy steps to get started:
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Create a new Document by choosing File®New and clicking OK in the New Document dialog box that appears.
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Select the Pencil tool in the toolbox.
The Pencil tool is highlighted in the toolbox.
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Drag the cursor around the page.
You have created a new path by using the Pencil tool.
Using the Pen tool
Using the Pen tool is different from using the Pencil tool. When you start out, the Pen tool might seem a bit complicated — but after you get the hang of it, using the Pen tool isn’t too hard after all. The Pen tool uses points to create a particular path. These points can be edited in order to change the segments between them. This can take a bit of practice. To create points and segments on a page, follow these steps:
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Create a new Document by choosing File®New and clicking OK in the New Document dialog box that appears.
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Select the Pen tool in the toolbox.
The Pen tool is then highlighted in the toolbox.
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Click anywhere on the page, and then click a second location. Ctrl-click (Windows) or z-click (Mac) on an empty part of the Page to deselect the current path.
You have created a new path with two points and one segment joining them with the Pen tool. After you deselect the path, it means you can create a new path or add new points to the path you just created.
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Add a new point to the segment by hovering over the line and clicking.
A small + icon appears next to the Pen tool’s cursor, as shown on the left in Figure. You can also do the same thing by selecting the Add Point tool (located in the menu that flies out when you click and hold the Pen icon in the toolbox).
Figure: Adding a point to a path (left) and creating a curved path (right). -
Repeat Step 4, but this time click a new location on a line segment and drag away from the line.
This creates a curved path, as shown on the right in Figure.
The segments change and curve depending on where the points are located along the path. The point you created is called a curve point.
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