Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
8.
Choose Select > Deselect, and then choose File > Save.
Introducing curved paths
In this part of the lesson, you'll learn how to draw smooth, curved lines with the Pen tool.
In vector drawing applications such as Illustrator, you draw a curve, called a Bezier curve,
with anchor points and direction handles. By setting anchor points and dragging direction
handles, you can define the shape of the curve. This type of anchor point, with direction
handles, is called a
smooth point
. Although drawing curves this way can take some time to
learn, it gives you the greatest control and flexibility in creating paths.
First, you'll just get the feel for how to create a curved path. The goal for this exercise is
not to create anything specific but to get accustomed to the feel of creating Bezier curves.
1.
Choose View > Smart Guides to deselect them.
2.
Choose 3 from the Artboard Navigation menu in the lower-left corner of the Docu-
ment window. You will draw in the area labeled Practice.
3.
Press Z to switch to the Zoom tool ( ) (or select it in the Tools panel), and click
twice in the bottom half of the artboard to zoom in.
4.
Select the Pen tool ( ) in the Tools panel. In the Control panel, make sure that the
Fill color is None ( ) and the Stroke color is Black. Also, make sure the Stroke
weight is still 1 pt in the Control panel.
5.
With the Pen tool selected, click in a blank area of the artboard to create a starting
anchor point.
6.
Move the pointer away from the original point you created, and click and drag
away from the point to create a curved path.
