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Introduction: Path tools

The beauty of using Vector graphics is that you can change tiny bits of your path with remarkably simple-to-use tools. You can cut paths, combine paths, change curvature on paths, even move or delete points on paths. (Once more, keep in mind that Freehand's path tools, shown here, may differ slightly from other path tools.)

Pointer Tool
The pointer tool can be used to do several things:
  • Select a path object -- click on the path or a point to select the path object
  • Select a point on a path -- click on the point to select it (it will become hollow)
  • Move a path object -- click and drag on the path (NOT on a point)
  • Move a point (and stretch the path accordingly) -- click and drag on a point
  • Change the curve of a path at a specific point -- select a point, then click and drag one of its handles.

Subselect Tool
The subselect tool does more intricate operations on points than the pointer tool:
  • Select a path and show closest handles -- click on the path to select it and see the two closest sets of handles.
  • Select a point on a path -- click on the point to select it (it will become hollow)
  • Adjust curve of path -- click and drag a path to change the handles for the points nearest the part you're adjusting.
  • Move a point (and stretch the path accordingly) -- click and drag on a point
  • Change the curve of a path at a specific point -- select a point, then click and drag one of its handles.

Pen Tool
The pen tool can add and subtract points pretty easily (Note: a path must be selected to use the pen tool):
  • Add a point on a path -- click on the path to make a point (a small "+" will appear by the mouse).
  • Add a point to the end of the path -- select the end-point of a path, then click elsewhere to make a new point.
  • Remove a point from a path -- click to select a point and then press the "DELETE" key.
  • Change the curve at a specific point -- click on a point and drag to adjust its handles (a small "V" will appear by the mouse).

Belzigon Tool
You can use the Belzigon tool for basic point manipulation (Note: a path must be selected to use the belzigon tool):
  • Add a point on a path -- click on the path to make a point (a small "+" will appear by the mouse).
  • Add a point to the end of the path -- click elsewhere and a line will connect from the endpoint of the path to the new point.
  • Move a point (and stretch the path accordingly) -- click and drag on a point.

Knife Tool
The knife tool "cuts" a path into distinct parts. To cut a path, use the knife tool to draw a line along which the path will be cut. (Each place the line crosses the path, it makes a bigger-than-average point). Switch to the pointer tool and click elsewhere to deselect all the paths. Now click somewhere on one half of the path (notice that only the half on the side of the cut you just made is selected now).

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