Modifying Points

So what happens if you create the wrong point with the Pen tool? Are you stuck? Does it mean you have to redraw the entire path? Thankfully, no there are many ways to change the paths made with the Pen tool, as well as paths made with other tools. (See Chapter 4, "Working with Objects," for more information on working with the basic shapes.)

A simple way to change a path is to add a point. This helps you turn one shape into another.

To add points to a path:

1.	Select the path.
2.	Choose the Add Anchor Point tool in the Toolbox . The Add Anchor Point tool in the Toolbox.
3.	Click the path where you want to add the point.

Tip

The Pen tool automatically changes to the Add Anchor Point tool when positioned over a selected path segment .

The Add Anchor Point tool over a path segment.

You can delete points from a path without causing a break in the path.

To delete points from a path:

1.	Select the path.
2.	Choose the Delete Anchor Point tool in the Toolbox . The Delete Anchor Point tool in the Toolbox.
3.	Click to delete the point of the path.

Tip

The Pen tool changes to the Delete Anchor Point tool when positioned over a point on a selected path .

The Delete Anchor Point tool over a point.

You may also want to create an open path by deleting a segment or the point between two segments.

To delete a segment in a path:

1.	Use the Direct Selection tool to select the segment that you want to delete.
2.	Press the Delete key or choose Edit > Clear. This deletes the segment and opens the path . When you select and delete a segment, you keep the points on either side of the segment.

Tip

If you select a point with the Direct Selection tool, the two segments on either side of the point can be deleted .

When you select and delete a point, you delete both segments that were attached to the point.

You can also change the control handles around an anchor point. This changes the shape of the segments controlled by that anchor point.

To modify an anchor point:

1.	Select the path.
2.	Choose the Convert Direction Point tool in the Toolbox . The Convert Direction Point tool in the Toolbox.
3.	Use the tool as follows to change the anchor points:

• Press and drag a corner point to create a smooth curve point with two handles .
  
  

  Drag with the Convert Direction Point tool to change a corner point into a smooth curve point.

  

• Click a smooth curve point to create a corner point with no handles .
  
  

  Click with the Convert Direction Point tool to change a smooth curve point into a corner point.

  

• Drag one of the handles of a smooth curve point to create a corner curve point .
  
  

  Drag a handle with the Convert Direction Point tool to change a smooth curve point into a corner curve point.