Modifying Lines & Shapes

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project: Modifying Lines & Shapes

description: In this tutorial you will learn a number of techniques to modify lines and shapes.

Files: None

step 1: Draw intersecting lines with the Pencil Tool. (Figure A)

•Tip: Hold down the Shift key while drawing to constrain lines to vertical, horizontal, or 45 degrees.

step 2: Select the Arrow Tool and move it near the line as shown. (Figure B) When the little curve appears by the cursor, click and drag. (Figure C) When you release the mouse the line segment shape is modified. (Figure D)

•Note: Edit > Undo (Command-Z) between each step in this tutorial to return to the original intersecting lines.

step 3: Position the Arrow Tool near the intersection as shown. (Figure E) When the little right angle appears by the cursor, click and drag. (Figure F) Release the mouse. (Figure G)

step 4: Click on the line. (Figure H) Click and drag the selected portion of the line. (Figure I) Release the mouse. (Figure J)

step 5: Position the Arrow Tool near the top of the line. (Figure K) When the little right angle appears by the cursor, click and drag. (Figure L) Release the mouse. (Figure M)

step 6: Select the Subselection Tool. (Figure N)

step 7: Click the top of the line and notice the different result. (Figure K) Click and drag (Figure L) and release the mouse. (Figure M)

•Note: Compare results with Step 5. Different selection tools, different results.

step 8: Reselect the Arrow Tool and drag a selection as shown. (Figure R)

step 9: Click and drag as shown. (Figures S, T, V)

step 10: While selected, you may change the properties of the line. (Figure V)

step 11: We haven't even begun to explore these and other techniques for modifying lines and shapes. See the Oval and Rectangle Tools next to better understand shapes and experiment on your own. Then we'll get to the Transform Tool and Envelope Modifier tutorials for other ideas.

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