Quick links to procedures on this page:
Shaping paths
You can change the shape of a path by selecting and moving its nodes, segments, or control points.
Selecting nodes
You must select a node before you can move it to another location, delete it, or drag its associated control points. Selecting several nodes lets you perform the same operation simultaneously on one or more path segments.
Moving path segments
You can move path segments by dragging nodes. When you drag a single node, the segments attached to it move with the node and remain connected. When you drag two or more adjacent nodes, the path segments between the nodes retain their form and move with the nodes.
Rotating and skewing path segments
Rotating paths lets you turn them around a pivot point, called the center of rotation, whereas skewing paths lets you slant them to one side while the opposite side remains stationary.
Sizing path segments
You can change the length or width of the path segments that you select, and you can scale selected path segments. When you scale path segments, they can either keep their proportion or become distorted as you size the path.
Reshaping a curve segment by using control points
When you select a single node on a curve segment, two control points extend from it in opposite directions. You can change the shape of a curve by repositioning the control points. You may need to change the node type to achieve the shape you want. For more information about node types, see “Changing node types.”
To select a path node |  |
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Click a node.
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You can also
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Select multiple nodes
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Hold down Shift, and click the nodes you want to select.
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Select all nodes
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Hold down Ctrl + Shift, and click a node.
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You can also select multiple nodes by clicking the Shape button and marquee selecting a group of nodes.
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To move a path segment | |
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You can move path segments in precise increments by pressing an Arrow key to move the selected nodes the nudge distance, or by holding down Shift and pressing an Arrow key to move the selected nodes the super nudge distance.
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To rotate a path segment | |
Edit Path
To skew a path segment | |
To size a path segment | |
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On the highlighting box, drag any of the following handles:
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To shape a curve using the control points | |
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Select a curve node.
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Drag the control points.
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