Drawing lines with the Shape Editor Tool

The Shape Editor is the main tool for creating and editing lines
and shapes
.

To create a line with the Shape Editor Tool

1. Ensure no lines or shapes are selected (see Selecting objects).

2. Choose the Shape Editor Tool.

3. Move the mouse pointer to where you want to start the line. Click to create a point handle
.

4. Move the pointer to the next position around the line. Click again. This draws a line segment between the two points.

5. Repeat step 4 as necessary to draw the complete line.

As you are drawing the shape:

To create a straight line segment, first click the Straight lines button on the Shape Editor Tool Infobar
(or press S).

To create a curved line segment, first click the Curved lines button on the Infobar (or press C).

Tips

If you do not deselect lines and shapes in step 1, you might accidentally extend an existing line. See Extending lines.

You can adjust the line by dragging the point handles either as you draw or after you finish.

Holding down CTRL as you drag, constrains movement of the handle to certain angles. For information on changing the constrain angle, see Changing the constrain angle.

You can create a shape by ending the line over the start point. A ‘+’ by the mouse pointer shows when you are over the start point.

If you want to change the thickness of the line, see Changing line thickness.

Movie—click below (not working in this version)

Drawing lines with the Shape Editor Tool

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Related Topics

Shape Editor Tool

Lines