Drawing > Editing paths > Simplifying paths

 

Simplifying paths

Using many points on a path increases the file size and can slow the process of redrawing the screen and printing. Simplifying a path generally makes editing, display, and printing easier, and is useful for objects created with the Trace tool or the Pencil tool.

To selectively simplify paths in an entire document, you can use the Find & Replace Graphics command to select paths containing more than a specified number of points. For more information on the Find & Replace Graphics command, see Making global changes.

You can also change the flatness setting to improve printing. For more information, see Setting up to print.

To simplify a selected path:

1

Choose Modify > Alter Path > Simplify.

2

Enter a value in the Amount text box or adjust the slider control. The higher the value, the more points FreeHand removes from the path.

3

Click Apply to preview the result. You can change the result and preview it as many times as you want.

4

Click Cancel to cancel the operation or click OK to accept the results.