Drawing > Editing paths > Editing a path with the Freeform tool

 

Editing a path with the Freeform tool

The Freeform tool lets you modify a path by pushing, pulling, or reshaping. The Freeform tool automatically adds points, deletes points, or changes point types as you modify the paths.

The Freeform tool has two modes of operation:

Push/Pull lets you adjust a selected path by pushing the pointer across a path segment or by pulling the segment directly. Pulling is similar to dragging a segment using the Subselect tool. Pushing reshapes only that part of the path the pointer touches.

Reshape is similar to pushing, except that the effect weakens as you drag the pointer. This is a powerful tool for creating naturalistic shapes, such as tentacles or tree branches.

Push (left) and Reshape (right)
 

To set Freeform tool Push/Pull options:

1

Double-click the Freeform tool in the Tools panel.

2

In the Freeform Tool dialog box, select Push/Pull.

3

Choose the Push Settings options.

Set the pointer Size by entering a value from 1 to 1000 pixels or by adjusting the slider.

Set the tool Precision by entering a value from 1 to 10 or by adjusting the slider. Lower numbers mean lower precision and fewer points added to the path.

4

Choose the Pull Settings options.

Choose a Bend option from the drop-down list.

By Length lets you specify the length of the segment that will be affected, from 1 to 1000 pixels.

Between Points affects all of a path segment between its end points. A small s by the pull cursor shows when this option is active.

5

Set the Pressure options if you are using a pressure-sensitive drawing tablet.

To activate the tablet's pressure-sensitive size adjustment capability, select Size.

To activate the tablet's pressure-sensitive length adjustment capability, select Length.

6

Click OK.

To push or pull a selected path:

1

Double-click the Freeform tool in the Tools panel.

2

In the Freeform Tool dialog box, select Push/Pull.

3

Click OK.

4

You can adjust the path two ways.

Click on the path and drag to pull the path. A small s beside the pointer indicates that you are in Pull mode.

Pulling a path segment between points (top) and pulling a path of a specified length (bottom)
 

Click beside the path and drag to push the path. A circular pointer indicates that you are in Push mode. The pointer's size depends on the Freeform tool size setting.

Push set at 50 (left) and Curve after being pushed (right)
 

5

While dragging with the Freeform tool in Push/Pull mode, you can use the following keys to modify the operation:

Hold down Shift to constrain the pointer movement.

To switch temporarily between the By Length and Between Points options, hold down Alt (Windows) or Option (Macintosh), and then drag with the pull pointer. Holding down Alt/Option after you start dragging clones the path.

To increase the width of the push pointer, press the Right Arrow or Right Bracket (]) key. To decrease the width, press the Left Arrow or Left Bracket ([) key.

To set Freeform tool Reshape options:

1

Double-click the Freeform tool in the Tools panel.

2

In the Freeform Tool dialog box, select Reshape.

3

Choose the Settings options.

Set the Size of the pointer by entering a value from 1 to 1000 pixels or by adjusting the slider.

Set the Strength of the pointer, or how strongly it will distort a path, by entering a value from 1 to 100 percent or by adjusting the slider.

Set the tool Precision by entering a value from 1 to 10 or by adjusting the slider. Lower numbers mean lower precision and fewer points added to the path.

4

Set the Pressure options if you are using a pressure-sensitive drawing tablet.

Select Size to activate the tablet's pressure-sensitive size adjustment capability.

Select Length to activate the tablet's pressure-sensitive length adjustment capability.

5

Click OK.

To reshape a selected path:

1

Double-click the Freeform tool in the Tools panel.

2

In the Freeform Tool dialog box, select Reshape Area.

3

Click OK.

4

Position the pointer near the path and press the mouse button. The pointer changes to the reshaping pointer.

Note: The inner circle of the reshaping pointer represents the strength setting.

5

Drag the pointer across the path to reshape the path.

6

While dragging with the Freeform tool in Reshape mode, you can use the following keys to modify the operation:

Hold down Shift to constrain the pointer movement.

To increase the width of the reshape pointer, press the Right Arrow or Right Bracket (]) key. To decrease the width, press the Left Arrow or Left Bracket ([) key.

To increase the strength of the reshape pointer, press the Up Arrow key. To decrease the strength, press the Down Arrow key.