Drawing curved segments

You create curves by using the pen tool to add control points where a curve changes direction, and to drag the direction points that shape the curves.

Curves are easier to edit and your system can display them faster if you draw them using as few control points as possible. Using too many points can also introduce unwanted bumps in a curve. Instead, draw widely spaced control points, and practice shaping curves by adjusting the length and angles of the direction lines.

To draw a curved segment:

1. Select the pen tool .
2. Position the pen tip where you want the curve to begin, and drag to set the slope of the curve segment you're creating. In general, extend the direction line about one-third of the distance to the next control point you plan to draw.

Drawing a curved segment A. Positioning pen tool B. Starting to drag to create direction lines C. Dragging to extend direction lines
3. Release the mouse button.
4. Position the pen tool where you want the curve segment to end, and do one of the following:
• To create a C-shaped curve, drag in the opposite direction of the previous direction line.

Drawing a C-shaped curve A. Starting to drag second smooth point to create direction lines B. Dragging away from previous direction line to create a C curve C. Result after releasing mouse button
• To create an S-shaped curve, drag in the same direction as the previous direction line.

Drawing an S-shaped curve A. Starting to drag new smooth point to create direction lines B. Dragging in same direction as previous direction line to create an S curve C. Result after releasing mouse button
5. Continue dragging the pen tool from different locations to create additional smooth points.
6. Complete the path by doing one of the following:
• To close the path, position the pen tool over the first (hollow) control point. A small loop appears next to the pen tip when it is positioned correctly. Click or drag to close the path.
• To leave the path open, Ctrl-click (Windows) or Command-click (Mac OS) anywhere away from all objects, or choose Edit > Deselect All, or select a different tool in the toolbox.