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)