Guide · Paths
Move from shapes to deliberate curve geometry.
Work with anchors, handles, and segment types directly. Larger region and finishing commands have their own chapters.
Enter node mode with one path selected.
Node editing operates on a selected path. Choose an anchor to expose its coordinates and the controls that belong to adjacent segments.
Move anchors on the canvas or enter numeric coordinates. Add and remove nodes when the existing topology does not match the intended silhouette.
A future annotated visual will identify anchors, incoming and outgoing handles, and the selected segment.
Choose the handle relationship.
Corner mode allows independent handles. Smooth mode keeps the handles aligned, while symmetric mode also keeps their lengths paired.
Changing a segment type rebuilds the curve between the same endpoints and can change its shape, so the editor asks before applying the conversion.
A future comparison will show the same curve under the three handle relationships.
Convert a segment type on purpose.
A segment is a line, a quadratic Bézier, a cubic Bézier, or an elliptical arc. The geometry panel names the current type and offers the others for the same pair of endpoints.
An arc segment exposes its own numbers: the two radii, the axis rotation, and the large-arc and sweep flags. Those five values select which of the possible arcs connects the endpoints.
- Line, quadratic Bézier, cubic Bézier, and arc segments
- Arc radii, rotation, large-arc, and sweep controls
- A confirmation step before a conversion rebuilds the curve
A future sequence will show the same endpoints carried through each segment type.
Read and write the node numbers.
The geometry panel shows the selected node coordinates, the previous and next node, the active handle, and the endpoints of the selected segment. Typing a value is often faster and more repeatable than aiming with the pointer.
Node work stops at the level of anchors, handles, and single segments. Region commands, cutting tools, finishing operations, and repetition along a path each have their own chapter in this guide.
- Numeric node and handle coordinates
- Step through previous and next nodes
- Arrow keys nudge the selection by one unit, or ten with Shift