- Modifying Simple Graphics Part 1
- Selecting Lines with the Arrow Tool
- Selecting Fills with the Arrow Tool
- Using a Selection Rectangle
- Using the Lasso Tool
- Selecting Partial Elements
- Deselecting Elements
- Repositioning Elements Manually
- Repositioning Elements Numerically
- Basic Editing Tasks: Cut, Copy, Paste
- Editing Existing Elements with Assistance
- Moving End Points with the Arrow Tool
- Moving Points with the Subselection Tool
- Reshaping Lines
- Reshaping Curves with the Arrow Tool
- Reshaping Curves with the Subselection Tool
- Converting, Removing, and Adding Points
- Reshaping Fills
- Changing the Size of Graphic Elements
- Reorienting Graphic Elements
This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
Reshaping Curves with the Arrow Tool
You can reshape a curve, or change a straight-line segment into a curve, by using the arrow tool to push and pull on the curve. You can also reshape curves by using the pen and subselection tools in combination (see "Reshaping Curves with the Subselection Tool" later in this chapter).
In the following exercises for the arrow tool, make sure that the line or curve you want to reshape is deselected when you start each exercise.
To reposition the end of a curve with the arrow tool:
Position the arrow tool's pointer over the end point of the curve.
The corner-point modifier appears.
Click and drag the end point to a new location.
As you drag, the end of the line changes to a small circle, showing that the line is active for modifications. The last segment of the curve changes direction depending on where you locate the end point. Flash previews the new curve segment as you drag (Figure 3.42).
Figure 3.42 Using the arrow tool, click the curve's end point and
drag it to a new position. Flash reshapes the end of the curve.
)
Figure 3.42To reshape a curve with the arrow tool:
Position the arrow tool's pointer over the middle of a curve segment.
The curve-point modifier appears.
Click and drag the curve to reshape it (Figure 3.43).
Figure 3.43 Click the middle of a curve (A). Flash activates the curve
segment (B). Drag the curve to a new position (C, D). When you release the mouse
button, Flash redraws the curve (E).Flash previews the curve you're drawing.
Release the mouse button.
Flash redraws the curve.
)
Figure 3.43To turn a straight-line segment into a curve segment with the arrow tool:
Position the arrow tool's pointer over the middle of a line segment.
The curve-point modifier appears.
Click and drag the line to reshape it (Figure 3.44).
Figure 3.44 Although this line doesn't look curved (top), Flash
considers all its middle points to be curve points. Drag one of those points to
create a line that looks like a curve (bottom).Flash previews the curve that you're drawing.
Release the mouse button.
Flash redraws the line, giving it the curve you defined.
)
Figure 3.44To create new corner points with the arrow tool:
Position the arrow tool's pointer over the middle of a line or curve segment.
The curve-point modifier appears.
Option-click (Mac) or Ctrl-click (Windows).
After a brief pause, the arrow tool's modifier disappears, and a circle appears where the pointer intersects the line. The circle indicates that you are activating a corner point.
Drag to modify the line or curve segment and add a new corner point (Figure 3.45).
Figure 3.45 Option-click (Mac) or Ctrl-click (Windows) to create a new
corner point for editing your line. Dragging a corner point from a straight-line
segment creates a sharp V (top). Dragging a corner point from a curve creates a
V with curving sides that comes to a sharp point (bottom).
)
Figure 3.45