- Setting Selection Preferences
- Selecting Lines with the Selection Tool
- Selecting Fills with the Selection Tool
- Using a Selection Rectangle
- Using the Lasso Tool
- Deselecting Elements
- Repositioning Elements Manually
- Repositioning Elements Numerically
- Basic Editing Tasks: Cut, Copy, Paste
- Editing Existing Elements with Assistance
- Moving End Points with the Selection Tool
- Moving Points with the Subselection Tool
- Reshaping Curves with the Selection Tool
- Reshaping Curves with the Subselection Tool
- Converting, Removing, and Adding Points
- Reshaping Fills
- Changing the Size of Graphic Elements
- Reorienting Graphic Elements
- Distorting Graphic Elements
- Changing the Envelope of Selected Elements
- Modifying Strokes
- Using the Eraser Tool in Normal Mode
- Using the Faucet Modifier
- Modifying Fill Colors
- Creating Solid Colors: Color Mixer Panel
- Creating New Gradients
- Creating Color Sets
- Putting Gradients to Work
- Modifying Applied Gradients
- Applying Attributes of One Graphic Element to Another
- Converting Lines to Fills
Moving End Points with the Selection Tool
You can use the selection tool to change the length and direction of straight-line and curve segments. Simply grab and reposition a segment's end point. When you use the selection tool, the segment you want to modify must not be selected. If the segment is selected, the selection tool moves the segment as a unit. Always note what kind of icon the selection pointer is displaying as it hovers over the line you want to modify ( Figure 3.28 ).
Figure 3.28 The small icons appearing with the selection pointer indicate what type of graphic element lies beneath the pointer.
For the following exercises, make sure that the item you want to modify is deselected.
To reposition the end of a line segment with the selection tool:
- Position the pointer over the end point of the line. The corner-point modifier appears.
- Reposition the end point.
The selection tool now operates like the straight-line tool (the line segment changes to preview mode). Dragging away from the existing line lengthens it; dragging toward the existing line shortens it (
Figure 3.29
).
Dragging at an angle to the original line lets you pivot the line to a new position.
Figure 3.29 You can use the selection tool to change a line segment's length.
- Release the mouse button. Flash redraws the line segment.
To reposition the end point of a curve with the selection tool:
- Position the pointer over the end point of a curve. The corner-point modifier appears.
- Click and drag the end point to the desired location.
- Release the mouse button.
Flash redraws the end of the curve (
Figure 3.30
).
Figure 3.30 You can use the selection tool to change a curve's length.