As a self-proclaimed "vectorbabe," I love Bézier handles. In case you don't share my enthusiasm, the Freeform tool allows you to reshape paths without modifying points or handles. There are two modes to the Freeform tool: Push/Pull and Reshape Area.
The Push/Pull tool allows you to pull to add new segments to a path or push to distort the shape of the 454i811e segment.
To set the Push/Pull tool operation:
Double-click the Freeform tool in the Tools panel . The Freeform Tool dialog box appears.
Set the Tool Operation to Push/Pull. This displays the Push/Pull options
Set the Size field to control the size of the area pushed by the tool.
Set the Precision field to control the precision amount - the greater the amount, the more sensitive the tool is to minor movements of the mouse.
Choose one of the following from the Pull Setting list:
o Bend By Length pulls anywhere along a path
o Bend Between Points restricts the pull to only between existing anchor points.
Set the Length field to control how much the Pull will alter the path.
If you have a pressure-sensitive tablet, check the Size and/or Length boxes to set how the pressure on the tablet affects the tool.
Click OK to apply the settings.
Understanding the Freeform toolThere are subtle differences in the modes of the Freeform tool. The Push effect of the Push/Pull mode acts like a rolling pin that changes the shape of the object. The Pull effect of the Push/Pull mode acts like a magnet that draws out the shape of the object. The Reshape Area mode changes the shape of the object as if it were taffy that can be stretched into thin wisps. |
To modify objects in the Push/Pull mode:
Select the object you want to modify.
Position the cursor as follows
o Move the cursor directly next to the object. A small s shape appears next to the cursor. This indicates you are in the pull mode.
o Move the cursor inside or outside the object. A small o shape appears next to the cursor. This indicates you are in the push mode.
Drag to modify the object. In the push mode a circle appears that indicates the size of the area being modified . An arrow indicates you are working in the pull mode
If you do not have a pressure-sensitive tablet you can modify the area as you drag as follows:
o Press the 1, [, or left arrow keys as you drag to decrease the size of the Freeform tool effect.
o Press the 2, ], or right arrow keys as you drag to increase the size of the Freeform tool effect.
In the Reshape mode, you distort the path by pulling out new segments to a path. The amount of distortion is set in the Reshape Area settings of the Freeform tool.
To set the Reshape Area tool operation:
Double-click the Freeform tool in the Tools panel . The Freeform Tool dialog box appears
Set the Tool Operation to Reshape Area. This displays the Reshape Area options.
Set the Size field to control the size of the Reshape Area tool.
Set the Strength field to control how long the tool will work during a drag - the greater the amount, the longer the tool distorts the path.
Set the Precision field to control the precision amount - the greater the amount, the more sensitive the tool is to minor movements of the mouse.
Click OK to apply the settings.
To modify objects in the Reshape Area mode:
Select the object you want to modify.
Drag to modify the object
If you do not have a pressure-sensitive tablet you can modify the area as you drag as follows:
o Press the 1, [, or left arrow keys as you drag to decrease the size of the Freeform tool effect.
o Press the 2, ], or right arrow keys as you drag to increase the size of the Freeform tool effect.
|
