Reshape techniques
When you drag the Reshape tool, the direction that you drag affects
the way the tool modifies the path.
If you drag in one direction and finish on the path, the tool will
reshape the path to match the line that you draw.
If you finish dragging away from the path, the Reshape tool can cre-
ate a new segment that opens a closed path. If you drag the tool on an
open path, you can draw a new segment that closes the path. You can
also drag the tool so it reshapes part of a path and removes the rest.
In general, if you drag in one direction along a path, the tool will
change the shape of a segment without removing the rest of the path
or opening the path. For example, if you follow the curve of a circle
as you drag from the top toward the bottom, you can make the circle
narrower. If you drag from one part of the circle and change direc-
tion, you can create a segment that changes the circle to an open path.
Experimenting with the Reshape tool is the best way to learn the var-
ious techniques you can use to modify paths.
Editing paths with the Push tool
The Push tool provides an alternative way of editing paths. The tool
lets you form curves without having to edit anchor points and tangent
lines. The Push tool is useful for people who are not experts at editing
paths and who want to simply drag on path segments to bend them
into shape.
The Push tool bends a path where you push (drag) on it. Imagine
that a rope is laid out straight on a table. If you push your finger
against the middle of the rope, you form a curve at that point. Using
the Push tool has a similar effect on a straight segment of a path.
You can adjust the range of the Push tool effect. A smaller range
results in sharper bends, and a larger range results in smoother bends.
Dragging in one direction
reshapes the circle
Changing direction adds a
segment and opens the path
Dragging a path with the
Push tool bends the path.
The Range setting con-
trols the width of the
effect.