Adobe InDesign CS5 - Manual (Page 346)

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Last updated 11/16/2011
Chapter 11: Drawing
Understanding paths and shapes
Types of paths and shapes
You can create paths and combine them in a variety of ways in InDesign. InDesign creates the following types of paths
and shapes:
Simple paths Simple paths are the basic building blocks of compound paths and shapes. They consist of one open or
closed path, which may be self-intersecting.
Compound paths Compound paths consist of two or more simple paths that interact with or intercept each other.
They are more basic than compound shapes and are recognized by all PostScript-compliant applications. Paths
combined in a compound path act as one object and share attributes (such as colors or stroke styles).
Compound shapes Compound shapes consist of two or more paths, compound paths, groups, blends, text outlines,
text frames, or other shapes that interact with and intercept one another to create new, editable shapes. Some
compound shapes appear as compound paths, but their component paths can be edited on a path-by-path basis and
do not need to share attributes.
Types of paths and shapes
A. Three simple paths B. Compound path C. Compound shape
For a video tutorial on working with objects, see www.adobe.com/go/vid0071 .
More Help topics
Working with Objects video
About paths
As you draw, you create a line called a path. A path is made up of one or more straight or curved segments. The
beginning and end of each segment are marked by anchor points, which work like pins holding a wire in place. A path
can be closed (for example, a circle), or open, with distinct endpoints (for example, a wavy line).
You change the shape of a path by dragging its anchor points, the direction points at the end of direction lines that
appear at anchor points, or the path segment itself.
A B C