Adobe Photoshop CC 2014 v.14.xx - Manual (Page 642)

Editing paths
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Path segments, components, and points
Select a path
Reorder paths
Duplicate paths
Adjust path segments
Add or delete anchor points
Convert between smooth points and corner points
Adjust path components
Path segments, components, and points
A path consists of one or more straight or curved segments. Anchor points mark the end points of the path segments. On curved segments, each
selected anchor point displays one or two direction lines, ending in direction points. The positions of direction lines and points determine the size
and shape of a curved segment. Moving these elements reshapes the curves in a path.
A path
A. Curved line segment B. Direction point C. Direction line D. Selected anchor point E. Unselected anchor point
A path can be closed, with no beginning or end (for example, a circle), or open, with distinct end points (for example, a wavy line).
Smooth curves are connected by anchor points called smooth points. Sharply curved paths are connected by corner points.
Smooth point and corner point
When you move a direction line on a smooth point, the curved segments on both sides of the point are adjusted simultaneously. By comparison,
when you move a direction line on a corner point, only the curve on the same side of the point as the direction line is adjusted.
Adjusting a smooth point and a corner point
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