Adobe Illustrator CC 2015 - Manual (Page 304)

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Reshaping objects
Last updated 6/5/2015
A Original artwork B Reshaping a segment with the Anchor Point tool C Modified shape
3 To create a copy of the path segment, press Alt / Option while performing Step 2.
4 To create a semi-circular segment hold the Shift key while reshaping a segment. Holding the Shift modifier
constrains the handles to a perpendicular direction, and ensures that the handles are of equal length.
Direct Selection Tool
Using the Direct Selection tool on a straight segment moves the segment. However, when used on a curved segment,
reshaping is unconstrained, similar to the Convert Anchor point tool or Pen tool.
Constraining Handles in the Perpendicular Direction
Holding the Shift key while reshaping with the Pen, Convert Anchor Point, and Direct Selection tools constrains the
handles in the perpendicular direction. This enables you to reshape curves to semi-circular shapes. This also ensures
that the handles are of equal length.
Reshaping objects with effects
Reshaping objects with effects
Using effects is a convenient way to reshape objects without making permanent changes to their underlying geometry.
Effects are live, which means that you can modify or remove the effect at any time.
You can use the following effects to reshape objects:
Convert To Shape Converts the shape of vector objects to a rectangle, rounded rectangle, or ellipse. Set the dimensions
of the shape using absolute or relative dimensions. For rounded rectangles, specify a corner radius to determine the
curvature of the rounded edge.
Distort & Transform Lets you quickly reshape vector objects.