User Guide

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ADOBE AFTER EFFECTS 5.0
User Guide
Drawing curves with the pen tool
Create a curved mask by dragging the pen tool in the direction you want the curve to go. As
with straight segments, control points mark a change in direction, but instead of creating a
corner, control points on curves create smooth changes in direction. On curved segments, each
selected control point displays one or two direction lines, ending in direction handles. The shape
of a curved segment depends on the direction line at either end of the segment. As a path exits
one control point, that point’s direction line shapes the curve. As the path approaches the next
control point, its shape is less influenced by the previous point and more influenced by the
direction line at the next control point. Moving these elements reshapes the curves in a path.
The direction lines always touch the curve at the control points. The angle and length of a
direction line determine the shape of the curve as it exits that control point.
Continuous curved paths—that is, paths along a continuous wave shape—are connected by
control points called smooth points. Noncontinuous curved paths are connected by corner
points. You can change a control point to either a smooth or corner point as you draw.
When you move a direction line on a smooth point, the curves on both sides of the point
adjust simultaneously. By contrast, 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. Complete the shape
by clicking the first control point or by double-clicking the last point.
To change a control point:
Do one of the following:
• Position the pen tool over the control point you want to change and click the control
point when the pen tool icon becomes the corner point tool icon ( ).
• In the toolbox, select the corner point tool. If the corner point tool is not visible, click and
hold one of the visible pen tool icons ( ) and choose the corner point tool from the menu.
UG.book Page 243 Wednesday, February 21, 2001 12:05 PM