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Landis,R
Landis,R
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Editing the path of a bezier curve

Apr 19, 2012 11:52 AM

Hello:

 

I am trying to trace and fill and area under a nonlinear curve. The curve and graph panel were created in another software program and imported into Illustrator CS5. I used the bezier pen tool to trace the curve. After zooming in I noticed several paths in the sequence do not align exactly with the curve. Is there a way to isolate and edit the nonaligned paths to bring them into alignment with the curve? Or do I need to retrace with the pen tool?

 

Thank you in advance.

645 Views   6 Replies   Latest reply: Landis,R, Apr 20, 2012 5:09 AM
 
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  • Larry G. Schneider
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    1. Larry G. Schneider,
    Apr 19, 2012 12:28 PM   in reply to Landis,R
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    You should be able to do this by using the Direct Select tool (open arrow) to adjust the anchor points/handles to make your traced path fit the curve better. Any reason why you cannot just use a copy of the original curve for your purpose?

     
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  • Jacob Bugge
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    2. Jacob Bugge,
    Apr 19, 2012 12:30 PM   in reply to Landis,R
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    Landis,

     

    ... several paths in the sequence ...

     

    It is better to have one continuous path.

     

    A few hints on drawing, and adjusting while drawing, are presented in this recent thread:

     

    http://forums.adobe.com/thread/991575?tstart=30

     
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  • Landis,R
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    3. Landis,R,
    Apr 19, 2012 4:57 PM   in reply to Jacob Bugge
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    Thank you, Larry and Jacob, for the speedy reply. Re Larry G. it would be helpful to detail the Direct Selection solution exactly, i.e. the process of manipulating anchor points and handles in this instance. OTOH I'm not sure what you mean by 'using a copy of the original curve'. This is in fact an a copy of the original curve from the software program that created it.

     

    Jacob, surely you understand that creating an outline for the number '3'  involves more than one continuous path or have I misunderstood? That's the issue I'm addressing in my question.

     
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  • Larry G. Schneider
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    4. Larry G. Schneider,
    Apr 19, 2012 5:33 PM   in reply to Landis,R
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    Can you show us a screen capture of the original and your attempt to follow the curve with the Pen tool. Curves are approximated by click/hold/dragging with the Pen tool. When you do this you will see a handle being extended from the anchor point. At each point as you follow the curve do the same. It's best to place the original on a layer by itself and lock the layer, then make another layer to work on. Use a different color for the two lines which will make it easier to distinguish. After you have drawn the new path you can adjust by using the Direct Select tool to click on an anchor point to adjust it. When you do the handles associated with that point should become visible. You can drag the handles by mousing down on the round end of the handle. You can move an anchor point by mousing down on the anchor point and dragging the point.

     

    What I mean is if you use the Selection tool and try can you select the line from the original software?

     
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  • tromboniator
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    5. tromboniator,
    Apr 19, 2012 5:56 PM   in reply to Landis,R
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    Outline of the number 3 as one continuous path:

     

    Artwork 2.png

    Corners do not make the path discontinuous.

     

    Peter

     
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  • Landis,R
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    6. Landis,R,
    Apr 20, 2012 5:09 AM   in reply to Larry G. Schneider
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    Larry,

     

    Thanks, that was the answer. It takes some trial and error figuring where to position anchor points on an irregular curve such that the handles will align the bezier path exactly along the curve edge.

     
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