| » Forum Index » Problems and solutions » Topic: pen tool question |
|
Posted on 10/02/13 7:41:13 PM |
|
ConnieR.
* Posts: 53 Reply  |
pen tool question
I am not that good at using the pen tool, I guess I need a lot more practice! Anyway, I always have a problem with curves. I can get the curve to fit fine, but then when I try to go down a straight side, it makes a curve, from the last handle, rather than just a straight line from the last point. I must be missing something (maybe my brain?) |
Posted on 11/02/13 00:37:41 AM |
|
Artwel
Satire Supremo Posts: 607 Reply  |
Re: pen tool question
Hi Connie. Practice is all it is. Use the pen as often as you can and you'l be fine. If a shape is causing you problems then just do it in small sections first, You can always put them together later. Anyway when trying to draw a straight line with the pen tool you can just hold the SHIFT key. _________________ "Predictions are difficult. Especially about the future" |
Posted on 11/02/13 03:17:57 AM |
|
ConnieR.
* Posts: 53 Reply |
Re: pen tool question
I don't have any problem with straight line normally, only when I'm coming off a curve. Isn't the shift key for making either a perfectly vertical or perfectly horizontal straight line? My lines aren't necessarily on a perfect axis, just straight as opposed to crooked. I'm attaching a screencap to show what I mean. After I click point A, and drag to set the curve, then I click point B. But instead of a straight line from A to B, there's a curved line.  |
Posted on 11/02/13 07:00:29 AM |
|
Mariner
Renaissance Mariner Posts: 3007 Reply  |
Re: pen tool question
Connie, do not drag at point A, just click. That drag is the cause of your problem. Also, it helps a lot if you have the Rubber Band switched on. First choose the Pen tool, then you can find it under the little "down" arrow just to the left of the Auto Add/Delete square. |
Posted on 17/02/13 10:14:25 PM |
|
ConnieR.
* Posts: 53 Reply |
Re: pen tool question
How do I set the curve if I don't drag? (The curve from the unmarked point at the bottom). I click the bottom point, then I click and drag point A, until I get the right shape for the curve. Otherwise there will just be a diagonal line from the unmarked point on the bottom to point A. I'm sorry if I don't quite get it. I like the preciseness of the pen tool as opposed to other selection tools, but sometimes it drives me nuts! |
Posted on 17/02/13 11:51:19 PM |
|
Jota120
Ingenious Inventor Posts: 2615 Reply  |
Re: pen tool question
I have a very quick way to use Pen Tool. Its an art for us all. Try and see the next Brazier point. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B%C3%A9zier_curve. Once you put the point down, you must start "screaming" to the next point. You need to think several steps ahead. If you leave the point alone before drag the next one it will acute/acute point which I really like. Its an art |
Posted on 18/02/13 07:19:17 AM |
|
Steve Caplin
Administrator Posts: 6997 Reply  |
Re: pen tool question
There are three ways to do this. You can click and drag on the bottom point, then just click on point A: the curve can be defined by the bottom point instead. Alternatively, you can click and drag on A, then alt-click on A again to make a corner point. Or you can hold Ctrl / Command and drag the handle above A back towards it, which will limit the extent of the curve on that side.
You're not alone. The Pen tool is by far the hardest tool to learn. But I urge you to stick with it - you'll find it suddenly makes sense. |
Posted on 19/02/13 06:15:37 AM |
|
Sjef
Flying Dutchman Posts: 571 Reply  |
Re: pen tool question
You didn't name the click in front of A. Let's call it X. From X to A (in this case): Click X, don't drag. Click A and drag vertically, holding the Shift-key. If the radius is not right, just Ctrl»click A and drag A up or down holding the Ctrl-key. AFTER you hold the Ctrl-key you can hold also the Shift-key to keep straight. Than click B (don't drag). In this case B should be at a higher point of course. With Alt»Shift you can drag the anchor points before you click B. It's just what Steve says: stick with it! (and don't forget to zoom in).  |
Posted on 10/03/13 8:17:19 PM |
|
ConnieR.
* Posts: 53 Reply |
Re: pen tool question
Thank you everybody. I'm sorry I took so long to get back to you. I'm getting better at the pen tool, I guess I just need to practice a lot more. |
Posted on 10/03/13 9:28:58 PM |
|
Steve Caplin
Administrator Posts: 6997 Reply |
Re: pen tool question
The Pen tool is a pain to learn, but it really is worth the effort. You'll suddenly get the point, believe me. |
Posted on 16/03/13 08:45:17 AM |
|
Nick Curtain
Model Master Posts: 1768 Reply  |
Re: pen tool question
Agree with Steve. The time taken to learn this tool is an investment for the future. I've found that using the pen in conjunction with CTRL and ALT makes the work so simple. In the photo above, I would drag at point A to achieve the curve I want. If it didn't fit easily, I would hold down CTRL and move the anchor point / the trailing Bezier handle to fit the object. I'd then hold ALT and click on point A to make it a corner point. The next point on from that will form a straight line and not affect the preceding curve ending at A. |