The simplest kind of line you can draw with the pen tool is a straight line, made by clicking the pen tool to create anchor points.
To draw straight lines with the pen tool:
1. Select the pen tool.
2. Position the tip of the pen point where you want the straight line to begin, and click to define the first anchor point. The anchor point remains selected (solid) until you define the next point.
3. Click again where you want the first segment of the straight line to end. Shift-click to constrain the tool to multiples of 45 degrees.
4. Continue clicking to create additional straight segments.
The last anchor point added is always a solid square, indicating that it is selected. Previously defined anchor points become hollow squares as you add further anchor points.
Adding straight lines to a path
To keep the last anchor point active and move its position, continue to hold down the mouse button, and then hold down the spacebar and drag the anchor point to the new position.
5 Complete the path by doing one of the following:
• To end an open path, click the pen tool. Or Ctrl-click (Windows) or Command-click (Mac OS) anywhere away from the path.
• To close a path, position the pen pointer over the first anchor point. A small loop appears next to the pen tip when it is positioned correctly. Click or drag to close the path.
• Choose Edit > Deselect All.
• Select a different tool.
2000-2006
Act1Graphics
Last update: 09.18.2005
