Page 29 - Adobe InDesign 2021

Create Bézier Curves
Every line is composed of anchor points and line segments that connect those points.
Even a simple, straight line has two points, one at each end. More sophisticated shapes
can be created by adding anchor points and manipulating the direction handles of
those points to control the shape of segments that connect the different points. Note:
This concept is the heart of Bézier curves and vector-based drawing and can be
one of the most challenging skills for new designers to master. The Pen tool and its Bézier curves can be dif-
variations are extremely powerful but also very confusing for new users. The best way ficult, at first, to master.
to understand this tool is simply to practice. As you gain experience, you will become The best training is to
more comfortable with manipulating anchor points, handles, and line segments. practice until you can
recognize and predict
In this exercise you will make very simple manipulations to the straight line you how moving a point or
just created. We also encourage you to practice as much as possible using the Pen handle will affect the
tool until you are more proficient; for example, try copying the outlines of various connected segments.
shapes in photographs.

1. With gcm-letterhead.indd open, make sure the line at the bottom of the
page is selected.
Note:
2. Choose the Convert Direction Point tool nested under the Pen tool.
Tools with nested op-
The Convert Direction Point tool changes a corner point to a
smooth point (and vice versa). Smooth points have handles tions default to show the
that control the size and shape of curves connected to that last-used variation in
point. You can then use the Direct Selection tool to adjust the main Tools panel.
handles for a selected anchor point.
3. Click the second point on the line, press Shift, and drag right until the
ruler shows the cursor is at 5.625″.
When you click a point with the Convert Direction Point tool and immediately drag,
you add direction handles to the point. Those direction handles define the shape of
the line segments connected to the point. As you drag farther away from the point,
the affected segment’s curve increases.
Note:
Pressing Shift constrains the new direction handles to 45° angles — in this case,
exactly horizontal. If you look closely, you can see the direction handle on the left side Using the Convert
of the point is exactly on top of the line. Direction Point tool,
click a smooth point to
By default, clicking and dragging creates a smooth, symmetrical point in which convert it to a corner
equal-length handles are added to each side of the point directly opposite each other. point.
As long as a point is symmetrical, changing the angle of one handle also affects the
handle on the other side of the point.

Click the point and drag The connected line bends in the
right to add handles. direction in which you pull the handle.

Project 1: Letterhead Design 39