Page 31 - Adobe InDesign 2021

9. Move the cursor over the open endpoint at the right end of the original line.
When you see a small circle in the cursor icon, click to close the shape.
You could have created this shape as a regular rectangle and then modified the top This icon indicates

line with the Pen tool. However, our goal was to teach you how to create a basic that clicking will
line and how to perform some basic tasks with the Pen tool and its variations. close the shape.
It’s important to realize there is almost always more than one way to accomplish

a specific goal in InDesign. As you gain experience, you will develop personal
preferences for the most effective and efficient methods of doing what you need to do.

10. Save the fi le and continue to the next exercise.

Understanding Anchor Points and Handles

An anchor point marks the end of a line segment, and the point handles determine the shape of that segment. Each
segment in a path has two anchor points and can have two associated handles.
You can create corner points by simply clicking with the It’s important to understand that every line segment is
Pen tool instead of clicking and dragging. Corner points do connected to two handles. In this example, Handle A1 and
not have their own handles; the connected segments are Handle B2 determine the shape of Segment AB. Dragging
controlled by the handles of the other associated points. either handle affects the shape of the connected segment.
Handle of other B2
connected point controls A1
the segment shape AB

Corner point
has no handles

B1
In the image shown here, we fi rst clicked to create Point A
and dragged (without releasing the mouse button) to create When you use the Pen tool, clicking and dragging a point
Handle A1. We then A A1 creates a symmetrical (smooth) point; both handles start out
clicked and dragged to at equal length, directly opposite one another. Changing the
create Point B and Handle angle of one handle of a symmetrical point also changes the
B1; Handle B2 was AB B1 opposing handle of that point.
automatically created as a B
refl ection of B1 (Point B is B2 In the example here, repositioning B2
a symmetrical point). Handle B1 also moves Handle B2,
which affects the shape of
This image shows the result of dragging Handle B1 to the left Segment AB. (You can, however, A
instead of to the right when we created the initial curve. change the length of one handle A1
Notice the difference in without affecting the length of AB
the curve here compared A A1 the other handle.)
to the curve above. When AB B2 B
you drag a handle, the B1
connecting segment arcs B
away from the direction in B1
which you drag.

Project 1: Letterhead Design 41