How Do I Adjust the Path in Illustrator?

You can adjust paths in Adobe Illustrator using a variety of tools, primarily the Direct Selection tool and the Pen tool.

Using the Direct Selection Tool

The Direct Selection tool (white arrow) is your primary method for precisely adjusting paths. Here's how:

Select the Direct Selection Tool: Click on the Direct Selection tool in the Tools panel (or press A).
Select the Path or Anchor Points:
- To select an entire path segment: Click directly on the path segment.
- To select individual anchor points: Click directly on an anchor point. Selected anchor points appear solid.
- To select multiple anchor points: Shift-click on each additional anchor point you want to select. You can also drag a selection box around the anchor points you want to select.
Adjust Anchor Point Position: Once anchor points are selected, you can:
- Drag them to new locations: Click and drag a selected anchor point to move it.
- Adjust Bezier handles: When you select an anchor point with curves extending from it, you'll see Bezier handles. Click and drag these handles to adjust the curve's shape and direction. You can adjust one handle independently of the other by holding Alt (Windows) or Option (macOS) while dragging.
Remove Anchor Points: Select one or more anchor points and press the Delete key to remove them.

You can add anchor points to existing paths to provide more control over their shape.

Select the Pen Tool: Click on the Pen tool in the Tools panel (or press P).
Add Anchor Points: Click on a path segment where you want to add a new anchor point. A new anchor point will be added to the path.
Adjust New Anchor Points: Use the Direct Selection tool to adjust the position and Bezier handles of the newly added anchor point.

Smooth Tool: If you have a path with jagged edges, you can use the Smooth tool (found nested under the Shaper tool) to smooth out the curves. Simply click and drag along the path.
Pathfinder Panel: The Pathfinder panel (Window > Pathfinder) provides tools for combining, subtracting, intersecting, and dividing paths. This can be useful for creating complex shapes.

By mastering these techniques, you can effectively adjust paths in Illustrator to achieve your desired shapes and designs.