Editing curves in CorelDraw involves manipulating nodes and segments using various tools to achieve the desired shape. Here's a breakdown of how you can edit curves effectively:
1. Selecting the Curve:
- Use the Pick Tool to select the curve you want to edit.
2. Converting to Curves (if necessary):
- If your object isn't already a curve (e.g., a rectangle), you'll need to convert it. Select the object, then go to Object > Convert to Curves (or press Ctrl+Q). This allows you to manipulate the object's shape freely.
3. Using the Shape Tool:
- The Shape Tool (F10) is your primary tool for editing curves. Select it.
4. Understanding Nodes and Segments:
- Nodes: These are the points that define the curve's shape.
- Segments: These are the lines or curves that connect the nodes.
5. Editing Nodes:
- Adding Nodes: Double-click on a segment to add a new node. Alternatively, select a segment and click the "Add Nodes" button on the property bar.
- Deleting Nodes: Select a node and press Delete.
- Moving Nodes: Click and drag a node to change its position.
- Changing Node Types: Right-click on a node to change its type:
- Cusp: The control handles (tangents) can be adjusted independently, creating a sharp corner.
- Smooth: The control handles are linked, maintaining a smooth curve.
- Symmetrical: The control handles are equal in length and opposite in direction, creating a symmetrical curve.
- Line: The node connects to adjacent nodes with straight lines, removing any curve.
- Using Control Handles: When you select a node, you may see control handles extending from it. Drag these handles to adjust the curvature of the segment connected to the node. The length of the handle determines the amount of curvature, and the direction determines the curve's angle.
6. Editing Segments:
- Selecting a Segment: Click on a segment to select it.
- Changing Segment Type: Select a segment and choose a segment type from the Property Bar:
- Line: Converts the segment to a straight line.
- Curve: Converts the segment to a curve.
- Adjusting Segment Shape: You can drag a segment directly to reshape it. Adding nodes to the segment provides more control.
7. Breaking and Joining Curves:
- Break Apart: Select a node on a closed curve, right-click, and choose "Break Apart." This will separate the curve at that point.
- Join: Select the two end nodes of open curves that you want to join, then go to Object > Join Curves or click the "Join Two Nodes" button on the Property Bar.
8. Other Useful Techniques:
- Aligning Nodes: Select multiple nodes and use the alignment options in the Property Bar (e.g., align horizontally, align vertically) to precisely position them.
- Using the Smooth Tool: The Smooth Tool (found under the Shape Tool flyout) can be used to smooth out jagged curves by clicking and dragging along the curve.
- Using the Smear, Twirl, Attract, and Repel Tools: These tools (also found under the Shape Tool flyout) provide more artistic ways to distort and reshape curves.
Example:
Let's say you have a rectangle converted to curves and you want to round the corners.
- Select the rectangle with the Pick Tool.
- Convert it to curves (Ctrl+Q).
- Select the Shape Tool (F10).
- Select one of the corner nodes.
- Change the node type to "Smooth" or "Symmetrical."
- Drag the control handles extending from the node to round the corner.
- Repeat for the other corners.
By mastering these techniques, you can effectively edit curves in CorelDraw to create complex and precise designs.
