How Do I Curve One Edge in Illustrator?

To curve one edge in Illustrator, you typically round the corner associated with that edge segment using the Direct Selection Tool.

Rounding a Single Corner

The most common method to add a curve to a single edge in Illustrator involves rounding a specific corner. This is easily done using the Direct Selection Tool.

Here's how to achieve this:

1. Select Your Shape: Start with a shape that has corners you want to modify (like a rectangle, polygon, etc.).
2. Choose the Direct Selection Tool: From the left-side Tool Bar, select the Direct Selection Tool (the white arrow icon, shortcut A). This tool allows you to select and manipulate individual anchor points and path segments.
3. Select the Corner Anchor Point: Using the Direct Selection Tool, click directly on the outside anchor point at the corner you wish to round. This selects only that specific corner point. You'll often see small circles appear near the corner(s) you can round.
4. Alternatively, Select the Curvature Handle: You can also click to select the round curvature handle (a small circle) that appears just inside the shape's corner after selecting the anchor point with the Direct Selection Tool.
5. Drag to Curve: Click-and-drag either the selected anchor point (when the rounding widget appears) or the curvature handle itself inward towards the center of the shape. As you drag, the corner will begin to round, effectively curving the two edges that meet at that corner.

Keep dragging until you achieve the desired degree of curvature for the corner.

Key Tool: Direct Selection Tool (A)

The Direct Selection Tool (A) is crucial for this task because it allows you to isolate and modify specific anchor points and path segments, unlike the main Selection Tool (V) which moves the entire object.

Step	Tool Used	Action	Result
1. Prepare Shape	(Any creation tool)	Draw or select a shape with corners.	Shape is on the artboard.
2. Select Tool	Direct Selection Tool (A)	Select the white arrow tool from the toolbar.	Tool is active.
3. Select Corner	Direct Selection Tool (A)	Click the corner anchor point or curvature handle.	Corner/Handle is selected.
4. Curve	Direct Selection Tool (A)	Click and drag the corner/handle inward.	Corner becomes rounded.

By following these steps, you can easily curve one specific corner on your shape in Adobe Illustrator, creating a rounded edge segment.