To straighten vectors in Adobe Illustrator using the Straighten tool mentioned in the reference, you'll interact directly with the path segments you want to modify. This tool, typically found within a plugin suite like Astute Graphics, simplifies the process compared to manual adjustments.
Using the Straighten Tool
The Straighten tool works by intelligently identifying and adjusting path segments to become straight lines. Here's how to use it based on the provided information:
Step-by-Step Process
- Hover: Position the cursor of the Straighten tool over a path segment you wish to straighten. The reference notes that the tool has an adjustable tolerance for how close the cursor needs to be to the path.
- Preview: As you hover, the tool will preview how the segment will look after straightening. This visual feedback allows you to see the potential result before committing.
- Click: Click on the path segment once you are satisfied with the preview. Clicking will then straighten the path segment and finalize the path modification.
This method is designed for quickly converting curved or slightly crooked segments into precise straight lines.
Tool Origin Note
It's important to understand that the "Straighten tool" described is generally part of third-party plugins for Illustrator, such as those offered by Astute Graphics (as indicated by the reference link), and is not a standard built-in tool within Adobe Illustrator itself. Accessing this specific tool requires installing the relevant plugin suite.
Summary Table: Straighten Tool Workflow
| Action | Description | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Hover | Place the Straighten tool cursor near a path segment. | Preview appears. |
| Preview | Observe the proposed straightened segment. | Visual confirmation. |
| Click | Click the hovered segment. | Segment is straightened. |
While the Straighten tool from plugins offers a direct, click-based method, native Illustrator also provides tools like the Anchor Point Tool (Shift + C) and Delete Anchor Point Tool (-) to manually adjust points and handles to create straight segments. However, the method described above is specific to the dedicated Straighten tool highlighted in the reference.
