Move your cursor about 1/2 inch to the left and above the first anchor point, and then click and drag down about 1/4 inch. Use the Shift key to constrain the angle of the direction point. Move your cursor about 3/4 inch above and 1/2 inch to the right of the first anchor point and click and drag up about 1/4 inch.

Just complete the following steps:Ĭlick and drag up about 1/4 inch use the Shift key to constrain the angle of the direction point line to a perfectly vertical line. Figure 7-11 shows the procedure in all its glory. And most of the anchor points need to be in similar positions to the anchor points you drew for the circle. You do need four anchor points - two of them smooth points.

None of this “circle” stuff for you! Still, similarities to the circle abound. You’ll find that not only does each circle get easier and better, but you’ll have much more control whenever you create a smooth curve anywhere.Īh, a real challenge. Your creation is a perfectly lumpy circle! If your circle isn’t as round as you want, select the Direct Selection tool (the hollow arrow) and tweak the points and direction points until the circle looks less lumpy.Ĭongratulations - you just drew a circle! Try drawing a second circle by using the same steps. (You can probably guess where I’m going with this last click.)Ĭlick the first anchor point, drag to the right about 1/4 inch, and then (finally) release the Shift key. With your left hand developing a cramp from holding down the Shift key, click about 1/2 inch to the left of the first anchor point and directly opposite the second anchor point, and then drag down about 1/4 inch. Keep pressing the Shift key, click about 1/2 inch above the second anchor point (directly above the first anchor point), and drag left about 1/4 inch. You’ve drawn an eye-pleasing arc - kind of a skateboard-ramp sorta thing. Keep pressing the Shift key, click about 1/2 inch above and to the right of the first anchor point, and drag up about 1/4 inch. Hold down the Shift key and click and drag to the right with the Pen tool extend the direction point line about 1/4 inch. Figure 7-10: Drawing a circle (sort of) by using the Pen tool.

Draw in adobe illustrator