Adding, removing and converting anchor points in Vectornation
Vectornation by Zaweba has a Point inserter, Point remover and Corner converter, plus Alt+Shift+C to cycle a point through corner, smooth and cusp.
Every curve in a vector drawing is defined by its anchor points, and getting the right number of them, of the right kind, is most of the craft. Vectornation by Zaweba gives you three dedicated tools for it, the Point inserter, the Point remover and the Corner converter, along with a key that cycles a point between types.
These are small tools, used dozens of times in a session. Knowing them well makes path editing quick rather than fiddly.
Adding and removing points
The Point inserter adds an anchor point where you click on a path. You add a point when a curve needs an extra bend, when you want a corner somewhere new, or when you need a point in a particular place to align with something else. Double-clicking a path also adds a point, which is handy when you are already working with another tool.
The Point remover takes a point away. Removing points is often the better fix for a lumpy curve. A path traced or drawn freehand may have far more points than it needs, and each extra point is a chance for a wobble. Take some away and the curve between the remaining points is usually cleaner.
The Corner converter
The Corner converter changes the nature of a point rather than adding or removing one. Click a point to toggle it between corner and smooth. A smooth point has a curve flowing through it; a corner point makes a sharp turn.
It does more than toggle. You can drag new handles out of a point, which turns a sharp corner into a curve with handles you set yourself. You can move one handle on its own, leaving its partner where it is, to shape one side of a curve without upsetting the other. And you can bend a curve by dragging it, which is often the most natural way to adjust a segment when you are not sure which handle to reach for.
Corner, Smooth and Cusp on one key
Alt+Shift+C cycles the selected point through Corner, Smooth and Cusp. A corner is a sharp point. A smooth point keeps the curve flowing. A cusp has handles that can point in different directions, giving a sharp turn with curves on both sides, such as the dip at the top of a heart.
Having all three on one key is a real time saver when you are refining a shape. Select a point, press the key until it looks right, move on.
Choosing the right point for the job
Use smooth points wherever a shape flows: circles, lettering bowls, organic outlines. Use corners where straight lines meet, such as the angles of a box or a star. Use cusps where two curves meet at a sharp point. If a shape looks slightly mechanical, a corner where there should be a smooth point is often the cause. If it looks soft and vague, a smooth point may be sitting where a crisp cusp belongs.
How they fit with other path tools
These tools are for single points. For bigger jobs, Vectornation has commands that work on the whole path: refit and smooth to reduce points, simplify and clean up in the Object, Path menu, and a Delete that heals the path rather than breaking it. A good rhythm is to use the broad commands first to get a tidy path, then the point tools to perfect the details, then the Point picker for final placement.
Common mistakes
Adding points to fix a bad curve usually makes it worse. Try adjusting handles or removing a point first. Converting a point by accident is easy, so if a smooth curve suddenly develops a sharp turn, undo rather than trying to drag it back. And zoom in when working on points that sit close together; it is far easier to hit the right one.
With the inserter, remover, converter and that cycling key, Vectornation by Zaweba gives you precise control over the skeleton of every shape.
