- Introduction
- Working With Object Drawing
- Drawing with the Line Tool
- Drawing with the Pencil Tool
- Drawing Shapes with the Rectangle and Oval Tools
- Using the Polystar Tool
- Understanding Selections
- Selecting Strokes with the Selection Tool
- Selecting Strokes and Fills with the Selection Tool
- Making Selections with the Lasso Tool
- Zooming In and Out with the Magnifying Glass
- Moving Around with the Hand Tool
- Displaying Rulers
- Using Grids and Guides
- Modifying Grid and Guide Settings
- Using Snap Align
- Changing Stroke and Fill Colors
- Creating Custom Colors
- Adding Colors Using the Kuler Panel
- Editing Strokes with the Ink Bottle
- Editing Fills with the Paint Bucket
- Editing Strokes and Fills with the Eyedropper
- Creating Gradients
- Using the Fill Lock
- Using Paint Brush Modes
- Using the Spray Brush Tool
- Using the Deco Tool
- Drawing with the Pen Tool
- Drawing Curves with the Pen Tool
- Modifying Shapes with the Selection Tool
- Modifying Shapes with the Sub-Selection Tool
- Using the Free Transform Tool
- Using Transform Options for Shapes
- Transforming Gradient Fills
- Moving and Rotating Objects in 3D Space
- Changing the Perspective Angle in 3D Space
- Adjusting the Vanishing Point in 3D Space
- Cutting and Pasting Graphics Between Layers
- Working with Graphics on Different Layers
- Distributing Graphics to Layers
- Changing Drawing Settings
This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
Drawing with the Pen Tool
The Pen tool is the basis for vector drawing. The Pen tool now behaves similarly to the Illustrator Pen tool to provide consistency across Adobe software. Flash provides a number of ways to draw and edit objects that are unique to Flash, but the Pen tool utilizes procedures that will be familiar to those who have used other vector drawing programs. The Pen tool utilizes anchor points and Bézier handles to create lines and shapes and behaves in a way that is familiar to those who have used other programs such as Adobe Illustrator and Adobe FreeHand. You can use the Pen tool arrow to select a different pen to add, delete, or convert anchor points. You can edit the anchor points and vectors to create the drawings you want.
Use the Pen Tool to Create an Open Path
Click the Pen tool on the Tools panel.
Click on the Stage.
An anchor point is created.
Move your pointer to another position, and then click again.
Flash connects the two anchor points.
Double-click to end the path.
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Did You Know?
You can end an open path using a keyboard shortcut. Press 
+click (Mac) or Ctrl+click (Win).
Use the Pen Tool to Create a Closed Path
Click the Pen tool on the Tools panel.
Click on the Stage.
An anchor point is created.
Move your pointer to another position, and then click again.
Flash connects the two anchor points.
Move the pointer to a third position, and then click again.
Flash connects the second and third anchor points.
Move the pointer back to the first anchor point.
A small circle appears next to the pen pointer indicating you can close the path of the shape.
Click to close the shape.
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Understanding Pen Pointers
|
Pointer |
Description |
|
Initial Anchor Point |
First pointer to create the beginning of a new path. |
|
Sequential Anchor Point |
Creates an anchor point with a line Point connecting the previous anchor point. |
|
Add Anchor Point |
Adds an anchor point to existing path. |
|
Delete Anchor Point |
Deletes an anchor point within a path. |
|
Continue Path |
Extends a new path from an existing anchor point. |
|
Close Path |
Closes the path of a drawing on the starting anchor point. |
|
Join Paths |
Closes the path except not over the starting anchor point. |
|
Retract Bézier Handle |
Displays Bézier handles when you point to an anchor. Click to retract the handles and revert to straight segments. |
|
Convert Anchor Point |
Converts a corner point without direction lines to a corner point with independent direction lines. Use Shift+C modifier keys to toggle the pen. |
