- Introduction
- Changing Drawing Settings
- Drawing with the Line Tool
- Drawing with the Pencil Tool
- Drawing Shapes with the Rectangle and Oval Tools
- Using the Polystar Tool
- Selecting Strokes with the Arrow Tool
- Selecting Strokes and Fills with the Arrow 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
- 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
- Drawing with the Pen Tool
- Drawing Curves with the Pen Tool
- Modifying Shapes with the Arrow Tool
- Modifying Shapes with the Sub-Selection Tool
- Using the Free Transform Tool
- Using Transform Options for Shapes
- Cutting and Pasting Graphics Between Layers
- Working with Graphics on Different Layers
- Distributing Graphics to Layers
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. 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 Macromedia FreeHand. You can edit the anchor points and vectors you create by using key modifiers and the Sub-Selection tool. Utilize these tools when you need to create art with more precision.
Use the Pen Tool to Create an Open Path
Click the Pen tool in the Toolbar.
The pointer becomes a pen.
Timesaver
Press P to quickly select the Pen tool.
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Figure
3.52Click on the Stage.
An anchor point is created.
Move your pointer to another position, and then click again.
Flash connects the two anchor points.
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Figure
3.53Double-click to end the path.
Did You Know?
You can end an open path using a keyboard shortcut. Press Command+click (Mac) or Ctrl+click (Win).
See Also
See "Modifying Shapes with the Sub-Selection Tool" on page 112 for information on using tools.
Use the Pen Tool to Create a Closed Path
Click the Pen Tool in the Toolbar.
The pointer becomes a pen.
Timesaver
Press P to quickly select the Pen tool.
){kind=small}
Figure
3.54Click 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.
)
Figure
3.55Click to close the shape.
)
Figure
3.56Did You Know?
You can delete an anchor point with the Pen tool. With the Pen tool selected, click a shape on the Stage to select it. Position the X pointer over the anchor point you want to delete. A small minus (-) sign appears next to the X pointer. Click to delete the point.
You can create horizontal, vertical, and 45 degree lines while you draw. Hold the Shift key while you draw to constrain a line to horizontal, vertical, and 45 degree angles.