- 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
Modifying Shapes with the Arrow Tool
In Flash, unlike other vector drawing programs, you can edit shapes and lines in a unique, freeform way by simply dragging with the Arrow Selection tool. You can quickly adjust the curve or corner of a shape or line without having to select anchor points or use any other tools. This way of editing shapes is also useful for creating shape tweens where amorphous, organic movement is desired. This is what sets Flash apart from other animation tools and gives it its distinctive style. Additionally, you can convert curved line segments into corner points with this simple drag technique.
Use the Arrow Tool to Modify a Shape
Create a simple oval shape using the Oval tool.
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Figure
3.65Click the Arrow tool in the Toolbar.
The pointer becomes an arrow.
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Figure
3.66Make sure the shape you want to modify is not selected.
Position the pointer on the edge of the shape, and then drag to modify the shape.
You can pull the curve to any position.
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Figure
3.67Convert Line Segments with the Arrow Tool
Create a simple oval shape using the Oval tool.
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Figure
3.68Click the Arrow tool in the Toolbar.
The pointer becomes an arrow.
){kind=small}
Figure
3.69Make sure the shape you want to modify is not selected.
Position the pointer on the edge of the shape.
Press Option+drag (Mac) or Alt+drag (Win) to create a corner point.
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Figure
3.70