Shape tool - choosing my nodes...

[rpc9943]

Hey there everyone...

I've been using the shape tool more and more at work and wonder... Is there a "preferred" or "best" way to choose nodes when creating shapes? Let's say we've got a french curl stencil that we want to make. Is it best to simply draw where the curves start and stop, or in the "center" of each curve as it bends? I am wondering if there's an art form to this tool, and if so, could you please teach me the technique?

thanks!

EDIT: Perhaps a silhouette of a mickey mouse type ears + body would be a good example...

RonC

[Rik]

Hi Ron.

I use nothing but the Shape Tool. (For shapes and curves etc.)
I think a good starting point for you might be the 'Help' section.
Look for 'Shape editor tool' and that explains more of less what I try and do.
(To be honest, this is the first time I've looked for the Shape Tool in the help section!)

It was just trial and error for me.

Some of the Xperts might have a preferred method but I think "It's personal."

Hey! I bet there's a tutorial, somewhere!

[rpc9943]

Well, I know the basics, but it doesn't explain any techniques to "choosing nodes" in a complex shape. I hope I'm making sense. I've noticed simply that it is best to set everything to "Make line" and "cusp join" so that I have complete control, and then click on where I see the curves "change" shape, then drag the line and then handles to match what I'm tracing... Is this the "best" method?

[Rik]

Hi Ron.

What you describe, just above, is what I do.

I look to see where the curve is going to change direction and place the next point, at that point.
Having got the basic shape, I then select each point and then choose Smooth join 'S', and adjust the control handles. This helps me to ensure there are no kinks where the points are.
I never start with Smooth join 'S' selected. The lines I draw do things I don't want!

[rpc9943]

I guess the only issue that comes in is when there is say an "S" type curve, and getting the nodes where the curve changes shape to not have a "point".... Do you know what I mean?

RonC

[Rik]

Hopefully, you can see where I prefer to place the points.
If the curve is getting on to be a circle, then I use more points.
But, I try and use as less points as possible.

[Rik]

If there's an 'S' type curve involved, I do what's shown in the pic attached.

I would guess that you do the same?!

I don't think there's a right or a wrong way.
It's what works for you best.

[rpc9943]

Okay cool so you "sliced" the circle into 4's. That makes sense, but how did you make sure that each node wasn't a "point"? This is my huge downfall when making circles. If I make it a "smooth" joint, it ruins all of my hard work :P

and how I wish we had node "extrude", "scale" and "rotate" tools...

[Rik]

Hopefully this explains what I do.

[ad1066]

Okay cool so you "sliced" the circle into 4's. That makes sense, but how did you make sure that each node wasn't a "point"? This is my huge downfall when making circles. If I make it a "smooth" joint, it ruins all of my hard work :P

There's only 2 node types: cusp (the "point") and smooth. I have also found that switching nodes from cusp to smooth temporarily throws the line I'm drawing out of whack, but the program has been like that for so long that I've learned to live with it (it has something to do with the relative location of the node to each of its neighbors).

and how I wish we had node "extrude", "scale" and "rotate" tools...

So do I, it would make my life sooo much easier. I believe someone had posted a request for something like this in the Dear Xara forum not too long ago.

-- Ben