How to Edit Nodes in a Vector Object
Open up your chosen software., Click on your Node Tool icon., Click on one of the icons for creating a shape., Convert object to path., Add nodes., Move things around., Click on the calligraphy tool and draw a little artwork., Once you have created...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Open up your chosen software.
There are a few open source ones and even more commercial ones. , Look at the top of your work area and you will see your node options. , For this article, a rectangle will be used. , Object (rectangle) needs to become a path before the nodes can be edited.
Click on the Convert Object to Path icon. , You can click on the icon for adding nodes, or find the shortcut.
For Inkscape, the shortcut is F2.
One thing that you can test to see if it adds nodes, is double clicking on the path.
Anywhere you want to add more maneuverability to the path, you can add a node. , Add nodes or take them away. , It's ok if you don't actually connect them together.
Once you are done drawing, you can connect them so they move together. , Note the number of nodes and how they vary from a much more simple object. , If you want them to work together, click on Path >> Combine.
In this case, it goes from three objects to one with a lot of nodes. , If your work has too many nodes, you can very easily simplify it.
Click on Path >> Simplify (CTRL L).
This will greatly reduce the number of nodes. , Once you start moving them around, you will see that each node consists of the actual node and two 'handles'.
Those are where the complexity and power is in vector software. -
Step 2: Click on your Node Tool icon.
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Step 3: Click on one of the icons for creating a shape.
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Step 4: Convert object to path.
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Step 5: Add nodes.
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Step 6: Move things around.
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Step 7: Click on the calligraphy tool and draw a little artwork.
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Step 8: Once you have created the drawing
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Step 9: try pressing F2 or clicking on the Node Tool icon.
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Step 10: Combine them.
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Step 11: Simplify your work.
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Step 12: Start manipulating the nodes.
Detailed Guide
There are a few open source ones and even more commercial ones. , Look at the top of your work area and you will see your node options. , For this article, a rectangle will be used. , Object (rectangle) needs to become a path before the nodes can be edited.
Click on the Convert Object to Path icon. , You can click on the icon for adding nodes, or find the shortcut.
For Inkscape, the shortcut is F2.
One thing that you can test to see if it adds nodes, is double clicking on the path.
Anywhere you want to add more maneuverability to the path, you can add a node. , Add nodes or take them away. , It's ok if you don't actually connect them together.
Once you are done drawing, you can connect them so they move together. , Note the number of nodes and how they vary from a much more simple object. , If you want them to work together, click on Path >> Combine.
In this case, it goes from three objects to one with a lot of nodes. , If your work has too many nodes, you can very easily simplify it.
Click on Path >> Simplify (CTRL L).
This will greatly reduce the number of nodes. , Once you start moving them around, you will see that each node consists of the actual node and two 'handles'.
Those are where the complexity and power is in vector software.
About the Author
David Shaw
Experienced content creator specializing in creative arts guides and tutorials.
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