How to create unique shapes in Illustrator CS4

[David_...@adobeforums.com]

First off....
I am new to the Adobe suite of applications and also new to owning a Macbook Pro. I have been using a design program for Windows for many years.

I would like to master the creation and manipulation of shapes using Illustrator CS4.

As one example, how would I create the following:

I want to end up with a shape that is similar to one-quarter of a full moon.

Using my Windows program (not an Adobe product), I would create a line using a line tool, and then I would be able to convert that line to a curve using a shape tool, which would enable me to drag from the midpoint of the line and have it become an arc. Then, while still using the shape tool, I could click once to select one of the endpoint nodes to then click on an "auto-close" option which would add a straight-line edge to close the shape for outline and fill purposes (so one side of the shape is straight at this point and the other side is curved). Using the shape tool, I would double-click near the midpoint of the straight edge to add a new node to the shape, and then I would use the "convert to curve" option from within the shape tool to be able to drag this straight side towards the curved side to end up with the quarter-moon shape as desired.

How would I make this sort of shape using Illustrator, and as a general question for learning, how can I learn all about how to put lines in the design space for purposes of joining these lines, curving any part of one or more lines and then filling or outlining the finished shape made from joined lines?

[James_...@adobeforums.com]

and as a general question for learning, how can I learn all about how
to put lines in the design space for purposes of joining these lines,
curving any part of one or more lines and then filling or outlining the
finished shape made from joined lines?

Well, you can read the documentation. That will be much more thorough and methodical than asking a random series of "how do I..." questions in a user forum. And it will take you a lot less time.

Using my Windows program (not an Adobe product)

You can say the name. If there's actually anyone here who doesn't know other drawing programs exist, well, they need to. Your description sounds like Xara Xtreme.

I want to end up with a shape that is similar to one-quarter of a full

moon..create a line...convert that line to a curve...drag from the midpoint
of the line and have it become an arc...select one of the endpoint nodes...
"auto-close"...double-click near the midpoint of the straight edge to
add a new node..."convert to curve"...drag...

A similar procedure could be used in just about any vector drawing program that draws cubic Bezier curves. A much quicker procedure could also be used in just about any program, by leveraging the geometric shape tools and path combination commands that are just as ubiquitous:

1. Draw a circle.

2. Duplicate the circle.

3. Overlap the circles partially.

4. Use one circle to "punch" the other, leaving the difference (the crescent shape).

Here are two AI-specific differences I note in your description:

Illustrator can't bend a straght segment by dragging its middle if the straight segment has both its associated curve handles retracted. Dragging such a segment in AI just moves the segment (and its associated anchorPoints).

Illustrator displays fills on open paths. There is no option to turn off that often unwanted behavior.

Again, read the manual (the online Help files). It will take you decades to learn the program by asking random questions on the basic use of the tools, location of commands, organization (well, disorganization) scheme of the program, etc., etc.

JET

[David_...@adobeforums.com]

Thanks for the insightful message. As for the other design program, the name is CorelDraw (version 12). To make the crescent-like shape in Illustrator, I ended up overlapping two circles, and I used the "Path.....Divide Below" function.

I would still like to know everything about joining separate lines and curving them independently (if possible).

At this point, I would do best in a learning environment where I could ask questions as needed in order to fully learn the application.

Thanks again...

[Ray_Cr...@adobeforums.com]

As suggested, starting with the documentation is the logical way to learn a new program. After that check out some of the "How to" videos online that cover basic AI tools.

I would still like to know everything about joining separate lines and
curving them independently (if possible).

If possible? :) Start by learning about the Pen tool. That's the most important tool in Illustrator.

[James_...@adobeforums.com]

I would still like to know everything about joining separate lines and
curving them independently

If someone asked you that very same question about Draw in a user forum, what would your answer be?

JET

[John_...@adobeforums.com]

Jeesh...why can't people just answer a guys question?!?!?

For the record, I too made the jump from CorelDraw to Illustrator. I understand that one program gives you a pretty good handle on the other, there are just some interface issues that you have to work through. I COMPLETELY agree that taking some time to do some of the tutorials will do you a world of good, but that doesn't excuse people from the basic kindness of answering your question instead of lecturing you about tutorials.

In Illustrator draw your line with the pen tool. Now use the pen tool to add an extra anchor point in the middle of your line (just click on the line...or you take a lot more time and change your pen to the "add anchor point" tool). Now use your direct selection tool (white arrow) to select the anchor point you just made. Now you will see new menu items up above (directly below the main menu bar). One of the first is labeled "convert" and you will see the little icons for changing a line to a curve or a curve to a line. Over just a little bit you will also see a section for "Anchors" which allows you to cut a path at a certain point and to join two points together. These tools should allow you to draw exactly what you want.

Side note: If you know you want curves from the get go you can still use the pen tool, but instead of a simple click to add an anchor point click and drag to create your bezier (curve) handles. Play with it once or twice and you will totally get the hang of it.

That, by the way, is known as answering someones question.

John

[Ozzw...@adobeforums.com]

You can also draw a 1/2 moon shape using the pen tool. Click to create 4 anchor points in the general shape, then go back and use the Convert Anchor Point Tool on the 2 sides to make the curves. The same principle can be used to create any curved line.