Page 168 - Xara Designer Pro X17

168 Drawing Lines and Shapes

Sometimes you will want a sharp corner, and to achieve this, you need to unlink the
curve handles:

1. Double click the point handle,
2. Or select the point handle and either:
Click the CUSP JOIN button, or press "Z".

You can now move each curve handle independently.

Making smooth curves
To convert a sharp join into a smooth curve:

1. Double click the point handle,
2. Or select the point handle and either:
Click the SMOOTH JOIN button, or "S".

The two curve handles become linked and move to opposite sides of the point handle.
This may change the shape of the curve.

Balancing curves

Balancing makes the two curve handles the same distance from the point handle, which
gives smoother, more symmetrical curves. To balance a curve, select the point handle,
then drag one of the curve handles with "Shift" held down. As you drag one curve handle
the other one will move to be exactly opposite it and the same distance from the point
handle.

Changing a straight line to a curve (and vice versa)

1. Select the point handles at both ends of a line segment. For several line segments
select all bordering point handles.
2. Click the Make curve or Make line button on the InfoBar, or press "L" or "C"
(these shortcuts only work in the Shape Tool).