Vector Path Editing
Node editing gives you precise control over the shape of paths and polygons: move individual points, add or remove them, and control curves with bezier handles.
What Can Be Edited
Node editing works on freeform paths — anything drawn with the Line, Arrow, Polygon, Path, or Freehand tools, and the results of Combine Shapes.
Built-in shapes such as rectangles, circles, rounded rectangles, and the smart shapes are not node-editable.
A path is made of:
- Nodes — the points the path passes through
- Segments — the straight or curved lines between nodes
- Handles — control points on a node that shape the curve of the neighbouring segments
Entering Node Editing
- Open paths (lines, open Bezier paths, freehand strokes) — double-click the path
- Any freeform path, including closed polygons — right-click it and choose Edit Nodes
The path's nodes appear. To leave node editing, press Esc or right-click and choose Stop Edit Nodes.
Working with Nodes
| Action | How |
|---|---|
| Select a node | Click it |
| Add to the selection | Shift+click |
| Move nodes or handles | Drag them |
| Insert a node | Double-click a segment |
| Delete selected nodes | Delete or Backspace |
Node Types
Right-click a node to change how the path passes through it:
| Command | Result |
|---|---|
| Convert to Corner Point | A sharp corner; the handles on each side move independently |
| Convert to Smooth Point | A smooth curve; the handles stay aligned but can have different lengths |
| Convert to Symmetric Point | A smooth curve with mirrored handles of equal length |
| Add Curve Handles | Adds handles to a corner node that has none, so you can curve its segments |
| Remove | Deletes the node (not available when only two nodes remain) |
Drawing Paths
Polygon Tool
- Choose Polygon from the Draw menu in the toolbar
- Click to place each point
- Close the shape by clicking near the first point or pressing
Return— or double-click to finish it as an open path
Backspace removes the last point while drawing; Esc cancels.
Path (Bezier) Tool
- Choose Path from the Draw menu
- Click to place corner points, or click and drag to pull out curve handles
- Double-click to finish
Backspace removes the last node while drawing.
Converting Lines to Connectors
A straight two-point line can be turned into a connector: right-click it and choose Convert to Connector.
Tips
- Use fewer nodes — simpler paths are easier to edit and look cleaner
- Zoom in for precise adjustments
- Build complex outlines with Combine — merge simple shapes with boolean operations, then fine-tune the nodes
Related Topics
- Vector Drawing — the drawing tools
- Combine Shapes — boolean operations
- Shapes — basic shape manipulation