Vector path editing gives you precise control over shape geometry by manipulating individual nodes and bezier curves. Create custom shapes or modify existing ones by moving points, adjusting curves, and adding or removing nodes.

Understanding Vector Paths

Every shape in Diagrammix3 is composed of a path made up of:

  • Nodes (anchor points) - Define where the path changes direction
  • Segments - Lines or curves connecting nodes
  • Handles (control points) - Control the curvature of bezier segments

Vector Path Anatomy

Entering Path Editing Mode

To edit a shape's path:

  1. Select the shape you want to edit
  2. Choose one of these methods:
    • Double-click the shape's outline
    • Select Edit → Edit Path from the menu
    • Click the Edit Path button in the Inspector

The shape's nodes become visible and the interface enters path editing mode.

Working with Nodes

Selecting Nodes

  • Click a node to select it
  • Shift+Click to select multiple nodes
  • Cmd+A to select all nodes in the path
  • Click empty area to deselect all nodes

Moving Nodes

  1. Select one or more nodes
  2. Click and drag to move them
  3. Hold Shift while dragging to constrain movement to horizontal/vertical
  4. Use arrow keys for precise 1-pixel nudging

Adding Nodes

To add a new node to the path:

  1. Click on any segment (the line between two nodes)
  2. A new node appears at that location
  3. The path automatically adjusts to include the new node

Tip: Add nodes where you want to create new curves or corners in your shape.

Removing Nodes

To delete a node:

  1. Select the node(s) you want to remove
  2. Press Delete or Backspace
  3. The path reconnects the adjacent nodes

Note: You cannot delete a node if it would leave the path with fewer than 3 nodes.

Node Operations

Node Types

Each node has a type that controls how the path curves through it:

Corner Node

  • Creates a sharp corner (no curve)
  • Handles are independent or hidden
  • Best for: angular shapes, polygons, sharp turns

Smooth Node

  • Creates a smooth curve through the point
  • Both handles move together, maintaining alignment
  • Handle lengths can differ
  • Best for: flowing curves, organic shapes

Cusp Node

  • Allows independent curve control on each side
  • Handles can point in any direction
  • Best for: S-curves, wave shapes, complex curves

To change a node's type:

  1. Select the node
  2. Right-click to open the context menu
  3. Choose Corner, Smooth, or Cusp

Alternatively, use the Inspector's Path section to set the node type.

Bezier Handles

Handles control the curvature of path segments.

Displaying Handles

When you select a node, its bezier handles become visible as small circles connected to the node by thin lines.

Adjusting Handles

  1. Click and drag a handle to change the curve
  2. Moving the handle farther from the node creates a wider, more gradual curve
  3. Moving the handle closer to the node creates a tighter, sharper curve
  4. Rotating the handle changes the direction of the curve

Handle Behavior by Node Type

  • Corner nodes: Handles are independent or hidden
  • Smooth nodes: Handles stay aligned (180° apart), lengths independent
  • Cusp nodes: Handles are completely independent

Bezier Handle Control

Creating Custom Shapes from Scratch

Using the Vector Freehand Tool

  1. Select the Vector Freehand Tool from the toolbar
  2. Click to place the first node
  3. Continue clicking to add more nodes
  4. Double-click or press Enter to complete the shape

The shape automatically closes by connecting the last node to the first.

Using the Vector Path Tool

For more control:

  1. Select the Vector Path Tool
  2. Click to place each node
  3. Drag while placing a node to create curve handles
  4. Complete the path by connecting back to the first node

Advanced Path Operations

Combining Paths

Merge multiple shapes into one:

  1. Select two or more shapes
  2. Choose Edit → Combine Paths
  3. The shapes merge into a single path

Breaking Paths

Split a closed path into segments:

  1. Enter path editing mode
  2. Select the node where you want to break the path
  3. Choose Edit → Break Path

Reversing Path Direction

Change the order of nodes in the path:

  1. Select the shape
  2. Choose Edit → Reverse Path Direction

This is useful when working with connectors that follow path direction.

Path Optimization

Diagrammix3 can automatically clean up paths:

  1. Select a shape with many nodes
  2. Choose Edit → Optimize Path
  3. The app removes redundant nodes while preserving the shape

This is useful after:

  • Importing SVG files with excessive nodes
  • Tracing hand-drawn paths
  • Converting text to outlines

Practical Examples

Creating a Custom Arrow

  1. Start with a rectangle
  2. Enter path editing mode
  3. Add nodes at the right edge
  4. Move nodes to create arrow point
  5. Adjust curves for smooth transitions

Modifying a Speech Bubble

  1. Start with an ellipse
  2. Enter path editing mode
  3. Add a node at the bottom
  4. Drag it outward to create the pointer
  5. Adjust bezier handles for smooth curves

Creating a Star

  1. Use the Polygon tool to create a regular polygon
  2. Enter path editing mode
  3. Add nodes between each existing node
  4. Drag alternating nodes outward to create points

Custom Shape Examples

Tips

  1. Start simple - Begin with basic shapes, then modify them through path editing
  2. Use fewer nodes - Simpler paths are easier to edit and render faster
  3. Smooth curves need smooth nodes - Use smooth or cusp nodes for curved segments
  4. Zoom in for precision - Get closer when adjusting small details
  5. Practice with duplicates - Copy a shape before path editing in case you want to revert
  6. Use grid snapping - Enable snap-to-grid for geometric precision

Keyboard Shortcuts

  • Enter or Double-click - Enter/exit path editing mode
  • Delete - Remove selected node(s)
  • Cmd+A - Select all nodes
  • Arrow keys - Nudge selected nodes by 1 pixel
  • Shift+Arrow keys - Nudge by 10 pixels
  • Esc - Exit path editing mode

Limitations

  • You cannot path-edit connector objects (only shapes)
  • Grouped shapes must be ungrouped before path editing
  • Some operations (like rotation) may affect bezier handle positions