Adding and modifying anchor points in illustrator

[CES020]

In Illustrator, if I am drawing with the pen tool and I pull out the line, it creates an anchor point, with handles on each end. Then I can click that anchor point and it deletes the one handle and allows you to transition from a curve to a straight line nicely. I'm all good there (I think).

However, as I draw, from time to time, I realize I should have put in another anchor on some paths. I can easily create the new anchor for that, but it, by default, always puts the 2 handles on that anchor point and many times, that screws me up. I need to be able to add an anchor point and then delete one of the handles so I can transition smoothly on some shapes.

Any way to do that? I've been through all my illustrator tutorials with the pen tool and I can't find any help.

Thanks!

 

[stephenj148]

while your drawing something. say point A and B. click and make an arc. then click point B again and it will remove one side of the handle

I think this is what you mean

 

[mikey-Oh]

When using the pen tool, hold alt and it'll give you the convert anchor tool.
If you just click the point it'll take away the handles.
Also, allows the movement of one handle at a time instead of both

 

[omgsideburns]

In Illustrator, if I am drawing with the pen tool and I pull out the line, it creates an anchor point, with handles on each end. Then I can click that anchor point and it deletes the one handle and allows you to transition from a curve to a straight line nicely. I'm all good there (I think).

However, as I draw, from time to time, I realize I should have put in another anchor on some paths. I can easily create the new anchor for that, but it, by default, always puts the 2 handles on that anchor point and many times, that screws me up. I need to be able to add an anchor point and then delete one of the handles so I can transition smoothly on some shapes.

Any way to do that? I've been through all my illustrator tutorials with the pen tool and I can't find any help.

Thanks!

Well having the handles on both side is because you're adding the point in a curve, so it's maintaining your bezier curves...

To delete the extra handle, just click the extra handle with the modify anchor point tool, it's the one that looks like a ^ (shift+c).

OR: after adding your anchor point, your object options bar thing gives you the ability to change the type of anchor point from smooth to corner if you don't want handles at all.

 

[CES020]

To delete the extra handle, just click the extra handle with the modify anchor point tool, it's the one that looks like a ^ (shift+c).

When I try that, it tells me it's not an anchor point so I can't modify it (it's just an handle, not an anchor point).

 

[omgsideburns]

are you clicking the handle? if you're illustrator is set to show tiny handles they can be hard to click on..

i am using cs5 though.