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Design

Brian Hernandez
Brian Hernandez
20,285 Points
Posted by Brian Hernandez
Brian Hernandez
20,285 Points

In Illustrator, how do I preserve an edge of my drawing while changing other aspects of its shape?

Let's say I have a shape like a 5 pointed star and I'd like to preserve the top three points' scale and relation to each other. I'd also like to elongate these 3 points away from the bottom two, stretching them away from each other and keeping the fill of the star etc.

I did this before but can't seem to figure out how to do it again. I think it has to deal with isolating the anchor points on the edge I'd like NOT changed but still being able to drag it around while other parts of the object change. Thoughts any one?

1 Answer

sarahbruchman
sarahbruchman
6,347 Points

Hi Brian, If I understand correctly what you are asking, I would use the Direct Selection Tool (the white pointer) to select just the points you want to move. if you click and drag you can select multiple points at one time. Sometimes it helps to use the arrow keys on the keyboard to move a point roughly a pixel and if you hold shift while using the arrow keys it moves about 5 pixels. hope that helps!

Brian Hernandez
Brian Hernandez
20,285 Points
Brian Hernandez
Brian Hernandez
20,285 Points

Hey Sarah, Thanks! This is exactly what I was looking or. I forgot I needed to click and drag on the actual path (not inside) to be able to change the shape while still keeping the points I've highlighted unchanged.

sarahbruchman
sarahbruchman
6,347 Points

Oh good, so glad that was what you were looking for, I started to over think it after I posted and got nervous lol