Path Editing Tool

Overview

The Path Editing Tool provides a powerful way to create and modify vector paths in Figpea. With this tool, you can precisely control every aspect of your SVG paths, from simple lines to complex curves with multiple control points.

Getting Started

To edit a path:

1. Select a path layer in your document
2. Click the "Edit Path" button in the properties panel
3. The path editing interface will appear, showing all anchor points and control handles

Editing Tools

The path editor provides three main tools, accessible from the toolbar at the bottom of the screen:

Select Tool

The Select Tool is your primary tool for modifying existing paths:

• Select points: Click on any anchor point to select it
• Multi-select: Hold Shift while clicking to select multiple points
• Rectangle selection: Drag in empty space to create a selection rectangle
• Move points: Drag selected anchor points to reposition them
• Adjust curves: Drag control handles (purple dots) to change curve shape
• Convert point types: Double-click on a point to toggle between smooth and corner points

Add Tool

The Add Tool lets you extend your path with new segments:

• Add points: Click anywhere to add a new anchor point
• Preview: As you move your cursor, a preview line shows where the new segment will appear
• Complete segment: Click to place the point and create the segment
• Close path: Click near the starting point to close the path

Insert Tool

The Insert Tool allows you to add detail to existing paths:

• Insert between points: With an anchor selected, activate Insert Tool to add points between existing segments
• Maintain curves: When inserting between curved segments, the tool preserves the original curve shape
• Close path: Click near the first point of an open path to close it with a smooth curve

Path Operations

Working with Points

• Delete points: Select one or more points and click the Delete button
• Insert after: Select a point and click Insert After to add a new point after it
• Remove segment: Select a point and click Remove Segment to delete the entire segment

Converting Point Types

You can convert selected points to different types using the Convert To menu:

• Line segments: Creates straight lines with corner points
• Curve segments: Creates smooth Bézier curves
• Horizontal/vertical lines: Creates perfectly horizontal or vertical line segments

Opening and Closing Paths

• Close path: Connect the last point to the first point to create a closed shape
• Open path: Break a closed path to create an open path

Keyboard Shortcuts and Modifiers

Use these keyboard modifiers for precise control:

| Key | Function | |-----|----------| | Shift | When moving control points: Maintain symmetrical handles | | Alt | When moving control points: Break handle symmetry for independent control | | Ctrl/Cmd | When moving points: Constrain movement to 45° increments | | Esc | Cancel current tool operation and return to select tool | | Double-click | Toggle between smooth and corner points |

Snapping Features

The path editor includes intelligent snapping to help you create precise paths:

• Point snapping: Automatically snap to existing anchor points
• Alignment snapping: Snap to horizontal or vertical alignments with other points
• Visual guides: Green dotted lines appear when snapping is active

To temporarily disable snapping, hold the Alt key while moving points.

Best Practices

Creating Clean Paths

1. Start simple: Begin with basic shapes and add detail gradually
2. Use minimal points: Fewer points create smoother, more efficient paths
3. Leverage curves: Use curves instead of many straight segments for smooth shapes
4. Maintain symmetry: Use Shift when adjusting control handles for symmetrical curves

Editing Efficiently

1. Choose the right tool: Use Select for adjustments, Add for new segments, Insert for adding detail
2. Use keyboard modifiers: Shift, Alt, and Ctrl/Cmd provide precise control
3. Utilize snapping: Enable snapping for precise alignment with other elements
4. Convert point types: Use the Convert To feature to change how segments connect

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

1. Points not selecting: Make sure you're using the Select tool and clicking directly on the point
2. Unexpected curve behavior: Check control point positions and consider converting between point types
3. Snapping not working: Make sure you're not holding the Alt key, which temporarily disables snapping
4. Path segments disappearing: This can happen when deleting critical points; use Undo if needed

Advanced Techniques

Creating Complex Shapes

For complex shapes:

1. Break the shape into multiple path segments
2. Use a combination of curves and straight lines
3. Leverage the Convert To feature to change segment types as needed

Precision Editing

For precise control:

1. Zoom in for detailed work on small areas
2. Use the Insert tool to add detail to specific areas
3. Leverage snapping to align with existing elements
4. Use keyboard modifiers for fine-tuned adjustments