Before you draw a single path, learn to see the anchor points and curves already around you
Grab your Guided Notes (FDD 4.1) and a pencil.
GET READY
Today's Word Bank
Every word below appears on your notes sheet. Watch closely, some get used more than once.
anchor point
corner point
direction handle
segment
smooth point
How today works: we'll look at one blank at a time. Study the example, make your best guess, then we'll reveal the answer together. Fill in your notes as we go, don't skip ahead!
1GUIDED NOTES
What marks where a path changes?
A fixed point on a vector path that marks where it changes direction or curvature is called an ______ ______.
GUIDED NOTES #1
ANCHOR POINT
Placed by clicking (or click-dragging) with the Pen tool.
2GUIDED NOTES
What connects two anchor points?
The straight or curved line connecting two anchor points along a path is called a ______.
GUIDED NOTES #2
SEGMENT
Every path is really just a chain of segments between anchor points.
3GUIDED NOTES
What's an abrupt direction change?
An anchor point where a path changes direction abruptly, with no linked curve handles, is a ______ ______.
GUIDED NOTES #3
CORNER POINT
Sharp direction changes, no smooth curve through it.
4GUIDED NOTES
What's a continuous curve through a point?
An anchor point where a path curves continuously through it, with linked symmetrical handles, is a ______ ______.
GUIDED NOTES #4
SMOOTH POINT
Linked, symmetrical handles keep the curve flowing continuously through the point.
5GUIDED NOTES
What controls a curve's angle and depth?
The lever extending from a smooth anchor point that controls a curve's angle and depth is a ______ ______.
GUIDED NOTES #5
DIRECTION HANDLE
Dragging it is literally how you "curve an angle" in vector art.
NOW DISCUSS
Turn & Talk
Look at a piece of reference art. Where do you see corner points versus smooth points in its shapes?
Think → Pair → Share · 2 minutes · Write your answer on the Discuss line on your guided notes