Is there any way to smooth a line and still have each anchor point remain in a fixed position?

[deleteriousone@adobeforums.com]

I am new very new to Adobe Illustrator (I downloaded the try out for CS 3
day ago). I am trying to smooth (or make curve) a line with specific plot
(anchor) points on a grid. I can use the smooth tool to make the curve
rounded instead of angular, however this moves the plot point to a different
position on the grid.

Is there any way to smooth a line and still have each anchor point remain in
a fixed position?

[Jacob_Bugge@adobeforums.com]

d,

Pick the Convert Anchor Point Tool (flyout from the Pen Tool), click on anchor point, and drag handles.

[deleteriousone@adobeforums.com]

Thank you for your reply,
I had already tried the convert anchor point tool before asking my question,
it does not do what I am looking to do unless I am using it wrong. It just
twists the line between two anchor points.

ted

<Jacob_Bugge@adobeforums.com> wrote in message
news:3bb559cf.0@webx.la2eafNXanI...

> d,
>
> Pick the Convert Anchor Point Tool (flyout from the Pen Tool), click on

anchor point, and drag handles.

[Jacob_Bugge@adobeforums.com]

d,

The convert anchor point only works on anchor points. From what you describe you drag the wrong way: drag towards the end of the path.

[deleteriousone@adobeforums.com]

Still no help. Maybe it would help if I diagram the line.

1
2
3
4
5

6
7
This is not a true representation of the line (I guess I could export it to
PDF and supply a link), however I may be able to better describe the problem
with this diagram.

If I were to convert anchor point 5 and/or 6 and drag them out with the
handles I would get an S curve between the anchor points. As it stands now
the line are sharp angles (although not as sharp as my diagram). It may
also help to know that this it the layout for canoe I might build.

ted

[Scott_Falkner@adobeforums.com]

The curve between points 5 and 6 need not be an "S" curve. If that's what you get when you create a curved path, try dragging the handle 180 degrees.

To get a better idea of bezier curves, create a new layer, lock the layer with your current path on it, select the pen tool, and turn on Smart Guides (U). Now, for each point on the path, click + drag, starting on point 1 and dragging towards point 2, but favour the outside of the curve. Only when you're about a third of the way to point 2 should you let go of the mouse button. Repeat for all other points.

The secret is to understand that the control points or handles act kind of like magnets, bending the path towards them. You can, at any time, click on a point or control handle to move it. You can also click on a path (using the direct select tool, "A") and drag. This will pull the path, leaving the anchor points alone, but stretching the control points.