Converting to curves 1

[a4manuk]

Hi,

I am a complete newbie to Corel Draw. I have Corel Draw X3.

I am trying to convert a curve made up of straight segments into a smooth curve. However, the "Convert to Curves" option is not available when this line is selected.

What am I doing wrong??

Chris.

 

[BernBennett]

If you drew this line with the freehand or bezier tool it is already a vector drawing and a curve. That is why "convert to curves" is greyed out.

To smooth the curve you need to find the nodes using the shape tool (second one down in toolbox), as you click on each node (other than the first) you need to convert it to a curve by clicking on the sixth icon on the property bar; the one that looks like a quarter of a circle.

As you do this you will notice each node has two blue arrows, which are the control handles, these are used to shape the curve to the desired shape.

You may need to practise this before you become proficient.

If what you want is only an arc, it is much easier to do this using the ellipse tool, and selecting the arc icon on the property bar, and specifying the degrees in the spin boxes, remembering that zero degree is at the 3 o'clock position and the degrees ascend in an anti clockwise direction. ie 90 degrees is at 12 o'clock.

Hope this helps.

 

[a4manuk]

Many thanks Bern.I can now bend my lines with ease!!

Chris.