The Letter D

In creating the letter D, you will learn how to merge a node.

The letter D is made very similar to the letter B, except it can be shaped with only 3 nodes and there's only 1 hole! Create a new vector layer...enter D for layer name.

On D layer, draw ellipse in middle of canvas, sized the same as other letters.

Ellipse Tool
Colors: Black outline, fill color of your choice.
Tool options: Ellipse, Show Nodes, Create on Vector, Line Style Solid, Width 3, Anti-Alias checked.
Pen Tool-Edit Mode: Select ellipse, right click, convert to path.

Merge Node: The ellipse preset shape has 4 nodes but we only need 3. If we 'delete' the node, it will also delete the line segment on each side of the node...we DON'T want that. Instead we will 'merge' the node, which combines the line segment on each side into one line segment.

Pen Tool-Edit Mode: Select the bottom node, right click, select Edit>Merge.

Pen Tool-Edit Mode: Drag a selection around the 2 nodes on the left, right click, select Node Type>Asymmetric. Then move the nodes into position at the top-left and bottom-left corners of the D. Shorten control arm to create rounded corners.

Adjust position of the 3rd node toward center of right side to create the belly of letter D. Extend the length of the control arm turn until it points vertical.

Next step is to create the 'hole' in the D. Repeat the 7 steps for subtracting 'holes' used for letters A and B. First, De-select the D shape.

1. Color Palette: Select none for fill color.
2. Ellipse Tool: Draw a circle in the middle of D for the 'hole'.
3. Ellipse Tool: Right click, Convert to Path.
4. Pen Tool-Edit mode: Right click, Edit>Select all
5. Pen Tool-Edit mode: Right click, Edit>Reverse Contour
6. Pen Tool-Edit mode: Right click, Edit>Cut
7. Pen Tool-Edit mode: Select D shape, right click, Edit>Paste.

Remember, if you want to re-position the 'hole', drag a selection completely around to enclose all 4 nodes. You can then move the selected shape without distorting the circle shape.

Deselect and hide D layer.