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Paint Shop Pro Vector Basics: Path Anatomy

From Ron Lacey, Guest Contributor, for About.com

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Exploring the Node Types in Paint Shop Pro

Exploring the Node Types in Paint Shop P
Let's take a closer look at the different types of nodes. Open up PSP and create a new image file, then lay down an ellipse with the Preset Shapes tool in PSP7 or 8. In PSP9 select the Ellipse tool, lay down an ellipse then in the Object Menu select Convert to Path. Now select the ellipse with the Object selector and choose Node edit in the Tool Options palette in PSP7 or in PSP 8-9 select the Pen tool in Edit Mode. If you select the top node, right-click again and select Node Type you'll be presented with the menu.

As you can see, Cusp, Curve Before, and Curve After are greyed out. This is because the ellipse preset shape comes complete with four Cusp nodes that already have curves on both sides. A cusp or corner node's curve handles can be manipulated totally independent of each other; that is, moving one has no effect on the other. Try moving the handles around to get a feel for what sort of changes you can make to an object by manipulating the curve control handles. Notice that when you pass the cursor over one of the control handles, it changes the cursor to indicate that you can drag the control handle to adjust the curve.

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