Push/Pull mode lets you adjust a selected path by pushing the pointer across a path segment or by pulling the segment directly. Pulling is similar to dragging a segment using the Subselect tool. Pushing reshapes only that part of the path that the pointer touches.

Reshape mode is similar to pushing, except that the effect weakens as you drag the pointer. Reshaping is a powerful tool for creating naturalistic shapes, such as tentacles or tree branches.

Push (left) and Reshape (right)
 

1

In the Tools panel, if the Freeform tool is not showing, select it from its pop-up menu.

2

Double-click the Freeform tool.

3

In the Freeform Tool dialog box, select Push/Pull.

4

Select the Push Settings options:

Set the pointer size in pixels by entering a value from 1 to 1000 in the Size box or by adjusting the slider.

Set the tool precision by entering a value from 1 to 10 in the Precision box or by adjusting the slider. Lower numbers mean lower precision and fewer points added to the path.

5

Select the Pull Settings options.

6

Select a Bend option from the pop-up menu:

By Length specifies the length of the segment that will be affected, from 1 to 1000 pixels.

Between Points affects all of a path segment between its end points. A small s beside the pull pointer shows when this option is active.

7

If you are using a pressure-sensitive drawing tablet, set the Pressure options:

Size activates the tablet’s pressure-sensitive size adjustment capability.

Length activates the tablet’s pressure-sensitive length adjustment capability.

8

Click OK.

1

In the Tools panel, if the Freeform tool is not showing, select it from its pop-up menu.

2

You can adjust the path two ways:

Click on the path and drag to pull the path. A small s beside the pointer indicates that you are in Pull mode.

Pulling a path segment between points (top) and pulling a path of a specified length (bottom)
 

Click beside the path and drag to push the path. A circular pointer indicates that you are in Push mode. The pointer’s size depends on the Freeform tool size setting.

Push set at 50 (left) and curve after being pushed (right)
 

3

While dragging with the Freeform tool in Push/Pull mode, you can use the following keys to modify the operation:

Hold down Shift to constrain the pointer movement.

To switch temporarily between the By Length and Between Points options, hold down Alt (Windows) or Option (Macintosh), and then drag with the pull pointer. Holding down these modifier keys after you start dragging clones the path.

To increase the width of the push pointer, press the Right Arrow or Right Bracket (]) key. To decrease the width, press the Left Arrow or Left Bracket ([) key.

1

In the Tools panel, if the Freeform tool is not showing, select it from its pop-up menu.

2

Double-click the Freeform tool.

3

In the Freeform Tool dialog box, select Reshape.

4

Select the Settings options:

Set the pointer size in pixels by entering a value from 1 to 1000 in the Size box or by adjusting the slider.

Set the strength of the pointer, or how strongly it will distort a path, by entering a value from 1 to 100 percent in the Strength box or by adjusting the slider.

Set the tool precision by entering a value from 1 to 10 in the Precision box or by adjusting the slider. Lower numbers mean lower precision and fewer points added to the path.

5

If you are using a pressure-sensitive drawing tablet, set the Pressure options:

Select Size to activate the tablet’s pressure-sensitive size adjustment capability.

Select Length to activate the tablet’s pressure-sensitive length adjustment capability.

6

Click OK.

1

In the Tools panel, if the Freeform tool is not showing, select it from its pop-up menu.

2

Double-click the Freeform tool.

3

In the Freeform Tool dialog box, select Reshape Area.

4

Click OK.

5

Position the pointer near the path and press the mouse button.

The pointer changes to the reshaping pointer.

Note: The inner circle of the reshaping pointer represents the strength setting.

6

Drag the pointer across the path to reshape the path.

7

While dragging with the Freeform tool in Reshape mode, you can use the following keys to modify the operation:

Hold down Shift to constrain the pointer movement.

To increase the width of the reshaping pointer, press the Right Arrow or Right Bracket (]) key. To decrease the width, press the Left Arrow or Left Bracket ([) key.

To increase the strength of the reshaping pointer, press the Up Arrow key. To decrease the strength, press the Down Arrow key.