Ellipse Controls

Using the Bezier Controls

Many of the DreamSuite effects, use on-screen Bezier paths to control the way an effect is applied to an image. Not all effects have a complete set of Bezier tools. Some effects allow you to only draw freehand bezier paths. The basic freehand tool many only allow you to adjust the points, to reshape or transform. Other effects will include a complete set of bezier tools, that allow you to edit the path by adding, and deleting points.

Draw Path: When the path tool is active, you will be able to draw new paths with this cursor.

Add / Delete Point: This tool allows you to add new points to a path or delete existing points. When the cursor is over a path, it changes to an Add Point cursor. When the cursor is over an existing point, it changes to a Delete Point cursor.

Convert Curve Point to Anchor Point: When you select the Anchor Point Tool, you will see this cursor on screen. When you click this cursor on a curve point it converts both sides of the point, into a straight line.

Move Path, Point or Adjust Handle: When you move the Bezier Pen cursor over a path, point, or point handle, you will see it change into the Adjust cursor. Drag the desired path, point or handle to the new location.

Transform Path: When you have the Bezier Pen Tool active and the cursor at the end of or next to the path, you are able to transform the path to either stretch or angle it as desired.

As with all bezier-based path controls in DreamSuite, you may extend the bezier path past the document canvas on to the desktop. The active bezier path is always black while inactive paths are blue.

By Joe Cilinceon, © August 8, 2002