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Pen tool: Making a straight line after a curved line?

Community Beginner ,
Jun 28, 2019 Jun 28, 2019

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So I'm using the pen tool in after effects to draw a line that follows a path on a map, but I'm running into an issue. After I make a curved line, when I go to draw the next point it'll be automatically curved. This happens in programs like Illustrator too, but there you can just deselect the line an then reselect the line and the next point you'll draw will be straight. After effects doesn't do that, or at least not with the method I use in Illustrator. Anyone know how to do this?

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correct answers 1 Correct answer

Community Expert , Jun 28, 2019 Jun 28, 2019

Using the pen tool and holding Alt + click and drag the direction line point toward the anchor point ( release the mouse button just over the anchor point ).

1.JPG
You can just click to draw a straight line.
2.JPG

You can also finish your path anyway and edit it using the pen tool + Alt to break down the direction line.

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Community Expert ,
Jun 28, 2019 Jun 28, 2019

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Using the pen tool and holding Alt + click and drag the direction line point toward the anchor point ( release the mouse button just over the anchor point ).

1.JPG
You can just click to draw a straight line.
2.JPG

You can also finish your path anyway and edit it using the pen tool + Alt to break down the direction line.

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Community Beginner ,
Jun 28, 2019 Jun 28, 2019

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That worked, thanks!

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Community Beginner ,
Aug 28, 2023 Aug 28, 2023

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Hi there. I have a similar problem but when I draw a line not anchor points appear and if I close an object it automatically turns into a curved object. I cant get straight lined objects.

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Community Beginner ,
Aug 28, 2023 Aug 28, 2023

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When I draw a line not anchor directional line points appear and if I close an object it automatically turns into a curved object. I cant get straight lined objects.

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Community Expert ,
Aug 28, 2023 Aug 28, 2023

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Maybe the demo in your other post will help:  Re: When I draw a line no anchor directional line 

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