can I redirect these paths/

[gloriad64706371]

[jane-e · Accepted solution]

If I understand you correctly, you want the two outside paths to be separate.

One way is use the Direct Selection tool to select and delete the segments you don't want (or the eraser, or cut them with the knife or scissors.)

Then join the remaining gaps with Cmd + J (Select with Selection tool first) or by clicking each point with the Pen tool.

[edgrimley]

Add a point between A and C, with that point selected hit delete. Do the same with B-D.

Select points A & B, ctrl+J to join. Do the same for points C-D.

[Ares Hovhannesyan]

Deleting also can be done with Eraser tool or Path eraser.

[gloriad64706371]

Thank you for your response!

[Jacob Bugge]

Gloria,

I am afraid the difficult part is to make the new parts AB and CD look right.

When joining them you get a straight path segment in each case, and you need one that is curved in such a way that everything is smooth and follows the shape of the adjacent outer path. This means that the Anchor Points must be smooth with new Handles between A and B/C and D that are parallel to the Handles on the adjacent path segments.

Regardless of version, you may (explained for AB, similar for CD), Smart Guides being your friends:

0) With the Direct Selection Tool click an empty spot to make sure the path is deselected and then Drag across the new path segment, then Effect>Stylize>Add Arrowheads and choose one at the End, this will show the path direction for the next steps;

1) Click the Anchor Point A to see the Handle going up;

2) With the Line Segment Tool ClickDrag from the Handle and into the Anchor Point (Smart Guides say handle and anchor when you are within snapping distance) to create a line corresponding to the Handle;

3) Repeat 1) and 2) for B;

The line pointing in the path direction is right, the other one must be moved to the other side of the Anchor Point (A or B) as follows:

4) With the (normal) Selection Tool ClickDrag the line by the far end Anchor Point to coincide with A or B (Smart Guides say anchor when you are within snapping distance); now the line will point into the path segment AB;

5) With the Direct Selection Tool ClickDrag across the path, then with the Convert Anchor Point Tool (bundled with the Pen Tool (ClickHold the latter to see the others fly out)) ClickDrag from A to the end of the line, then repeat for B.

Now you have a curved path segment AB with smooth Anchor Points A and B, but you may very well need to adjust further, and the lines may need to be moved/extended to do it in the right way, which you nay do as follows:

6) Move the line that was not moved in 4) to point into the path segment AB;

For each of the lines:

7) Click the line, then in the Transform palette select the Reference Point that corresponds to the position of the Anchor Point (A or B), then add *2 or something in the W or H box and press Ctrl/CmdEnter to extend the line enough for the next steps;

8) With the Direct Selection Tool ClickDrag across the path, then ClickDrag each Handle for the path segment AB along the relevant line to adjust ((Smart Guides say path as long as you are on it), you may go back and forth the pair and adjust either way until you are satisfied.

Was this woolly and complicated enough?

[gloriad64706371]

Thank you for your response!

[Jacob Bugge]

For my part you are welcome, Gloria.