Expand...on star, rectangle, polygon, ellipse?

[mrjackson]

I know this is a basic question, but I need to ask! If I create text, I know there is an option to create outlines, which makes it uneditable text and simply outline forms. If I create an oval, rectangle, polygon, or star with only a fill and no outline, do I need to use the Expand command to turn them into editable shapes in a similar way?  When I use the Expand feature on the shapes, it appears that nothing changes. If I double click on an anchor point, I can then edit the shape. Do I only need to use the Expand command on one of these shapes if they have strokes?

Thanks in advance, MJ

[Anna Lander]

in Illustrator you don't need to expand the shapes. Just use Directional Select tool (white arrow) and move the points and handlers.

[mrjackson]

Anna,

Create a rounded rectangle, let's say 4" tall and 5" wide with a .75 radius. Then drag down the top or one of the sides in and you will see that the .75" radius corners stay at .75" until the rectangle reduces in height to 1.5" when the ends will appear to be fully  rounded. 

If it were "just a shape", when you drag from the top, the perfect radius of each corner would start to look more liked a squished quarter oval. 

There has to be something in the form of a "smart object" that allows it to maintain the perfect radius when resizing.

[Anna Lander · Accepted solution]

The corners control is a separate thing. If you want them to change with the shape when you scale it, set "Scale Corners" in the Transform Panel settings