Feature Request - Handle Alignment Constraint in Illustrator

[David André]

Dear Adobe Illustrator Team,

I would like to submit a feature request regarding the manipulation of Bézier curve handles in Illustrator.

Currently, there is no native way to extend or shorten a handle while maintaining its exact alignment on the original axis, except by using the Shift key, which only constrains angles to 45°, 90°, or 180°.

Issue:

• When adjusting the length of a handle without changing its orientation, users must rely on workarounds (copying coordinates, using a manual guide, etc.).

• This makes adjustments more cumbersome and less precise than they should be.

Requested Improvement:

• Add a feature that allows users to constrain a handle’s movement along its original axis without affecting its angle.

• For example, by holding a key combination like Alt + Shift, or by adding a constraint option in advanced settings.

This enhancement would provide increased precision for curve manipulation and significantly improve the user experience.

Thank you for your consideration and for your excellent work on this tool.

Best regards,

[Ton Frederiks · Accepted solution]

The best place for feature requests is UserVoice, that is what the Illustrator team is monitoring:

https://illustrator.uservoice.com/

[Doug A Roberts]

There's a similar request here:

Add a modifier key to Pen and Anchor Point tools to constrain an existing anchor handle’s angle whil...

There may be others, but that's the closest I could find. Please add your vote.

[Jacob Bugge]

David André,

Until the feature is implemented or till the end of time, whichever occurs first, at least it can be done with full precision by nimble use of the Line Segment Tool.

This recent thread says a bit more,

https://community.adobe.com/t5/illustrator-discussions/is-there-a-way-to-adjust-anchor-handles-perfe...