How do i move a single anchor point handle without copying the layer?

Forum|Forum|2 years ago
April 30, 2023
3 replies
1814 views

Hi

From my understanding, to drag 1 handle of an anchor point without moving the other you hold down alt. This works, but it is also creating a duplicate of the entire shape the anchor point is on. How do I avoid this from happening?

Thanks

How to

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Met1

Legend

Press alt, say one hippopotamus (you don't have to say it out loud, it works either way), select the handle...

thejanebradbury

Community Expert

It happens to me sometimes, although I bet I couldn't replicate it on demand! I think it's caused when my coordination with clicking the mouse and holding the Alt key are slightly out of sync, or if my hand moves ever so slightly when I've got the Alt key pressed so Illustrator thinks "Aha! She wants to copy the whole shape, not just mess with the handles!"

I don't think it's a bug - at least I've not considered it to be a bug. I've always put it down to my hand control.

U

Unstable FocusAuthor

Inspiring

It has been happening quite regularly for me recently and when it does the same action causes it to happen repeatedly. If i remember correctly it then works if i click and hold mouse button on the point, then hold alt without moving the cursor, and then i can move the cursor and it works as expected.

thejanebradbury

Community Expert

Yes I have times where it happens a lot and others where I get it right. I think of it like other tasks I do regularly: I get a bit lazy or too rushed and my click and hold is slightly off in its timing. In my case, I've also noticed it can happen more when my mouse needs a clean or the batteries are low.

The fact that no one else has chimed in seems to confirm that it's not a bug as such, just that the sensitivity of Illustrator is a bit pernickety for some of us 😊

Monika Gause

Community Expert

Which tool are you using and exactly what are you doing step by step?

The Alt key works when you use the pen tool.

For the direct selection tool, press Alt, then grab the handle and drag

U

Unstable FocusAuthor

Inspiring

It is with the direct selection tool and i'm using it exactly as you're describing. I am having trouble replicating it on demand now but it is happening relatively frequently. It might be a bug but next time it happens i'll post in here exactly what it is i'm doing.

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