How to make curved arrows from circle?

Question

Hi, I want to make four curved arrows that lead into each other. Ideally, arrow head would just be a > shape at the end of the line that is the same width as the line (i.e., as if a straight line was cut at the end, so no tips or gaps.) I have drawn a circle with the ellipse tool, but I can't figure out how to cut it properly. An AI file that sort of shows what I mean is at https://www.onlinefilefolder.com/2swDvNSyBkcsXd

Thanks in advance for any help!

Jacob Bugge · Accepted Answer

My sincere apologies! For some reason, I was never notified of these responses until Ms. Kho posted earlier today. (I usually receive an email when someone posts a reply.) I just thought this question was never answered.

I just reveiewed the answers here, though, and they are all very helpful, although to be quite honest, I am not sure I fully understand them. I will have to play around with it I guess. Still, I am grateful to you and Mr. Gondek for your help, and to Ms. Kho for bringing this to my attention. Thank you again, and sorry for the delayed response.

And best wishes for happy holidays!

You are welcome, Neil, and no need to apologize.

You may have a look at the link by Jeanette in post #4; it shows end results.

Here are the instructions in the first post with an extension of 3):

1) Create the circle with the desired width in the form of Stroke Weight;

2) Create a V shaped path with two segments on top of the circle where the first gap is to be, lengthwise extending outside the circle stroke, and with a Stroke Weight corresponding to the gap;

3) Copy and place so you have all V shapes where you want the gaps; you may do that by rotating copies round the centre of the circle 1), this may be done in different ways, one being to create an auxliary concentric circle extending past the V shape and rotating copies of that and the V shape using the Object>Transform>Rotate and inserting the desired value(s), then deleting the auxiliary circles;

4) Select all and Object>Path>Outline Stroke;

5) Pathfinder>Minus front (Subtract from shape ares in older versions, maybe pressing Alt/Option to expand).

Jacob Bugge · Answer

Neil,From what I can see when I open the file in 10 (there may be parts missing), it is just one quarter of a circle with an unbent arrowhead extending to both sides.If the circle is unbroken, you may just create the shape of the arrowhead, copy it, and place them on top of the circle where desired. If you cut the circle and use Add Arrowhead on each of the former segment, (at least unless you have CS5) the arrowhead will point out along the tangent of the circle.If you want something like V shaped gaps in the circle (which is what the question sounds like to me), you may:1) Create the circle with the desired width in the form of Stroke Weight;2) Create a V shaped path with two segments on top of the circle where the first gap is to be, lengthwise extending outside the circle stroke, and with a Stroke Weight corresponding to the gap;3) Copy and place so you have all V shapes where you want the gaps;4) Select all and Object>Path>Outline Stroke;5) Pathfinder>Minus front (Subtract from shape ares in older versions, maybe pressing Alt/Option to expand).If you use an Art Brush, the arrowheads/borders of the gaps will be curved (apart from the parts of the borders that are radial).

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