advanced path question

[AMG]

HI all, being quite comfortable with the pen tool, there is one thing I cannot do with it, and I don`t know if it`s possible.

This is probably harder to explain than it is to solve ( if there is a solution )

When a point has those 2 handles, I can move one handle with the option of having the other side follow to keep the point smooth, or I can break it`s link to create a corner, but if I am happy with the exact location of the first handle, is there a way to adjust the length of the second handle while locking it`s angle so that I can`t screw up the other handle by mistake. As I said I know I can move it independantly, but that`s not what I want, I still need the angle between the 2, to remain 180 degrees, but i want to perhaps lenghten or shorten this second handle so that my curve going into the next point can change.

Do you see my problem, if i break the link to move it by itself, then the point won`t be smooth because I have no way of knowing that the angle is exactly 180 degrees. If I don`t break it, then as I try to move the handle, I can not constrain my movement along it`s current angle, it`s like I have too much control over the point. I want the angle locked with the freedom to adjust it`s length only.

thanks all - I explained the best I could. - I hope it was clear enough.

[dcloud]

If you hold down the Alt key when you place the Direct Selection Tool (white arrow) over a handle you can pull on that handle without moving the other handle (or the path).

You can also do the same thing with the Convert Point Tool.

Here is a tutorial (http://www.thegoldenmean.com/technique/pen3.html) on the different options of the Pen, paths, and handles.

[Edited on 12/18/2007 by dcloud]

[AMG]

thx dcloud, but like i said alt click will break the lock, I do not want this, I need to keep the fact that the 2 handles are exactly 180 degress apart ( a straight line ), but have the control to adjust the lenght on one side, while the other side stays locked. I firmly believe now after trying every keyboard shortcut combination that this is not possible yet.

[dcloud]

You're pushing the limits of Photoshop as far as that task goes. You can move the handles independently while maintaining the curve of the path, but only at a horizontal or vertical angle (and while holding down the Shift key).

Something like this would be easier to do in Illustrator where you can go into Edit > Preferences > Smart Guides and set the angle of your path, then you can hold down the Shift key and move each handle independently while still maintaining the angle of your curve.

[Edited on 12/18/2007 by dcloud]