Node's Missing 2nd Handle

[Celia at Grafted Works]

Sometimes when adjusting vector curves a few of the nodes only have one handle when selected. (Not talking about the handles on adjacent nodes.)

 

My guess is because these are "sharp" nodes. Is there a way to drag out the second handle without hitting the node mode buttons for smooth/smart? That's the only solution I know of, but it often changes the curve a great deal, too.  

[Alfred]

If you can only see one handle, the second handle must be coincident with (i.e. zero distance from) the node. Alt-drag on the curve (not on the node!) to make the second handle appear without affecting the handle on the other side of the node.

[Celia at Grafted Works]

Perfect, thank you

[R C-R]

1 hour ago, Alfred said:

If you can only see one handle, the second handle must be coincident with (i.e. zero distance from) the node. Alt-drag on the curve (not on the node!) to make the second handle appear without affecting the handle on the other side of the node.

Either I have misunderstood what you mean by "the other side of the node" or this does not work for me. When I alt-drag on the curve, the node adjacent to the one I want to drag a handle out of changes to a sharp node:

[Alfred]

20 minutes ago, R C-R said:

Either I have misunderstood what you mean by "the other side of the node" or this does not work for me.

 

You’ve misunderstood what I mean! In your example, the selected node initially has only one handle visible. Alt-dragging where indicated makes the second handle appear, without affecting the position of the first handle (so the curve on that side of the selected node remains unchanged).