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Smart Node / Smart Pen Mode


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Can you explain the "smart" node / "smart" pen? I have been playing around with it and can't see to get a handle on it. It seems that you can draw just by clicking from point to point without dragging out directionals on each node, using a smart algorithm to curve the node without doing it manually. It seems to guess what you want to do, but the result always seems a bit off. 

 

What is the best practice and modifiers for the "smart"mode?

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Hi,


 


I’ve been playing with the smart nodes. It brought to mind a technique used by some Flash animators and designers to create characters or props for animation. The idea is to start out with a very simple geometrical shape — a  rectangle. (In Affinity, you would then need to make the primitive shape editable by clicking the Convert to Curves in the context toolbar.)


 


The next step is to add nice curves to the boxlike object. Smart Nodes let you do this simply by clicking and dragging with the node tool anywhere in a line between two existing points (nodes). This can be used to create economical, stylised graphics. It can be quicker and more intuitive than adding nodes and adjusting direction handles.


 


I’ve seen some very attractive designs done in this way using Flash, and the viewer would never guess their humble geometric origin… Usually the artists work from a scanned pencil sketch.


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Glad i've found this explaination! Really, i've been making some animation lately with Moho Pro and the way you build curves there is actually the same as the smart nodes in Affinity! You can trace a sketch this way or make a primitive like a box or a star and edit it with smart nodes! Thanks for explaining! 

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