Pen tool how to stop random extra line with the tool

[The Lightning Phoenix]

I am trying to learn how to draw using the program to draw, I have been messing around with the pen tool, however, I keep running into an issue where after 3 or 4 points on the pen tool, the next point will make the line overly longer than what it needs to, making it where I can't make the curve without there being a random loop. How do I stop it from doing that?

[firstdefence]

Never seen that before, but I use a different method which involves sketching out with straight lines and then going back and bending any line that needs to fit a curve.

 

[firstdefence]

Example:

[Gabe]

Hi @The Lightning Phoenix,

Any chance you can attach the project file in question? That control point seems to be way off. 

Thanks,

Gabe. 

[gdenby]

Hi, The Lightning Phoenix,

Seems to me you might just be over extending the node control handles. See below. A pen line intentionally made with over extended controls. The same line with the handles reduced to a normal size. The nodes changed to "sharp." Then changed back to curved nodes.

 

Note, there is good reason to have controls that can extremely stretch the line between the nodes. Examples of shapes w. just 2 nodes and controls w. large extensions. One can define large areas w. a minimum of info, resulting in tiny files.

 

[lepr]

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[The Lightning Phoenix]

Ok, thanks to both of I think I get it, because of the curve handle being too far, it causes the next one to compensate. So I need to find a way to make the curve without overextending it.

[R C-R]

7 minutes ago, The Lightning Phoenix said:

So I need to find a way to make the curve without overextending it.

You can fix things like this using the Node Tool by holding down the Shift key & dragging the too-long handle back toward its parent node. With the Shift key held down, the handle will snap when it is the same length as its opposite handle, but you don't need to drag it back that far.

You can also hold down the CMD key (Mac) when using the Pen Tool to temporarily switch to the Node Tool, so you can fix things like this on-the-fly while drawing with the Pen Tool.

Tip: The Status Bar at the bottom of the window shows the various keyboard modifier options, so you don't have to remember them all.

[lepr]

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