Question on changing nodes (smooth to corner)

[TerranScapes]

I am interested in changing nodes from corners to smooth and back again. Not to move the node per se, but to move the line between nodes. When they are corners (say adding the arrow shape to the project) I can drag a line to alter the shape. If I change nodes to smooth (Right Click -> Path -> convert node to smooth) I can then pull the line/node as a curve. Once I have the shape I like, I return to the node (or even one adjacent to it) and convert it back to corner. (This may alter the shape, but I am not concerned with that at the moment. *smile*)

However, while it snaps to a corner shape, the node does not operate as a corner. When I try to move it or adjacent lines, they operate as though the node is smooth?

I must be missing something. I have scoured the options in the path menu. I have also reviewed the video tutorials as well, but they are quite basic in their explanations. It would be nice to have a series of more advanced techniques.

While I have your attention, what does the 'convert node to symmetrical' do? And 'cusp vs. smooth'; they seem to produce the same effect. If this has been covered elsewhere I'm happy to go looking. I did some searching in the forums and this doesn't seem to have raised before. *shrug* Makes feel like an uber-newbie.

Thanks for any help.

Oh, If this sounds confusing, I can do a video capture for review.

[papasue]

It is not because you are a Newbie that you are confused by "nodes" it is because you are adventurous and trying to learn "how/why" which can be pretty daunting since there are very few tutorials on the newer versions of SCAL…most are for SCAL2 but similar enough that if you try you can pretty much figure it out.

The HELP within SCAL3/eCAL is pretty silent on "nodes" but does show how to draw with them. I have not seen any really good editing node videos lately, although Pandora doesn't cover anything but cusp if I remember whilst show how to manually trace a bitmap and edit the nodes.

viewtopic.php?f=18&t=31900&p=117477&hil ... ne#p117477

If you figure it out and can explain it you could be my newest HERO!

[TerranScapes]

Thank you for sending me to Pandora's video. It wasn't exactly what I was looking for, but it solves my problem I think - for the time being.

As for the Help for Scal3, if your referring to the help menu within the program I'd have to say it would have been better left out of the program. It provides no real 'help' at all. But I digress..

Hmm... How to describe the node issue...

When you convert the nodes to cusp or smooth (Select nodes, right click -> Path -> convert node to cusp) it allows you to grab the handles (or the node itself) to curve the lines adjacent to it. When I have converted it back to corner, I wasn't able to pull sections adjacent to it and keep the straight lines I wanted. Pandora shows that when you hold shift, you can select multiple nodes, and when you have them selected you can move them in unison. The straight line between them stays straight while they move.

This was my basic goal, but not how I wanted to achieve it. It's a patch for me and I'll see if I run into situations where that doesn't work. I do wish that the nodes indicated what type they were (cusp, smooth, corner) maybe with a shape or color change. It would make problem solving a little easier.

If my description doesn't help, let me know and I will try a different way.

[sstehman]

Wow...didn't even know this feature existed. Always thought I'd have to take into Inkscape to get this kind of control.

I also submitted your suggestions for node colors to CE with a requested that this option be more visible within the menu bar as future possibilities.

Thank you for your efforts and for sharing the results.

[TerranScapes]

Glad to help.

I'm still slogging my way through SCAL, and today discovered that I need to close paths to be able to select multiple 'objects' I surmise that they aren't considered objects until they are closed. I was trying to join two open paths and I couldn't get both selected at the same time for a union. It took some troubleshooting for sure.