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Arc editing

Started by alulaq2, December 24, 2015, 06:40:00 AM

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alulaq2

I use arcs and curves frequently. The stretchy handles on arc and spline curve control points are critical to shaping curves. I recently upgraded from Visio 2003 to 2010. To my dismay I discovered that not only are various controls changed (which I could re-learn), but some controls are apparently abandoned or lost, including a very critical one. Here's the problem:
I want to create a closed shape, by using lines and arcs around the perimeter of a shape. Once the perimeter is closed, the shape can be filled (with a fill color). Further, I want to be able to make subtle curves as part of the perimeter of the shape. An arc object has two endpoint handles, and a midpoint handle. In Visio 2003, the midpoint handle can be expanded to show stretchy controls, by hovering over the midpoint of the arc. These stretchy controls then enable the curve to be shaped SIDEWAYS and deformed in certain directions. In Visio 2010 these stretchy handles are GONE, and the midpoint handle can only be moved back and forth in a single direction. I understand that using the pencil tool in a certain way I can add a bend point to the arc, but that's not what I want; I want the stretchy handles with which to make skewed arcs!!! While these handles may still be found in spline curves in Visio 2010, spline curves cannot be used to complete the perimeter of a closed loop.
Without these controls on an ARC object, one cannot make subtle-shaped objects in Visio 2010, as was possible in Visio 2003.
IS THERE A WAY TO SEE OR ACTIVATE THESE STRETCHY HANDLES ON AN ARC OBJECT? Am I simply missing something here? I've tried hovering over the midpoint, but no handles appear. I've searched forums (including this one), but no one seems to have discussed this EXACT problem.

--alulaq2

JuneTheSecond

#1
Yes, Visio 2010 and newer versions have lost something important.
Now, I think there is noway other than changing height or width of an arc once.
If you change height or width of shape that includes arcs, circular arcs change to elliptical arcs.
The control handle to twist arc appears again, if you are with pencil tool.
Best Regards,

Junichi Yoda
http://june.minibird.jp/

JuneTheSecond

#2
Here is a help document about an arc for Visio 2007.
https://support.office.com/en-au/article/Draw-an-arc-d2f101b1-e4bb-4284-813f-9bcb5cf38613#top

By the way, there are strange words "TE000..." .
Quote
TIP   If you get a straight line using the Pencil tool, drag the TE000128649 on the line with the Pencil tool.
How are they look in your PC?
Best Regards,

Junichi Yoda
http://june.minibird.jp/

JuneTheSecond

Best Regards,

Junichi Yoda
http://june.minibird.jp/

JuneTheSecond

And,, Visio Guy had replied to the same kind of question.
http://visguy.com/vgforum/index.php?topic=2959.0
Best Regards,

Junichi Yoda
http://june.minibird.jp/

David.P

#5
Let me chime in quickly here please.

I found that the "curve" tool of Microsoft Word/PowerPoint (of all things) is incredibly good for drawing and editing proper Bézier curves, including adding/deleting points and editing each points curvature by providing tangent drag handles:


PowerPoint/Word (Bézier/Spline) Curve

This even beats many "proper" drawing programs regarding ease of use and intuitiveness.

Something like this can't be done in Visio -- other than Visio's usual freeform/arc tools, can it?
Visio 2003 for production
Visio 2019

David.P

Only was going to report that I have now worked with the (Bezier) Curve tool in PowerPoint for a couple of hours and I must say that it totally rocks.

I've worked for decades and thousands of hours with many different vector graphic programs, and this is the best and easiest Bezier curve tool I've found to date -- even when it is somewhat embarrassing to give this award to Word and PowerPoint, of all things.

It only remains to say that it is a severe shortcoming that this fantastic curve tool is not available in Visio!
Visio 2003 for production
Visio 2019

vojo

do you mean "edit points"?  What exactly is this tool called and how to get to it?

wapperdude

@Vojo:  I was curious too.  I have Office2010.  The drawn line is done with the "curve" tool in the drawing section on the Home tab, or, select thef shape, then a Format tab appears.  In the Insert Shapes section of the Format tab.  There is Edit shape pulldown menu, and you can choose Edit Points.  Not very obvious.  I kinda stumbled upon it only because I was looking and trying things.
Visio 2019 Pro

David.P

Yeah, you first draw a curve with the "Curve" tool which in itself is already very easy and intuitive.

In order to edit the points of the curve, you right click on the curve and choose "edit points".

Then you can drag points (or their tangents) around, remove points by control clicking, or add points just by clicking somewhere on the curve and start dragging.
Visio 2003 for production
Visio 2019

vojo

yes....got it....BTW, that tool works any sort of line.   Not quantitative so its more of an artistic tool
Not really a quantitative tool for any sort of deterministic / precision tool.

But good to know, thx