# Edit points and paths

> Reshape paths in PlexiiDraw point by point. Move single points, join and average ends, add, delete and convert points, cut paths and simplify them.

Source: https://plexiidesk.com/help/draw-points-and-paths
Section: Office > PlexiiDraw
Plans: All plans
Updated: 2026-10-21

Every vector shape in PlexiiDraw is a path: a line through anchor points, with curve handles on the smooth ones. The point tools let you change a path one point at a time, join the ends of two paths, cut a path in two, draw smooth curves just by clicking, and take out points you do not need.

## Before you start

- The point and path tools are on every plan.
- Open an artwork with a shape or path on it. See [Vector tools and Pathfinder](https://plexiidesk.com/help/draw-vector-tools-and-pathfinder).
- On Windows, press `Ctrl` for `⌘` and `Alt` for `⌥`.

## The tools

| Tool | Key | What it does |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Direct Selection** | `A` | Select and move single points and curve handles. |
| **Add Anchor Point** | `+` | Click a path to add a point. |
| **Delete Anchor Point** | `-` | Click a point to remove it. |
| **Anchor Point** | `⇧` `C` | Click a point to switch it between smooth and corner. |
| **Scissors** | `C` | Click a path to cut it in two. |
| **Knife** | No key | Drag across a shape to split it. |
| **Curvature** | `⇧` `~` | Click points, and a smooth path runs through them. |

## Move a single point

1. Choose **Direct Selection** (`A`).
2. Click one point of a path, such as one corner of a rectangle.
3. Drag it.

Only that point moves. The rest of the shape stays where it is.

## Add, delete and convert points

- **Add a point.** Press `+` for **Add Anchor Point** and click a path where you want the new point.
- **Delete a point.** Press `-` for **Delete Anchor Point** and click the point to remove it.
- **Switch between smooth and corner.** Press `⇧` `C` for **Anchor Point** and click a point. A smooth point becomes a corner, and a corner becomes smooth.

## Join and average path ends

Join the open ends of two lines, or bring points together on one spot.

1. With **Direct Selection** (`A`), select the two open end points. Hold `⇧` and click to select the second one.
2. Choose what to do:

| Command | Mac | Windows | Result |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| **Join** | `⌘` `J` | `Ctrl` `J` | The two lines join into one path. |
| **Average…** | `⌥` `⌘` `J` | `Ctrl` `Alt` `J` | The **Average** dialog opens. |
| **Average & Join** | `⌥` `⇧` `⌘` `J` | `Ctrl` `Alt` `Shift` `J` | The ends move to the same spot and join, in one step. |

All three are also in **Object** > **Path**.

## Cut a path

- **Scissors** (`C`): click a path where you want to cut it. It becomes two paths.
- **Knife**: choose it in the toolbox and drag across a shape. The shape splits along the line you drag.

## Draw smooth curves with Curvature

1. Press `⇧` `~` for the **Curvature** tool.
2. Click several points on the artboard.
3. Press `Esc` to finish.

A smooth path runs through every point you clicked, without you pulling out curve handles as you would with the **Pen**.

## Simplify a path

To take points out of a path that has more than it needs:

1. Select the path.
2. Choose **Object** > **Path** > **Simplify…**.
3. The **Simplify** dialog shows a preview of the result and the number of points before and after. When the shape looks right, click **OK**.

## Copy a path from one point

With one point of a path selected, press `⌘` `C`. The whole path is copied, not just the point. See [Cut, copy and paste](https://plexiidesk.com/help/draw-copy-and-paste).

## Common questions

**I dragged a corner and the whole shape moved.** You used **Select** (`V`), which moves whole objects. Press `A` for **Direct Selection** and drag the point.

**Where did Edit points go?** It is now **Direct Selection**, still on `A`, as in Illustrator.

## Related tasks

- [Vector tools and Pathfinder](https://plexiidesk.com/help/draw-vector-tools-and-pathfinder)
- [PlexiiDraw overview](https://plexiidesk.com/help/draw-overview)
- [PlexiiDraw keyboard shortcuts](https://plexiidesk.com/help/draw-keyboard-shortcuts)
- [Transform and align objects](https://plexiidesk.com/help/draw-transform-and-align)
- [Cut, copy and paste](https://plexiidesk.com/help/draw-copy-and-paste)