Expert: Kevin Stohlmeyer - 4/1/2011

Question
I am trying to convert a smooth to a corner anchor point in Illustrator CS5. When I do this (either through the convert anchor point tool or the simple button on the top ribbon) I lose the control handles. Is there a way to not lose the handles, or is it possible to create handles from an anchor in some way?

I have also tried creating an anchor and then using the convert anchor tool while dragging it out (this will always give me handles, but also just a smooth point.

I realize I could just start the shape from scratch again with that anchor point being a corner, but this is a complex shape that I have already spent a good while creating. This problem has been plaguing me since I started using Illustrator (and ultimately why I chose to use Freehand originally). Thanks in advance.

Answer
Michael,

You cannot have handles without a curve. It just doesn't exist. Handles give you direction and distance for a curved point. When you remove the curve, the handles go with it.

Even starting the shape from scratch will not give you handles when you create a corner.

Sorry

Kevin