How to Make Sharp Shapes Curved in Illustrator

Convert points without handles into curves.

Because Illustrator is a vector-based program that defines shapes with lines connected by points, creating shapes with sharp corners is obvious and simple; however, creating curved shapes is not as apparent. Converting shapes with sharp corners into curved shapes is even less obvious. Adobe has three different ways you can convert a sharp corner into a smooth, curve. The Round Corner effect creates a live effect that rounds all of the corners to a specified radius. The Convert Point to Smooth button creates a perfectly smooth curve out of a point that contains no handles. The Convert Anchor Point tool provides a freehand tool for converting the point to a curved shape.

Instructions

Round Corner Effect

1. Select the shape.

2. Click on the “Effects” menu, hover over “Stylize” in the Illustrator section and select “Round Corners.”

3. Enter the desired radius in the “Radius” button. Press “Ok.” Illustrator will curve all of the corners to the specified radius.

Convert Point to Smooth Button

1. Select the “Direct Selection” tool.

2. Select the sharp point on the shape.

3. Click on the “Convert point to smooth” button in the Control Panel at the top of the screen. Illustrator automatically adds anchor handles that create smooth curve.

Conver Anchor Point Tool

1. Select the “Convert Anchor Point” tool, which is located under the “Pen” tool.

2. Click and Drag from the point on the shape to add handles to the point.

3. Select the “Direct Selection” tool. Drag the handles to adjust the shape of the curve.

References

• Dream Infity Studios: Rounded Corners
• Adobe Creative Suite 3 Video Workshop: Using the Pen Tool