Use the Direct Selection tool to select the segment you want to adjust.
Last updated on
Jun 2, 2026
Learn how to use selection tools and path editing commands to modify anchor points, segments, and curves in Adobe InDesign.
Paths define the outline of every shape, line, and drawn object in InDesign. Editing and reshaping them lets you refine a design after it has been drawn. This helps correct curves that are too sharp, move segments to better fit a layout, or adjust anchor points for precise alignment.
Move straight segments
Drag the segment to its new position.
Adjust the length or angle of straight segments
Use the Direct Selection tool to select an anchor point on the segment you want to adjust.
Drag the anchor point to the desired position. Shift-drag to constrain the adjustment to multiples of 45°.
Adjust the position or shape of curved segments
Use the Direct Selection tool to select a curved segment or an anchor point on either end of the curved segment. Direction lines appear if any are present.
To adjust the segment's position, drag it. Shift-drag to constrain the adjustment to multiples of 45°.
To adjust the shape of the segment on either side of a selected anchor point, drag the anchor point or the direction point. Shift-drag to constrain movement to multiples of 45°.
Delete a segment
Use the Direct Selection tool to select the segment you want to delete.
Press Backspace (Windows) or Delete (macOS) to delete the selected segment.
Press Backspace or Delete again to erase the rest of the path.
Delete the handle of an anchor point
Use the Convert Direction Point tool to select the handle's anchor point.
Drag the direction point and drop it onto the anchor point.
Move or nudge anchor points or segments using the keyboard
Select the anchor point or path segment.
Press any of the arrow keys on the keyboard to move 1 pixel at a time in the direction of the arrow. Press the Shift key in addition to the arrow key to move 10 pixels at a time.
Split a path
You can split a path, graphics frame, or empty text frame at any anchor point or along any segment. When you split a path, keep the following in mind:
- To split a closed path into two open paths, slice it in two places. Slicing once creates a single path with a gap.
- Split paths retain the original settings, such as stroke and fill, though you may need to adjust stroke alignment.
Split a path using the Scissors tool
Select the path to see its current anchor points.
Select the Scissors tool.
Select the path you want to split, and the new endpoints appear.
Use the Direct Selection tool to adjust the new anchor point or path segment.
Open a path using the Pathfinder panel
Select the closed path.
Select Window > Object & Layout > Pathfinder.
Select the Open Path icon in the Pathfinder dialog box.
Smooth out paths
Use the Smooth tool to remove excess angles from an existing path or a section of a path. Smoothed paths generally have fewer points, making them easier to edit, display, and print.
Select the path.
Select the Smooth tool.
Drag the tool along the length of the path segment you want to smooth out.
Continue smoothing until the stroke or path is of the desired smoothness.
To change the amount of smoothing, double-click the Smooth tool and set the following options:
- Fidelity
Controls how closely curves follow the pointer. Lower values create sharper angles, while higher values produce smoother curves by ignoring small movements. The pixel value range is 0.5 to 20 pixels. - Smoothness
Controls the amount of smoothing applied when you use the tool. Smoothness can range from 0% to 100%. The higher the value, the smoother the path. - Keep Selected
Determines whether to keep the selected path after smoothing.
Select OK.
Reshape closed paths or objects
Use the Direct Selection tool and drag around the anchor points you want to select. You can also shift-click the anchor points you want to select.
Position the pointer over the anchor point or segment you want as the focal point, and select it.
Drag the highlighted anchor points to adjust the path.
Note
Movement depends on distance from the focal point. The focal point moves directly, selected points move with it, and unselected points remain unchanged.
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