---
title: Vector Object Editing
description: "How to edit vector path geometry: anchors, bezier handles, modifiers, and Pen tool actions in edit mode."
---
# Vector Object Editing
Vector Object Editing mode lets you change a curve's **geometry**: anchor positions, segment shape, and bezier handles.
In this mode, you edit the path itself, not standard object transforms.
## Entering the Mode
- Select a vector object with the Select tool.
- **Double-click the curve**.
This activates geometry editing for the selected vector.
## Exiting the Mode
- Press Escape.
- Or switch to another editing context.
## What Changes in This Mode
- The normal transform bounding box is disabled for the object.
- Anchor, segment, and handle editing becomes available.
- Cursor behavior does not switch to resize/rotate at bbox corners.
## Basic Actions
### Move an Anchor
- Drag an anchor point.
- Connected segments and path shape update live in preview.
### Edit a Bezier Handle
- Drag a handle on the anchor.
- By default, behavior follows the anchor's current handle composition.
## Handle Drag Modifiers
| Action | Mac | Windows / Linux |
|----------|-----|-----------------|
| Continuous (Smooth / Continuous) | Cmd + drag | Ctrl + drag |
| Corner (Independent handles) | Option + drag | Alt + drag |
| Direction lock (length only) | Shift + drag | Shift + drag |
### Continuous: Cmd/Ctrl + drag
- The active handle is constrained to the same line as the sister handle.
- Only the active handle length changes.
- Use this for smooth transitions without a corner break.
### Corner: Option/Alt + drag
- The active handle is edited independently.
- The sister handle stays in place.
- Use this to create a sharp corner transition.
### Direction Lock: Shift + drag
For anchors with **Continuous** or **Symmetric** composition:
- handle direction is locked to the value from **before the current drag started**;
- dragging changes only handle length (or lengths, depending on composition).
## Bend Override by Dragging an Anchor
When you drag an anchor while holding Cmd/Ctrl, the editor selects the target handle by **segment attachment direction** at that anchor (not by nearest neighbor-point distance).
This also works on multi-branch vector-web anchors: once resolved, the target handle stays locked for the current drag.
## Using the Pen Tool in Edit Mode
With the Pen tool active:
- **Click a segment** to insert a new anchor (split segment).
- **Click an open-path endpoint** to resume drawing from that point.
- **Option/Alt + click an anchor** to delete it (when topology allows).
For path creation and closing behavior, see [Pen Tool](./pen-tool.md).
## Practical Workflow
1. Draw a shape with the Pen tool.
2. Double-click the curve to enter Vector Object Editing mode.
3. Move anchors to refine the silhouette.
4. Drag handles:
- with Cmd/Ctrl for smooth continuous transitions,
- with Option/Alt for independent edits,
- with Shift for length-only edits.
5. Press Escape to exit.