Vector Tracing Vector Tracing Paths and Anchor Points 2

Question 1

What does 'Add Anchor Point' do to a path segment in Illustrator?

Accepted Answer

Inserts a new anchor point in the middle of an existing segment without changing the path shape

Answer

Splits the segment into two separate paths

Answer

Creates a branch path from the clicked location

Answer

Changes the segment from curved to straight

Question 2

What causes 'kinks' or unexpected bumps in traced paths, and how are they fixed?

Accepted Answer

Misaligned direction handles at corner points; fixed by adjusting handles with the Direct Selection Tool

Answer

Too many colors in the source image; fixed by reducing colors before tracing

Answer

Using the wrong file format for the source image; fixed by converting to PNG

Answer

Low DPI in the source image; fixed by resampling to 300 DPI

Question 3

In Inkscape, which keyboard shortcut breaks a node into two separate nodes to open a closed path?

Accepted Answer

Shift+B (Break Apart selected nodes)

Answer

Delete (while node is selected)

Answer

Ctrl+Shift+K

Answer

Alt+Click on a segment

Question 4

What is an 'open path' versus a 'closed path' in vector tracing?

Accepted Answer

An open path has two distinct endpoints; a closed path's endpoints are connected forming a complete loop

Answer

An open path has no fill; a closed path has a fill applied

Answer

An open path uses only straight segments; a closed path uses only curves

Answer

An open path is editable; a closed path is locked

Question 5

What is the effect of the 'Smooth' node type in Inkscape compared to a 'Cusp' node?

Accepted Answer

Smooth nodes keep the curve continuous through the node; cusp nodes allow a sharp angle change

Answer

Smooth nodes can only be used on straight segments; cusp nodes work on curves only

Answer

Smooth nodes lock the node position; cusp nodes allow it to move freely

Answer

Smooth nodes remove direction handles entirely

Question 6

What does 'Average' (Object > Path > Average) do to selected anchor points in Illustrator?

Accepted Answer

Aligns multiple selected anchor points to their average horizontal, vertical, or both-axis position

Answer

Calculates the average number of anchors across all open paths

Answer

Smooths all handles on selected points to average curve tension

Answer

Merges selected anchor points into one