Anchor types

Understand the three anchor point types that control how curves behave at each point on a vector path.

The three anchor types

Each anchor point on a vector path has a type that determines how the bezier handles behave:

Corner (sharp)

No bezier handles. The path meets the point with a sharp angle. Use this for:

Polygon corners
Geometric shapes with precise angles
Any intentionally hard corner

Mirrored (symmetric smooth)

Both bezier handles move together symmetrically — adjusting one handle mirrors the opposite side. The curve passes through the point smoothly. Use this for:

Organic flowing curves
Letter forms
Shapes where both sides of a curve should have equal tension

Disconnected (asymmetric / cusp)

Each bezier handle moves independently of the other. The curve can enter and exit the point at different angles and with different handle lengths. Use this for:

Curves that change direction asymmetrically
Transitions between a sharp edge on one side and a curve on the other
Organic shapes with irregular curves

Changing anchor type

Enter vector edit mode (double-click the vector layer or press Enter).
Select the anchor point you want to change.
Right-click the point, or use the toolbar that appears in vector edit mode, to choose an anchor type.

Changing the type does not move the point — it changes how the handles behave from that point onward.

Tips

Start with Mirrored for most smooth curves — switch to Disconnected only when you need asymmetric control.
Use Corner at every intentional angle in geometric shapes; using smooth types at corners creates unintended curves.
You can change anchor types without exiting and re-entering vector edit mode — just select different points and change types as needed.