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Graphic Design vocabulary · Design Software & Tools

Anchor point

Meaning in graphic design, with examples

/ˈæŋkər ˌpɔɪnt/nounAdvanced term

In graphic design, anchor point means: One of the points along a vector path that define its shape. Handles attached to an anchor point control how the curve bends.

In Turkish: bağlantı noktası, çapa noktası

How it is used

Used when drawing and cleaning up vector shapes. You add, delete, move or convert anchor points; designers aim for as few anchor points as possible to keep curves smooth and files clean.

Example sentences

  1. The auto-traced logo has hundreds of anchor points; redraw it by hand with the pen tool.

  2. Delete the extra anchor point on the curve and the bump will disappear.

Common collocations

  • add an anchor point
  • delete anchor points
  • smooth anchor point
  • corner anchor point
  • pen toolA drawing tool in design software that creates precise straight lines and smooth curves by placing anchor points and dragging handles to shape them.
  • vector graphicAn image made of points, lines and curves defined by mathematics rather than pixels, so it can be scaled to any size without losing quality. Logos and icons are usually vector graphics.
  • strokeThe outline or line drawn along the edge of a shape, path or text, with its own colour and thickness. The colour inside the shape is called the fill.
  • SVGScalable Vector Graphics: a vector file format for the web that stays sharp at any size and is often used for logos, icons and simple illustrations on websites and apps.

More terms: Design Software & Tools

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