Creation/Editing Mode - Main Menu - Nodes

The Nodes Menu is accessible only in creation/editing mode.

Edit All Nodes enables or disables the ability to select and manipulate nodes during editing. When disabled, only the nodes on the last edge element can be edited. This feature is particularly useful when nodes are positioned closely together, preventing the cursor from inadvertently selecting an existing node while attempting to create a new one. It essentially "locks" the majority of the nodes so they do not interfere with the placement of new ones.

Midpoint as First: When this option is enabled, a new curve element is created in two steps: the first click generates a straight line, and the second click transforms that line into a curve by using the previous point as the midpoint. If disabled, a curve is initiated on the first click, but the user must manually drag the midpoint (for quadratic curves) or control points (for Bézier curves) to the desired position.

The Align Beginning to Previous Object command moves the starting point of the edited object to the exact endpoint of the preceding object. This ensures a seamless transition and eliminates unwanted jump stitches between the two components.

The Align End to Next Object command functions similarly, aligning the endpoint of the current object with the starting point of the following object.

Align Outline Beginning to Beginning of Previous: When digitizing a complex outline, branching may require certain parts to start at the beginning of the previous segment rather than the end. This function places the start of the new segment precisely atop the start of the previous one. While the Arrange Outline Parts tool can accommodate minor placement deviations, using this alignment command helps prevent "Parts are not close enough" errors during the pathing process.

Rectify Element Direction aligns the nodes of a focused element so it becomes perfectly vertical, horizontal, or diagonal. The software automatically selects the orientation that most closely matches the element's original path.

Snap nodes to Work Area Edges, Snap to Guide Lines, Snap to Nodes, Snap to Grid, and Snap to Object Edges are specialized options for precision alignment. Nodes will snap to these respective references when they are moved within close proximity to Work Area boundaries, guide lines, existing nodes, grid intersections, or other object outlines.

Note: Additional snapping parameters are available under the main menu > Options. However, those settings are designed to snap entire objects rather than individual nodes.

The Snap to Nearest Node command shifts the selected node directly onto the nearest node of a separate object. This tool only considers nodes from other objects, not the one currently being edited, allowing for exact alignment between different design elements.

The Select First, Last, Next, and Previous Node commands navigate through the nodes on a vector edge. These tools are helpful for identifying start and end points on complex paths containing a high volume of nodes.