Turning a straight line into a curve

Not sure what shape you're trying to make but the custom shape tool ( I presume you mean the Draw tool, which looks like a pen nib) can make just about any shape. It works in similar manner to like tools in Illustrator etc.

Are you click-dragging when you get to a vertex or point (to introduce bezier handles). This allows you change the curves, or remove them.

Also, select the shape and go to Format -> Shape -> Smooth Path may help, and Format -> Shape -> Make Editable. Holding down the Option key and clicking on the side of a shape allows you to add more points to a shape.

Using the Drawing Tool, draw a straight line by clicking three times in a row, to make three points on an (approximate) straight line. The Make Editable option is now available. Double-click on the middle point and the bezier handles will appear. This will allow you change the size of the curve and you will also be able to move the point into the middle or wherever.

You can use the rulers and guides to help get the line straight, as well as the Metrics tab on the Inspector.

It seems to be a long way to do things but the flexibility of the Drawing Tool with the bezier handles becomes more apparent if you are used to using a vector drawing program such as Illustrator.

As far as I know, there is no way to "curve" a staight line.
Start directly with the "Draw a Shape" tool.


Yvan KOENIG (from FRANCE lundi 6 octobre 2008 15:44:22)

Previously, someone wanted to draw a half circle line with an arrow, and I figured out this way to do it.

http://idisk.mac.com/makentosh-Public/halfcirclearrow.mov

Going through this will also help acclimate you to Keynote's drawing tools.