Changing Node types

Smooth and sharp nodes

FontLab has several types of nodes with different symbols, indicating both the type of segment (straight or curve) that the node connects, and the type of connection (sharp or smooth).

Node Image	Description
	Smooth node (or Curve node) represented by a green, round node symbol indicates a smooth connection between two curve segments.
	Tangent node represented by a violet, triangular node symbol indicates a smooth connection between a curve segment and a straight segment.
	Sharp node (or Corner node) represented by a red, square node symbol indicates a sharp connection between any segment types.

The type of connection between segments is very important in maintaining the smoothness of contours. Connections can be of two types: smooth and sharp (non-smooth).

Using the Contour tool

To change the type of connection, double-click the node with the Contour tool or Ctrl-click the node and select the connection type in the popup menu:

Using Menu commands

The same can be done using menu commands:

• Contour > Nodes > Corner converts selected nodes to sharp nodes
• Contour > Nodes > Smooth converts selected nodes to smooth and tangent nodes

Using Rapid tool

When drawing with the Rapid tool, to change the type of connection, double-click the node.

Smart nodes

In FontLab, there are two kinds of smart nodes: servant nodes and genius nodes. To convert a node into a smart node, select it and either go to the Contour > Nodes menu or do a context-click (right-click) and choose Genius, X-Servant or Y-Servant, depending on the kind of smart node you would like.