Mass Deletion of Bezier Handles in Illustrator

Removing Bezier Handles in Adobe Illustrator for Multiple Shapes

In Adobe Illustrator, you can remove Bezier handles from anchor points for multiple shapes simultaneously using several methods, including scripts, plugins, or manually using the Convert Anchor Point Tool for mass point conversion.

Table of Contents

• Basic Methods for Removing Handles
• Batch Removal for Multiple Shapes
• Using Scripts for Automation
• Plugins and Third-Party Tools
• Step-by-Step Instructions

Basic Methods for Removing Handles

In Adobe Illustrator, there are several ways to remove Bezier handles from anchor points, both for individual shapes and groups of objects.

Convert Anchor Point Tool

The most common method is using the Convert Anchor Point Tool (the gear icon in the toolbar). To remove handles:

1. Select the Convert Anchor Point Tool
2. Click on the anchor points where you want to remove handles
3. The handles will be automatically removed, and the point will convert to a corner point

According to SmallBusiness.Chron, “The Convert Anchor Point tool will remove the handles from a point and remove the curve between two points, creating a straight line.”

Keyboard Shortcuts and Combinations

For faster handle removal, you can use keyboard combinations:

• Alt + click on an anchor point using the Pen Tool
• Ctrl + click (Cmd + click on Mac) on a point to remove handles

As noted on GraphicDesign.StackExchange, “The one method I know to achieve this is using the pen tool and alt clicking on the corner, but that retracts both sides of the bezier, so I’d have to redraw the other side where I do want the handle.”

Manual Handle Removal

For removing individual handles one at a time:

1. Select the Direct Selection Tool (white arrow)
2. Click on a handle and drag it back to the anchor point
3. Repeat for the second handle if necessary

According to Adobe Community, “In Illustrator you can drag one handle back to the anchor point to remove it (and the point icon changes slightly when you’re on top of it) but not in Photoshop, it’s one of the subtle ways the vector engine differs between the two programs.”

Batch Removal for Multiple Shapes

For simultaneously removing handles from multiple shapes, consider the following approaches:

Selection and Simultaneous Processing

1. Select all shapes where you want to remove handles
2. Use the Convert Anchor Point Tool
3. Click on multiple anchor points simultaneously
4. Handles will be removed from all selected points

GraphicDesign.StackExchange mentions: “On the top options, click first the Convert selected anchor points to smooth button, the green arrow on the image.”

Using the Properties Panel

1. Select multiple objects
2. Open the Properties panel
3. Find the Path or Anchor Points section
4. Use point conversion options

Using Scripts for Automation

The most efficient way to remove handles from large groups of shapes is by using JavaScript scripts.

Finding Ready-Made Scripts

There are ready-made scripts for mass handle removal:

• On the Adobe Exchange website
• In the Illustrator developer community
• On forums like Reddit

According to a Reddit discussion, “you can do it with a script. there should already be one floating around. you could google it or ask in the adobe forums… Try this script, you can see results here. You’ll need to select any anchor it affects (and not handles, must be the…”

Example Basic Script

// Script to remove handles from selected objects
(function() {
    if (app.documents.length > 0) {
        var doc = app.activeDocument;
        var selection = doc.selection;
        
        for (var i = 0; i < selection.length; i++) {
            var item = selection[i];
            if (item.typename == "PathItem") {
                for (var j = 0; j < item.pathPoints.length; j++) {
                    var point = item.pathPoints[j];
                    point.leftDirection = point.anchor;
                    point.rightDirection = point.anchor;
                }
            }
        }
    }
})();

Running Scripts

1. Save the script with a .jsx extension
2. In Illustrator, select File > Scripts > Other Script
3. Choose the saved file
4. The script will automatically process the selected objects

Plugins and Third-Party Tools

For working with Bezier handles, there are specialized plugins:

Reform Plugin

As noted on the AstuteGraphics website, “The Reform Plugin allows you to sculpt your paths and avoid bezier handles. You can save your Reform profiles before you apply them to your path, reducing”

Advantages of Reform Plugin:

• Ability to sculpt paths without handles
• Save profiles for reuse
• Integration with Illustrator workflow

Other Useful Plugins

• VectorFirstAid - for cleaning and optimizing vectors
• TrueCharts - for working with Bezier curves
• CADtools - for technical graphics and precise control

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a comprehensive guide for removing handles from multiple shapes:

Method 1: Using Convert Anchor Point Tool

1. Select all shapes where you want to remove handles
2. In the toolbar, select the Convert Anchor Point Tool (gear icon)
3. Double-click on the anchor points where you want to remove handles
4. Handles will be removed, and points will become corner points

Method 2: Mass Conversion via Panel

1. Select multiple objects
2. Open the Path or Transform panel
3. Find the Convert Anchor Points option
4. Apply the transformation to all selected objects

Method 3: Combined Approach

1. Group the objects (Ctrl+G / Cmd+G)
2. Select the Direct Selection Tool
3. Select multiple anchor points simultaneously
4. Use the Convert Anchor Point Tool for mass removal

Method 4: Scripting Approach

1. Find or create a script for handle removal
2. Select all target objects
3. Run the script via File > Scripts
4. Wait for processing to complete

Conclusion

Removing Bezier handles from anchor points for multiple shapes in Adobe Illustrator can be accomplished through several methods:

1. For small groups - manual use of the Convert Anchor Point Tool
2. For medium volumes - mass selection and simultaneous processing
3. For large projects - automation using scripts
4. For professional work - using specialized plugins

It’s recommended to choose a method based on the volume of work and required precision. For regular tasks, creating custom scripts or using ready-made solutions from the designer community is best.

Sources

1. How to Get Rid of Handles on Illustrator - SmallBusiness.Chron
2. Remove an anchor point’s bezier handle in Illustrator - GraphicDesign.StackExchange
3. Mass-remove Bezier Curves in Illustrator - GraphicDesign.StackExchange
4. Is it possible to remove a batch of anchor points without opening the shape - Reddit
5. Delete just one handle from anchor point - Adobe Community
6. Avoid bezier handles in Illustrator - AstuteGraphics
7. How to Delete Anchor Points in Illustrator - YouTube (Pixel & Bracket)
8. Cleaning Anchor Points in Illustrator (With a Single Click!) - YouTube (Andy Tells Things)