# Add and edit a shape

You can insert predawn shapes, such as triangles, arrows, circles, and rectangles, to use as simple graphics. After you add a shape to a page, you can customize the shape in a number of ways. For example, you can change the standard five-point star into a twenty-point starburst and adjust how rounded the corners of a square are.

1. In the Images sidebar, click on the Shapes tab.
2. Drag a shape to the document to add it.
3. Drag the shape to reposition it on the page.

1. Click a shape to select it.
2. Choose Format > Shapes > Make Shape Editable (from the Format menu at the top of your screen).
3. Do one of the following:
   - To toggle between curved and straight handles: Double-click on a handle.
   - To reposition handles: Drag the handle to a new position. Curved handles have additional Bézier handles to let you adjust the curve itself.

     For fine control of Bézier curves do one of the following:

     - To control both handles: Press the Option key and drag either handle. The other handle mirrors the dragged handle.
     - To separate the handles: Press the Command key and drag either handle. The other handle remains in place.
   - To change all corner points in one or more shapes into curved points: Choose Format > Shape > Smooth Path (from the Format menu at the top of your screen).
   - To change all curved points in one or more shapes into corner points: Choose Format > Shape > Sharpen Path (from the Format menu at the top of your screen).
   - To insert a new point: Press the Option key while the pointer is on the border of the shape. When the pointer takes the shape of a pen tip with a + sign, click to add the new point.
4. Click outside the shape when you're done editing it.

Some smart shapes include controls that let you adjust the appearance of the shape, for example you can add more points to a five-point star.

1. Click a shape to select it.
2. Do any of the following:
   - Reshape the corners of a rounded rectangle: To adjust the roundness of the corners drag the white round handle toward the corner to sharpen, or toward the center to make it rounder.
   - Change the number of points on a star: When you select a star shape, a slider control appears below where you can drag right or left to add or remove points.
   - Change the shape of the points on a star: Drag the inner white dot toward the center of the star to make the points longer and narrower, or drag away from the center to make the points shorter and wider.
   - Change the number of points on a polygon: When you select a polygon shape, a slider control appears below where you can drag right or left to add or remove points.
   - Adjust the proportions of arrows: drag the white round handle toward the tip of the arrowhead to make arrowhead shallower, or drag the handle toward the side point of the arrow to make arrow's trunk thicker.
   - See more editing handles to make a shape freeform or abstract: Choose Format > Shapes > Make Shape Editable (from the Format menu at the top of your screen). Move your pointer between any two existing points while holding down the [Option] key, then click and drag. Create and position as many handles as you want, then click away from the shape when you're done.

To work with multiple shapes at the same time, hold down the Shift key while you click the shapes.

## See also

Add watermarks and background elements

Use element styles

Resize and rotate elements

Position and align elements