Using the Direct Selection tool to select individual points on a path results in some anchor points moving while others remain stationary. In most kinds of path editing, this is the desired behavior, although it can result in paths that appear distorted. At times, you may want to stretch a path by moving selected points, but you may also want other points to move as necessary to maintain a nondistorted path appearance. The Reshape tool is perfect for this task.

1. Select a path using the Selection tool, and then select the Reshape tool.
2. Click an anchor point or a part of a path that you want to act as a focus point when you stretch the path. This way, you’ll have the most control over how this focused point is moved.

   You can also hold the Shift key and select additional focus points (as well as drag to marquee-select additional anchor points).

3. Once you’ve selected your focus points, click and drag one of the focus points to reshape the path.

   You’ll notice that as the points that are in focus move, other points in the path move as well to keep the general proportion of the path.

   Using the Reshape tool, you can stretch paths and reshape them without telltale distortion.