How to edit Polygon tool in Illustrator?

You can edit polygons in Adobe Illustrator by adjusting their core properties as "Live Shapes" directly on the artboard or through the Properties panel, as well as applying various transformations and artistic enhancements using a range of tools.

Illustrator's Polygon tool creates dynamic shapes that retain their editable properties, allowing for quick modifications without converting them to outlines.

Editing Polygon Properties (Live Shapes)

Modern versions of Illustrator treat polygons as "Live Shapes," meaning you can easily modify their fundamental characteristics even after they've been drawn.

Changing the Number of Sides

One of the most common edits for a polygon is altering its number of sides.

Using the On-Artboard Widget: After drawing a polygon, select it with the Selection tool (V). You'll see a small diamond-shaped widget (or similar control) on one of its sides. Drag this widget inward or outward to dynamically decrease or increase the number of sides.
Using the Properties Panel (Most Precise): For precise control, follow these steps:
1. Select the polygon you wish to edit with the Selection tool (V).
2. Open the Properties panel (Window > Properties).
3. In the Transform section of the Properties panel, locate the Live Shape properties (often represented by an icon or additional options).
4. Click More options (often a three-dot icon) to reveal a slider or an input field for the "Sides" value. Use the slider or enter a specific number to change the polygon's sides (e.g., from a hexagon to a pentagon or octagon).

Adjusting Radius and Rotation

Beyond the number of sides, you can also modify the polygon's overall size (radius) and rotation:

Radius: In the Properties panel's Transform section, you'll typically find options to adjust the polygon's radius (overall size) either by numerical input or sometimes via an on-artboard control.
Rotation: Also within the Transform section of the Properties panel, you can enter a precise angle for rotation. Alternatively, hover the Selection tool (V) near a corner of the bounding box until a curved double-arrow appears, then drag to rotate.

General Transformations and Manipulations

Once a polygon is drawn, you can transform it like any other object in Illustrator.

Resizing, Rotating, and Skewing

Selection Tool (V): Select the polygon, then drag the bounding box handles to resize it. Hold Shift to constrain proportions or Alt/Option to scale from the center. To rotate, hover just outside a corner of the bounding box and drag.
Free Transform Tool (E): This versatile tool allows you to scale, rotate, reflect, and shear objects dynamically. Select the polygon and then choose the Free Transform tool to access its various modes.
Transform Panel (Window > Transform): For absolute precision, use the Transform panel to numerically input values for Width (W), Height (H), X and Y coordinates, rotation angle, and shear.

Rounding Corners with Live Corners

Illustrator's Live Corners feature allows you to round, invert round, or chamfer polygon corners dynamically:

Select the polygon with the Direct Selection tool (A).
You'll see small circular widgets appear on the inside of each corner.
Drag any corner widget inward to round all corners simultaneously.
To edit individual corners, click on a specific anchor point with the Direct Selection tool (A), then drag its corner widget.
For precise control, use the Corners section in the Properties panel when a polygon or its anchor points are selected. Here you can set a specific radius and choose the corner type (Round, Inverted Round, Chamfer).

Editing Anchor Points (Advanced Manipulation)

For more intricate changes that go beyond a standard polygon shape, you can manipulate its individual anchor points:

Direct Selection Tool (A): Select the tool, then click and drag individual anchor points or segments of the polygon to reshape it.
Pen Tool (P): You can use the Pen tool to add new anchor points (by clicking on a segment) or delete existing ones (by clicking on an anchor point).
Anchor Point Tool (Shift+C): Convert sharp corner points into smooth (Bezier) points with handles, or vice versa, allowing for organic curves.

Enhancing Polygons with Appearance Attributes

You can further customize your polygons using various appearance attributes.

Fills and Strokes

Properties Panel / Swatches Panel (Window > Swatches): Easily change the fill color (the inside of the shape) and stroke color (the outline) using the color pickers or pre-defined swatches.
Stroke Panel (Window > Stroke): Adjust the stroke weight, cap, corner style, and add dashed lines.
Gradients: Apply linear or radial gradients for more complex fills.

Applying Effects

Effect Menu: Illustrator offers a wide array of effects (Effect menu) that can be applied to polygons. These include options under Distort & Transform (e.g., Pucker & Bloat, Zig Zag), Stylize (e.g., Drop Shadow), and more, allowing for creative distortions and visual enhancements. Effects remain editable in the Appearance panel.

Practical Workflow Table

Edit Type	Tool/Panel	Description
Number of Sides	Properties Panel / On-Artboard Widget	Change the fundamental geometry of the polygon.
Size & Rotation	Selection Tool (V) / Free Transform (E) / Properties Panel	Scale, rotate, reflect, or skew the entire shape.
Corner Radius	Direct Selection Tool (A) / Properties Panel	Round, chamfer, or invert corners dynamically (Live Corners).
Individual Points	Direct Selection Tool (A) / Pen Tool (P)	Manipulate specific anchor points to create custom shapes.
Color & Style	Properties Panel / Swatches / Stroke Panel	Customize fill colors, stroke colors, weights, and styles.
Special Effects	Effect Menu / Appearance Panel	Add distortions, shadows, glows, and other artistic embellishments.

By leveraging these tools and panels, you can precisely and creatively edit polygons in Adobe Illustrator to fit your design needs.