86

I always ended up just creating a new rounded rectangle if the existing one don't work. Is there a way to modify the corner radius without having to create a new shape?

I know I can modify the bezier handle manually one-by-one, but I can't figure out how to do this in a more accurate way for all 4 corners.

Improve this question
31

In the new Adobe Illustrator CC, you can use 2 easy methods to change the corner radius of a rounded corner rectangle that has already been drawn:

1. By moving the round handles

Simply hold and drag the round blue handles in each corner.

How to change the corder radius of a rounded rectangle

2. By going in the Shape Options (more precise)

You can change the border radius of all four corners with precision by using the Shape Options and simply enter a new measurement for your corners.

To change only one corner or give a different corner radius value to each of them, click the chain in the middle and fill the corner radius field for each corner.

How to change numerically the corners of a rounded rectangle

Improve this answer
  • 1
    I have neither shape button nor blue handles. I'm using CS6 – 10 Replies Aug 27 '17 at 13:04
  • 1
    I believe this answer has been rendered obsolete by Adobe's policy of constantly changing interface. Someone needs to tell Adobe an inconsistent interface is a bad thing. – HopDavid Mar 28 '18 at 20:20
  • 1
    In Illustrator CC 2018 I found this under: Appearance (panel) > FX > Stylize > Round Corners. – Preston Badeer Mar 31 '18 at 17:59
  • 1
    @PrestonBadeer Thanks for that. Seems you need to start with an non-rounded-corner rectangle for this to work though. – Jonathan Cross Jul 26 '19 at 12:54
  • To round only a specific corner: 1. Deselect everything; 2. Use the "Direct Selection Tool (A)" to select only the specific corner; 3. Drag the "Live Corner" handles (i.e., the blue circle handles) as desired, or adjust more precisely via the "Corners" field on the control panel. – Jason Sparc Apr 25 '20 at 9:44
48

It seems like the best way is to use the Stylize/Round Corners effect on a regular rectangle. This way the corner radius is changeable and independent of the rectangle transform property.

With this method, the Appearance panel will have a Round Corners setting for any round rectangle paths. This will allow you to edit the corner radius for existing shapes.

Appearance Panel with Round Corners

Improve this answer
  • 1
    But too bad that if you then use that path as a Clipping Mask the rounding effect will break. And if you do the Clipping Mask first, then try to add the Round Corners effect the image disappears. If trying to use this method with a Clipping Mask you can't win. – Mentalist May 17 '15 at 7:55
36

While drawing rounded rectangle (while still holding your mouse button), press UP and DOWN arrows to change radius. This is a common way of changing attribute values of certain tools in AI.

Improve this answer
  • 1
    While true, this doesn't answer the question of editing after the rectangle has been drawn. – Scott Sep 22 '12 at 19:38
  • Thanks, that's a simple and really helpful trick. – CuriousMarc Jan 10 at 6:04
8

Try using Convert to Shape effect: Effect → Convert to Shape → Rounded Rectangle.

Improve this answer
7

Seems you've already figured out that the Stylize Effect is a better method. If you want to go one step further check out VectorScribe from http://www.astutegraphics.com it's a fabulous plug in that will allow you to not only continually round any corner but also had many other very useful features.

Improve this answer

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.