closepath

Closepath is a path operation used in vector graphics languages such as PostScript and PDF. It closes the current subpath by appending a straight line segment from the current point to the subpath's initial point, thereby forming a closed shape. After the operation, the current point becomes the subpath's starting point. Closepath does not stroke or fill the path by itself; it only alters the geometry of the path. Filling or stroking is performed by separate operators later.

In PostScript the operator is called closepath and takes no operands. In PDF the equivalent operation is h. In SVG, the close command is represented by the Z or z command within a path data string; it closes the current subpath to the initial point.

Effect on rendering: A closed subpath is treated as a polygon-like region for filling with the current fill rule. If a path is stroked, the closing segment is included in the stroke. Some formats also reset the current point to the starting point after closing, enabling continuous drawing from that point if more segments are appended.

Usage notes: Use closepath when you want to create shapes with a defined boundary without adding extra vertices. If a subpath is already closed or has a single point, closepath may have a degenerate effect. It is common to apply closepath before fill to ensure a clean boundary.

See also: Path, Moveto, Lineto, Curveto, Fill, Stroke, SVG closepath.