The Illustrator pen tool: tips and tricks

Tired of watching Pen Tool tutorials on YouTube and in need of a good guide on how to use Adobe Illustrator’s Pen Tool? Look no further!

Whether you are a beginner or a well-seasoned graphic designer, the Pen Tool will always be one of Illustrator’s most powerful drawing tools.

Even after using Adobe Illustrator’s design program for many years and discovering new drawing tools and features, you will always need to use the Pen Tool to create awesome graphics one way or another. This essential tool can even help you turn dull objects into cool graphics in seconds.

TL;DR

• Explore the Pen Tool and a step-by-step guide on how to use it.
• Find answers to frequently asked questions about the Pen Tool.
• Discover an alternative to Illustrator’s Pen Tool that is more intuitive, easier to use, and free.

What is the Pen Tool?

The Pen Tool in Adobe Illustrator is one of the foundational tools for creating Vector graphics. It allows you to draw shapes with freeform curves and straight line segments. 

If you need to replicate any curves, you can do so with the Pen Tool. You can also use it to create and edit anchor points and paths.

But before we go into more detail, it is essential to mention that the Pen Tool is much more than a simple pen. If you have never used it before, remember it does not work like a regular pen, drawing wherever you drag the “pen.”

What it actually draws are vector paths. So, let’s explore the anatomy of a vector path.

A path is defined by a start and endpoint. Other points, angles, or curves can also be part of the path. Therefore, a path can be anything from a basic path to more complex curvy shapes.

Let’s look at Bézier Curves, which are mathematically defined curves. Four points define these types of curves:

• The initial position of the curve (also called an Anchor)
• The terminating position of the curve (also called an Anchor)
• And two separate middle points (also called Handles)

To alter the shape of the curve, all you have to do is move the handles. You can find the Adjustment Point at the end of each handle of any selected Anchor Point.

Once you pull on it, the Handles will pull the path outward into a curve. The further you drag, the bigger the curve will become.

All these path creation, path segments, vector shapes and curves enable you to create simple or complex illustrations.

You can also use the Pen Tool to trace outlines, make clipping masks, and create logos. Or you can use it for the creation of vector objects and much more.

How to use the Pen Tool in Adobe Illustrator

As mentioned earlier, the Pen Tool is all about the anchor points you connect to create lines — be they straight lines or curvy lines. To start using the Illustrator CC Pen Tool, go to the left toolbar and select the Pen Tool (P) to begin drawing.

Alternatively, you can use keyboard shortcuts to help you out, such as P, in this case, to select the Pen Tool.

How to draw straight lines

A straight line is the simplest path you will ever have to create with the Pen Tool. All you need to do is to add anchor points in Illustrator.

Here are three steps you need to take to create a straight line:

Step 1 – Select the Pen Tool (follow the instructions above).

Step 2 – Click and release on your Artboard in window to create the first Anchor Point (also known as the original Anchor Point).

Step 3 – Click and release anywhere else on your artboard to create another Anchor Point.

If you want to create perfectly straight lines, hold Shift while following Step 3 instructions.

Now, let’s further create a path using straight lines.

Step 4 – Depending on the path you want to create (be it a precise path, a corner angle, a solid square, and so on), keep clicking and releasing on your Artboard to create continuing Anchors linked with one another.

Step 5 – If you want to use these paths to create a particular shape, close the entire path by connecting the last anchor point to the original anchor point.

Once you do that, the ending point will be filled in black, making it easier for you to see the points where you started and finished.

How to draw a curved path

Drawing curvy lines is not as simple as drawing straight line segments. 

However, knowing how to use this feature will be helpful if you want to create silhouettes and shapes (geometric shapes, bowl shapes, or custom shapes), make a Clipping Mask, and so on.

Here are the steps you need to follow to create a curve segment:

Step 1: Select the Pen Tool.‍

Step 2: Position the pen tip on your Artboard (where you want the curve to begin) and hold down the mouse button.

Step 3: The first Anchor Point will appear once you do that. You will notice that the pen tip will change to an arrowhead.

Step 4: Drag the handles to set the slope of the curve line you want to make and extend direction lines while pressing the mouse button.

Step 5: Release the mouse button.

Step 6: To adjust the curve, click on the handle and move it around until you are satisfied with the look of the curve.

How to edit lines using the Pen Tool

Let's now look into how you can improve your curve lines and save time in the process.

Editing lines

Editing paths is made simple when using the Anchor Point Tool.

You can find the Anchor Point Tool right below the Pen Tool icon. Select the path and the Anchor Point tool to edit the curve you created. Then, click and drag on the anchor point to edit.

Once you are satisfied with the new look of the curve, you can release it.

Adding curves to a straight segment

The Anchor Point Tool is perfect for adding curves to straight paths. For instance, you can turn a corner to curve segments or change geometric shapes and turn them into custom shapes.

How to add an anchor point in Adobe Illustrator

Here’s a brief step-by-step guide on adding or removing anchor points in Illustrator.

Step 1: Select one of the paths you have created.

Step 2: Select the Pen Tool.

Step 3: To add an Anchor Point, click on the path with the plus sign; to remove a point, select the minus sign.

Another way how to achieve the same result when you want to delete anchor points:

‍Step 1: Select the Pen Tool.

Step 2: Hover on an existing anchor point. Once you do that, the Pen Tool will automatically change to “Delete Anchor Point Tool.” You will soon notice the minus sign next to the Pen Tool.

Step 3: Click on the anchor points that you want to remove.

Step 4: Admire the newly created shape!

How to use the Pen Tool in Linearity Curve

Did you know you can achieve similar results with the Pen Tool in Linearity Curve?

Known for its intuitive interface, Linearity Curve is an excellent, free alternative to Illustrator — for beginners and experienced designers alike.

In the following sections, we will demonstrate how to use the Pen Tool on the iPad, using Linearity Curve.

Drawing straight paths

You must first tap on the canvas to create a basic path. This will allow you to make the first Bézier Node (which is highlighted in green color). Then, tap anywhere else on the canvas to add a second Node. Once you do that, a line will appear.

Want to continue the path? Simply continue tapping and creating new Nodes as you go. This way, you can create any shape you desire.

Closing straight paths

Position the Pen Tool over one endpoint and tap once to close a path. Then, tap again over the other endpoint to create a closed path or closed shape.

If you want to leave a path open, double-tap over the End Node (the one marked in red color) or select a different tool.

Creating curved paths

Like Illustrator, creating curved paths in Linearity Curve involves dragging the Direction Handles.

Step 1: Tap once on the canvas to set the Start Node.

Step 2: Drag your pencil or finger to determine the path direction and the arc of the curve you want to create.

Step 3: Lift your pencil or finger off the canvas.

Step 4: Choose the direction of the second Bézier Node.

Step 5: Tap and drag your pencil or finger to determine the direction of the curve.

Step 6: Experiment with the handles until you are satisfied with the result.

A few tips:

1. Keep an eye on the handles. They will determine how shallow or deep the curve will be.

It is always recommended to experiment as much as you can to understand how the handles work and how to create various shapes using curved paths.

1. Linearity Curve automatically generates an Asymmetrical Node if you just tap and drag paths.

Any curved paths that have different distances from the Bézier Node but share the same angle are called Asymmetrical Nodes.

There are four different types of Nodes in Curve:

• The Single Node
• The Mirrored Node
• The Asymmetric Node
• The Disconnected Node

Closing curved paths

There are various scenarios and ways to close curved paths using Curve's Pen Tool. One way is to complete the shape by tapping once on the first node you created.

Another way is to combine the Node and Pen Tools. This is useful if you have an open path that you wish to close. First, select the entire path using the Node Tool and activate the Pen Tool.

After that, tap on one of the two nodes you want to close. Once you do that, tap on the other closing node to close the path.

Ready to master the Pen Tool?

We hope that our guide was helpful and made it clear to you how you can use Illustrator’s Pen Tool and why you need to master this essential tool.

If you have not started practicing it yet in Illustrator, feel free to use all the above scenarios to get started and feel more comfortable using it. In case you have started practicing with Illustrator but need a more intuitive alternative, then Curve's Pen Tool is the answer.

The above suggestions are just a preview of what you can do with Curve Pen Tool and how easy it is to use via iPad and iPhone devices.

Ready to master this essential tool? Download Linearity Curve for free and start practicing your vector drawing skills.