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Illustrators Pen Tool: The Comprehensive Guide - Partial
Tutorial Name: Illustrators Pen Tool: The Comprehensive Guide - Partial
Category: Graphics Tutorials
Submitted By: AR15
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If you use Adobe Illustrator, then it's almost certain that you use the Pen Tool when creating your paths. This comprehensive guide aims to introduce or remind you of features, shortcuts, and methods for working with what is arguably Adobe's most essential tool.
1. Functions
Pen Tool (P)
Click on artboard to create paths with straight segments, click and drag to create paths with Bezier curves.
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Note the tooltip which gives you precise pixel coordinates wherever your cursor points
Add Anchor Point Tool (+)
Click on a path segment to add anchor points.
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Delete Anchor Point Tool (-)
Click on anchor point to remove from path.
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Convert Anchor Point (Shift-C)
Click on an anchor point and drag to create bezier handles where there were none, click on an anchor point with handles to remove them.
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Alternatively, click and drag midway along a path to manipulate it as a curve.
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Scissors Tool (C)
Not part of the Pen Tool group, but definitely associated with it. Click on a path segment to divide into two paths.
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2. Keyboard Shortcuts
3. The Cursors
The Pen Tool takes on different forms depending on what you're doing when you're using it. Each cursor intuitively makes you aware of the action you are about to perform.
(Caps Lock to toggle between pointer and cross hair)
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Prepared to begin path
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Whilst midway through creating or editing a path (with grid coordinates)
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When mouse button is pressed
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When ready to add an anchor point to path
1. Functions
Pen Tool (P)
Click on artboard to create paths with straight segments, click and drag to create paths with Bezier curves.
[ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
Note the tooltip which gives you precise pixel coordinates wherever your cursor points
Add Anchor Point Tool (+)
Click on a path segment to add anchor points.
[ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
Delete Anchor Point Tool (-)
Click on anchor point to remove from path.
[ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
Convert Anchor Point (Shift-C)
Click on an anchor point and drag to create bezier handles where there were none, click on an anchor point with handles to remove them.
[ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
Alternatively, click and drag midway along a path to manipulate it as a curve.
[ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
Scissors Tool (C)
Not part of the Pen Tool group, but definitely associated with it. Click on a path segment to divide into two paths.
[ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
2. Keyboard Shortcuts
- Select Pen Tool (P)
- Select Add Anchor Point Tool (+)
- Select Delete Anchor Point Tool (-)
- Select Convert Anchor Point Tool (Shift-C)
- Select Scissors Tool (C)
- Join two anchor points (Command/Control-J)
3. The Cursors
The Pen Tool takes on different forms depending on what you're doing when you're using it. Each cursor intuitively makes you aware of the action you are about to perform.
(Caps Lock to toggle between pointer and cross hair)
[ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
Prepared to begin path
[ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
Whilst midway through creating or editing a path (with grid coordinates)
[ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
When mouse button is pressed
[ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
When ready to add an anchor point to path
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