Adobe Illustrator Basic Tools Series: Part 3: The Pen Tool

Summary of Part 3: The Pen Tool

Full Video Demonstration Below

Use the Following guide to learn how to utilise the functionality of the Pen Tool in Illustrator:

1) The Pen Tool creates paths (lines) and Anchor Points (including Bézier Handles). It is used to create and manipulate Straight Lines and Curves

2) To create Straight Lines, select the Pen tool and make multiple clicks around the canvas (Note: white dot appears when object may be closed)

3) To create a horizontal/vertical line, hold shift between clicks.

4) To Create a Bézier Curve, click and hold the left mouse button when making anchor points, then drag curve into desired shape.

5) The user can then use the Direct Selection tool to grab Anchor Points or Bézier Handles in order to manipulate the curvature of the linework.

6) Click and Hold on the Pen Tool to see more Pen Tool Options.

7) To add an Anchor Point, First Select your object, then select the add Anchor Point Tool, click anywhere on the linework to add an anchor

8) To remove an anchor, select the Delete Anchor Point Tool and select the anchor which you wish to remove.

9) This Summarises the Uses of the Pen Tool. One should practice using this tool, as it can be difficult to get used to initially.

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