If you use Adobe Illustrator, then it’s almost certain that you use the Pen tool when creating your paths.
This guide aims to introduce or remind you of features, shortcuts, and methods for
working with what is arguably Adobe’s most essential tool.
You will locate the pen tool in the toolbar, which resembles the tip of an ink pen. You can also use the keyboard shortcut “p” to select the tool quickly.
The Cursors
The pen tool takes on different forms depending on what you’re doing when you’re using it.
Each one intuitively makes you aware of the action you are about to perform.
Secondary Mouse Controls
Pen tool hover over anchor point : changes to Delete anchor point tool
Pen tool hover over path segment : changes to Add anchor point tool
Pen tool hover over end anchor point : changes to Convert anchor point tool
Keyboard Controls
Hold Shift to constrain movements to 45°, 90°, 135° or 180° whilst creating or editing anchor points and handles.
Select anchor point with Direct selection tool and click Delete. Anchor and adjoining path segments are deleted leaving two paths.
Pen tool + Option (Alt) : changes to Convert anchor point tool.Pen tool hover over bezier handle + Command (Ctrl) : allows editing of bezier curve.
Pen tool + Option (Alt) whilst creating bezier curve : splits curve (unhinges handles).
Pen tool hover over bezier handle + Option (Alt) : splits curve (unhinges handles).
Scissors tool + Option (Alt) : changes to Add anchor point tool.Add anchor point tool + Option (Alt) : changes to Delete anchor point tool.
Delete anchor point tool + Option (Alt) : changes to Add anchor point tool.
Functions
Pen tool : Click on artboard to create paths with straight segments, click and drag to create paths with Bezier curves.
Add anchor point tool : Click on a path segment to add anchor points.
Delete anchor point tool : Click on anchor point to remove from path.
Convert anchor point : Click on an anchor point and drag to create bezier handles where there were none, click on an anchor point with handles to a remove them.
Conclusion
The problem with the pen tool is that is isn't easily explained, because you need to feel and see how it works. Also when you are using Illustrator's Pen tool as long as I do you tend to forget how difficult and confusing it can be for beginners. But with the above guide of the basic Pen fiction its a good place to start getting to grips with the pen tool.
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