Tips for Using Pen Tool

The Pen Tool is one of the hardest tools I’ve ever learned in Adobe Illustrator. Before, I preferred Corel Draw in tracing since this is the first designer’s software I’ve mastered in working with vectors. It really takes time to learn how it works particularly for beginners but it is great once you find out. Being well-versed with this powerful tool is one of the most vital skills a graphic designer must possess. Here are some tips that will help you master in creating paths. Don’t stop until you figured it out and soon you will be able to create different vector artworks.
Use few anchor points as possible
Using too many points will cause unwanted bumps in a curve

Use shortcuts like Alt/Option or Ctrl/Command
to quickly exchange to other tools.

Select the direct selection tool before you choose the pen tool.
Pick the direct selection tool before you pick the pen tool. Hold the command (Mac) ctrl (Windows) to have temporary access to the last tool used (Direct Selection) so you can make adjustments on your anchor points and handles without disabling the path.

Use the spacebar.
While holding the space bar you access the hand to navigate your around your document without disabling the path.

Click and drag to make a point into a Bezier curve.
Select the Direct Selection tool (it’s the white arrow) to manually adjust when the curve doesn't look right to you.

Press and hold (Windows) or Option-drag (Mac OS) to split the bezier curve
(While mouse button is still depressed)

Press and hold down space bar to move the point
(While mouse button is still depressed)

Drag your handle and make its length around 1/3 of the length of the segment
This way it is easier to draw curved line

Alt-drag (Windows) or Option-drag (Mac OS) direction lines to break out the direction lines of an anchor point.

Related Topics

Pen Tool Exercises< /a >

Pen Tool Tutorial< /a >

Illustrator's Pen Tool, Comprehensive Guide< /a >

How to use Illustrator Pen Tool< /a >

Practice Templates for Using the Pen Tool< /a >