Adobe Illustrator Paths, Anchor Points, and Handles for Beginners

The basis of all vector artwork in Adobe Illustrator is paths, anchor points, and handles. Let's learn more about these three elements so we can use them in future tutorials when we get to designing SVG files.
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0:00 Introduction
1:20 Bounding boxes
2:36 Paths
4:20 Anchor points and handles
9:22 Manipulating handles
11:35 Adding and subtracting anchor points
12:51 Wrap up

[@sarahhunter3486]

I learned more in 15 minutes about Illustrator with you than the hours spent watching other tutorials, keep them coming and THANK YOU!

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

This is basically the best feedback I could get! Thank you!!

[@lmkelley1000]

Thank you. You are a great teacher

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

You are welcome!

[@barbaralieber1482]

I am so glad you are doing these lessons. Thank you sooooo much.

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

Glad you’re finding them useful!!

[@michellearchambault6555]

Thank you this was great! I love that you are incorporating the keyboard shortcuts as well.

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

Keyboard shortcuts are my faaaavorite!

[@Special-T_Crafts]

Very helpful, thank you!

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

You’re so welcome!

[@christopherdial]

We have used SVG’s for cutting machines for a long time but now I’ve been importing SVG’s into CAD and Bambu Studio for 3D printing. I’ve been adding anchor points to circles or else they are blocky in CAD programs. Is there a way to have a circle default with more anchor points in Illustrator? They look great in illustrator but when imported to tinkercad or Bambu they are lower poly.

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

I don't know of a way to do it by default, unfortunately. If you've been doing them by clicking individually, though, you can select your circle and go to Object > Path > Add Anchor Points and it will add more anchor points in the midpoint between existing anchor points. You can do it a few times and quickly get a lot of anchor points in your circle. I hope that helps!

[@christopherdial]

@@HeyLetsMakeStuff I did that and it works well. Just add more anchor points and it smooths the circles out.

[@naomikindaass]

Thank you!