How To Use The Pen Tool in Illustrator

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 6 вер 2024
  • There’s many tools and techniques that need to be learned in order to master the art of vector illustration, but none may be more important than knowing how to manually create freehand lines and shapes. In Adobe Illustrator, the tool that allows you to do that is the Pen Tool, and in today’s tutorial I’ll be demonstrating how to use the Pen Tool in Illustrator.
    In Adobe Illustrator, the Pen Tool allows you to manually draw freehand lines and shapes. It allows you to draw straight or curved edges that can be used either as independent lines or as complete shapes.
    If you want to learn more about logo design, be sure to check out my Logo Design Academy - an interactive 18-part video course where you will learn my entire creative process for coming up with logo ideas and implementing them: logosbynick.co...
    Need a logo? Check out my portfolio and hire me at: www.logosbynic...
    Intro song: "In Da Mood" by Combustibles, used with written permission

КОМЕНТАРІ • 196

  • @jakebrayojeda3484
    @jakebrayojeda3484 Рік тому +92

    Ok I have been watching pen tool tutorials for a while now, and I was just still not able to figure out how to use it. You have been the first one to actually say you have to press ENTER to end the path and that you can press SPACE to move it. Those little things matter greatly when trying to teach. Thank you!! I have definitely subscribed!!

    • @artcrushmovies5336
      @artcrushmovies5336 Рік тому +3

      You can also press ALT and click on the anchor point to cut off the rounding handle and get a sharp line from that point. It's easier than pressing ENTER each time and reselecting the anchor point.

    • @thetrollpatrol8799
      @thetrollpatrol8799 Рік тому

      Wow. I was struggling with that for too long and couldn’t figure it out

    • @GeanImation
      @GeanImation Рік тому

      or press esc

    • @myhavocal
      @myhavocal Рік тому +1

      ​@@artcrushmovies5336or you could just click on the old anchor point and it will cut off the handle and turn it into a line without pressing anything just giving some quicker ways here

    • @artcrushmovies5336
      @artcrushmovies5336 Рік тому

      @@myhavocal appreciate it.

  • @jrdub7546
    @jrdub7546 4 роки тому +59

    I'm not sure I've ever made a comment on a video but I'm in college for game design and this video taught me more about the pen tool (literally everything I wanted to know plus stuff I didn't even know to ask about) than the last two weeks of my classes combined. So thanks.

  • @Dan_ny
    @Dan_ny 3 роки тому +22

    2:54 instead of pressing enter you can just click on the last anchor point there and it will also have the same effect :)

    • @revolvency
      @revolvency 3 роки тому

      Thank, it helps a lot

    • @bort-
      @bort- 3 роки тому

      Yeah not sure why anyone would do it using enter 🤔

    • @EthanEmc2
      @EthanEmc2 Рік тому

      @@bort- i think it may be easier if they are just beginning and or depending on the subject they are tracing

  • @TheRubberStudiosASMR
    @TheRubberStudiosASMR Рік тому +9

    Best tutorial ever! Clear and concise, no annoying music in the background. It took going through about 50 annoying videos to find this one. Thanks

  • @Mynuereality
    @Mynuereality 2 роки тому +11

    Beginner here and all I gotta say is your tutorials have been the most helpful and easy to understand. I hope to learn more illustrator tutorials from you. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!

  • @dariensalomon6672
    @dariensalomon6672 3 роки тому +18

    “Learning curve...”. I see what you did there;)

  • @nickname420
    @nickname420 2 роки тому +10

    YOU'RE LITERALLY THE BEST
    I'm a graphic desing student struggling to understand Ilustrator but the way you explained it made it all clear, thank you so much for this tutorial!

  • @JerryN7970
    @JerryN7970 7 місяців тому +1

    I’ve been using the pen tool since Illustrator 5.0 in the ‘90’s when I first learned the program, but I occasionally watch videos on people using the pen tool, just to see if there’s anything new that I didn’t know before. I actually didn’t know about the enter key to end the path, so thank you for that! But one thing I never see anyone point out is, if you drag out a handlebar to finish a curve, but then want a new curve that angles off in a different direction, hold down the option (alt) key and then click and drag out from the last anchor point. That breaks the handlebar in a different direction. This creates a curve that comes to a point and then curves off in a different direction. It also works to close a path, when you come back to your starting anchor point, you can option (alt) click the first anchor point, and drag out a handlebar in a different direction.

  • @i.gerarhumaru6640
    @i.gerarhumaru6640 2 роки тому +7

    This procedure may appear most simple and basic, yet the ‘rabbit hole’ of its sophistication difficult to follow without such tutorials as this. Thank you for easing my stress of mastering and manipulating the pen tool!

  • @vernielariosa8996
    @vernielariosa8996 2 роки тому +23

    This is awesome. I love how you explained things clearly. I appreciate you for creating this tutorial to help others. Kudos!

  • @Leadweight2
    @Leadweight2 2 роки тому +1

    4:30 Saved me right there. Thanks a milion for this! No other video I watched explained this simple step of NO FILL

  • @PolDee187
    @PolDee187 10 місяців тому

    at 3:06 , you can also just left click on the last anchor and it switches back from a curve to a straight line .. the cursor indicates that. no need to press enter if you wanna go ahead immediately .. In case somebody doesn't know that :) .. great tutorial Mr.

  • @marabbaatube3149
    @marabbaatube3149 2 місяці тому

    you teach us in clear way dear! NO ONE ELSE, ON THIS POINT!

  • @joemarwil
    @joemarwil 10 місяців тому

    Instead of ending the line with Enter, you can click back on the last endpoint to change the current line to a straight line and then continue drawing. This allows you to maintain continuity of the shape till you close it off. Just one less step. Thanks, man!

  • @jobaecker9752
    @jobaecker9752 2 роки тому

    Are you kidding me? I've been doing (mainly photoshop) for 25+ years and, having just recently switched vector illustrations to Illustrator, NOW I learn these incredible pen shortcuts? Not to mention the Alt+mouse wheel zoom trick? I'm embarrassed! (But grateful!) Thanks!

  • @savillah
    @savillah Рік тому

    Thank you ! Wish I had seen this yesterday when I spent 3 hours trying to learn the pen tool & failed miserably.

  • @lilahylizaliturri9101
    @lilahylizaliturri9101 2 роки тому +1

    Wow, finally someone taught using pen tool and anchor tool that worked! Thank you soooo much.

  • @richardyasushiii3848
    @richardyasushiii3848 Рік тому

    Dude, this is the BEST tutorial for Illustrator's pen tool! I was banging my head against the wall for years because every other tutorial was unnecessarily complex and confusing. I hated this f•king tool for as long as I could remember and avoided it - but this just made it all make sense. Thank-you. Instant sub.

  • @MrDeerbomb
    @MrDeerbomb 4 роки тому +2

    You can use alt key to adjust the next angle and make a sharp point without having to press enter key

    • @stormy7744
      @stormy7744 4 роки тому +1

      This does not seem to be working in Illustrator 2020 for me, it's very frustrating.

    • @designengineeringservices9149
      @designengineeringservices9149 4 роки тому +1

      @@stormy7744 try essential classis enviroment

    • @catcygaming6145
      @catcygaming6145 2 роки тому

      how to move on corve anchor. what is the special key for move anchor
      plzz tell me

  • @lovelifewithchris5683
    @lovelifewithchris5683 2 роки тому +1

    Bro!! You touched on a few simple things that I could not find anyone talking about for the life of me!! Thank you soooo much! 🙏🏼💪🏼

  • @mimishell8956
    @mimishell8956 8 місяців тому

    thank you very much for the clear instructions, my teacher did not mention Enter to end the path either and I was so frustrated that I am such an idiot that I was not able to do things smoothly as it was requested. I am not an English native speaker so I also enjoyed clear English and a lovely voice to listen to. Subscribed :)

  • @kyoukatti
    @kyoukatti 11 місяців тому

    wow, this was so helpful! I started my school later than others and been having hard times following teacher on a illustrator class! (He dont give any helpful notes, just what happens on a screen while talking and showing.
    I understand your "lesson" so much better!
    Thanks a lot for making these helpful tutorials ♥

  • @anatolylis9993
    @anatolylis9993 2 роки тому

    It took me just one video to completely know how to use the pen tool properly, and I want to thank you for it, so may your work not go unappreciated. Thank you

  • @neilaconfuser
    @neilaconfuser 4 місяці тому

    You're just amazing. The best 8mins46s of my life, thanks!

  • @user-vy5ux8ue2i
    @user-vy5ux8ue2i 8 місяців тому

    Thank you so much! I was about to give up on this program

  • @ImNotZachKNZ
    @ImNotZachKNZ 5 місяців тому

    Very well spoken made it easy for me to comprehend 👍

  • @airshiptelepicures
    @airshiptelepicures Рік тому

    Brilliant! I have been avoiding the pen tool like the plague. Now I am a little more inspired to give it try. Thanks so much! :)

  • @tarias_sketchy_adventures
    @tarias_sketchy_adventures 3 роки тому +3

    Super clear and well explained, thank you!

  • @gabrielclaredo3206
    @gabrielclaredo3206 3 роки тому +4

    Thanks for the tutorial man, was having a really tough time trying to figure this tool out hahahah

  • @siddikaaa
    @siddikaaa 3 роки тому +1

    Thank you so very much.... I just started learning illustrator online...and it helped me a lotttttt!!

  • @mubalamashukuru4879
    @mubalamashukuru4879 Місяць тому

    Thank you, I've learnt new things!

  • @canesdaryll
    @canesdaryll 3 роки тому +4

    is there a next video after this where he do the details inside after doing this outline? thanks for this tutorial btw :)

  • @NickCHB
    @NickCHB Рік тому

    Thank you so much I struggled a little bit when I started working with the tool but you helped me out alot!

  • @nithikabalakrishnan4999
    @nithikabalakrishnan4999 3 роки тому +5

    This was really helpful! I found every shortcut I was looking for. Amazing tutorial

  • @musasizigodfreydixion6231
    @musasizigodfreydixion6231 2 роки тому

    Excellent video.You have summarized everything in just 8 minutes.

  • @quentindecoteau7429
    @quentindecoteau7429 2 роки тому

    You sound like a young Alan Alda. Good tutorial. Thanks.

  • @andraemanuelaraileanu2948
    @andraemanuelaraileanu2948 3 роки тому +2

    Ok, I've watched 3 tutorial to learn the shortcuts you mentioned in literary 3 seconds :))

  • @zizalka99
    @zizalka99 Рік тому

    The info about pressing enter was exactly what was missing. I was getting so frustrated. Thanks!

  • @jimmyt347
    @jimmyt347 Рік тому

    omg finally an easy to follow video on this bastard of a tool :D

  • @spoonmanchen7631
    @spoonmanchen7631 Рік тому

    Thanks for your great explanation

  • @mora9036
    @mora9036 4 роки тому +3

    You have a good way to educate people i do appreciate that
    I learned a lot from your videos
    thank you

  • @merihunmekonnen502
    @merihunmekonnen502 Рік тому

    best tutorial ever....thanks

  • @leadforaliving
    @leadforaliving 10 місяців тому

    Excellent tutorial

  • @chibikkotravels
    @chibikkotravels Рік тому

    Honestly, hands down best tutorial of its kind. Thanks so much. I have been recently learning how to use AI through following tutorials and has been so frustrated especially with the pen tool cause couldn't figure out why I can't use it well :D

  • @msieurdaveyray5393
    @msieurdaveyray5393 Рік тому

    Thanks heaps for your presentation, Now I understand 👍

  • @AndyTheChef
    @AndyTheChef Рік тому

    Solid tutorial, appreciate you king

  • @esmithiii2003
    @esmithiii2003 11 місяців тому

    Great tutorial. The pace is perfect. Thank you for sharing this!

  • @thatfrizzyartist
    @thatfrizzyartist Рік тому

    Thank you, I was looking for this tutorial everywhere!

  • @danieladebajo7974
    @danieladebajo7974 3 роки тому +1

    Thank you very much, you truly made it very simple. I was able to create something I was worried I won't be able to do using this tutorial. You already have a fan and subscriber in me.

  • @annac3957
    @annac3957 2 роки тому

    You explained the pen tool so clearly! Thank you very much for such a great tutorial.

  • @parisaesmaili8410
    @parisaesmaili8410 2 роки тому

    Hi, teacher.
    First thank you for your perfect teaching.
    I have a problem, what I do , I can not match my tracing with my pattern, controlling the pen tool for curves is hard for me,
    What should I do?

  • @sumbodee3
    @sumbodee3 11 місяців тому

    is it possible to lock the pen to straight so I don't have to press alt?? My boss asked me to draw very simplified outline drawings of buildings and I actually don't need curved lines.

  • @marcusdandrea8574
    @marcusdandrea8574 3 роки тому

    Man... this is the best video about the subject. Thanks.

  • @rtzfrtz1
    @rtzfrtz1 2 роки тому

    This is so great! Solved a big problem for me. I have a question. I accidentally hit "path" and I can't get rid of it. What do I do?

  • @no120992
    @no120992 2 роки тому +1

    this was soooo clear and easy to understand! you're a great teacher!

  • @user-vn8dw1ze7z
    @user-vn8dw1ze7z Рік тому

    I have tried to use the enter button to end the path but it’s not working? What am I doing wrong?😢

  • @Daniel-2275
    @Daniel-2275 2 роки тому

    thank you man,you are a legend

  • @bimaltwayana2058
    @bimaltwayana2058 2 роки тому

    This video teaches stuff very well. It made me easy to understand.

  • @juliekay3662
    @juliekay3662 Рік тому

    EVERYTIME I TRY TO USE THE PEN TOOL, windows tabs seem to drop down,soo annoying!, any tips to get rid?

  • @arturabbishilla7210
    @arturabbishilla7210 Рік тому

    Good guide for beginners)

  • @faithfilledprints
    @faithfilledprints Рік тому

    Woww.. Amazing video👏

  • @darrensherwood5749
    @darrensherwood5749 Рік тому

    Hi how do I turn off the line after I put down an anchor point?

  • @YoungBuddhaEzuk
    @YoungBuddhaEzuk 2 роки тому

    Yo big thanks! That really sped up my morning!

  • @shairaivymohammadsaid5537
    @shairaivymohammadsaid5537 3 роки тому

    thanks for this. quick tutorial. others have to many extras. you, however were direct to the point with some real useful extras

  • @nigelnovak3096
    @nigelnovak3096 Рік тому

    Phenomenal, thanks so much!

  • @aliciachi8133
    @aliciachi8133 Рік тому

    Wow very precise and helpful 😊👍🏽
    Thank you!!

  • @maccy1234
    @maccy1234 Рік тому

    Thanks very helpful!

  • @user-to3tx1rz7g
    @user-to3tx1rz7g 2 роки тому

    Very nice 👌but I still don't kw wht to do next after u trace wht is the combination to cut it out?

  • @thecapital2693
    @thecapital2693 11 місяців тому

    Thanks for the tutorial! That was really helpful !!

  • @jorgeeduardoreynoso6790
    @jorgeeduardoreynoso6790 3 роки тому +1

    Man I just got the adobe creative cloud to animate my characters, but tbh I start following you in ur Inkscape channel and fr inskcape is way easier and intuitive than illustrator, like why do we need to use a million tools to make curves in a line, it's frustrating ngl, I mean is my first day but inkscape is so easy to learn and so cool, I wish it was industry standard :/, anw man ig tomorrow I will have a marathon of this channel haha, stay safe love ya :D

    • @DesignMadeSimple
      @DesignMadeSimple  3 роки тому +2

      I'm with you! I think Inkscape is more intuitive with lines and nodes.

  • @dickensahabwe9606
    @dickensahabwe9606 7 місяців тому

    i liked the explanation

  • @mikeferretti7422
    @mikeferretti7422 3 роки тому

    Say you wanted to just remove the beak, I would use the same tool and create the lines around the beak, then what to remove only the beak and leave everything else as is?

  • @missmessy3
    @missmessy3 3 роки тому +1

    Thank you thank you, no one ever said that I can press enter to end the path aah it was confusing to me , thank you

    • @ABC1209
      @ABC1209 3 роки тому

      For me also same. ☺️

    • @catcygaming6145
      @catcygaming6145 2 роки тому

      how to move on curve anchor. what is the key that you press for
      move anchor

  • @neonoize
    @neonoize Рік тому

    Best tutorial!

  • @petermadej6237
    @petermadej6237 2 роки тому

    This is exactly what I was looking for . great video thank you so much

  • @silverwood6705
    @silverwood6705 3 роки тому

    Love the Benny Goodman & the great advice!

  • @MrGeoWolf
    @MrGeoWolf Рік тому

    This is exactly what I needed! Thanks a ton!

  • @jeremymicah1850
    @jeremymicah1850 3 роки тому

    Thanks a lot. This tutorial is so easy to comprehend.

  • @MoeMurdock
    @MoeMurdock 2 роки тому

    Thanks for creating this!

  • @Essince
    @Essince Рік тому

    This is great, Thank you

  • @amcstudiogy
    @amcstudiogy Рік тому

    Omg thank you so much ❤❤❤❤❤❤I’m honestly in awwww

  • @PhatziStar87
    @PhatziStar87 4 роки тому +2

    Hi! how does that Line follow you pointer? bcoz when I click mein there's no Line that follows it
    Thanks in Advance

    • @esochibuike8477
      @esochibuike8477 4 роки тому

      I even need to know that too 😭

    • @muldoon67
      @muldoon67 4 роки тому +1

      Edit -> Preferences -> Selection & Anchor Display then go to bottom of box and tick 'Enable Rubber Band for: Pen Tool / Curvature Tool'

    • @muldoon67
      @muldoon67 4 роки тому +1

      @@esochibuike8477 Edit -> Preferences -> Selection & Anchor Display then go to bottom of box and tick 'Enable Rubber Band for: Pen Tool / Curvature Tool'

    • @mcafrique9699
      @mcafrique9699 3 роки тому

      @@muldoon67 you are a lege👍🏿💯

  • @mattezekielb.castillo6422
    @mattezekielb.castillo6422 2 роки тому

    Can I ask How to delete the path after the trace?

  • @notnerbable
    @notnerbable 3 роки тому

    very great teaching style straight forward

  • @Maria-secret
    @Maria-secret Рік тому

    This was so helpful, thank you so much 🙏

  • @taytot3283
    @taytot3283 Рік тому

    Thank you for this tutorial, it's been super helpful! How did you move the anchor point on the beak? If I click on an anchor point with the pen tool it removes it, and holding down ctrl then clicking only works sometimes...

    • @DesignMadeSimple
      @DesignMadeSimple  Рік тому

      You need the Direct Selection Tool for that (keyboard shortcut: A)

  • @TaranehAsadi-ul5mr
    @TaranehAsadi-ul5mr Рік тому

    Just perfect

  • @evgeniasalahaddinova8379
    @evgeniasalahaddinova8379 3 роки тому +1

    Thank you very much for the tutorial. It's so clearly explained. I got lucky to find your channel! :-)

  • @Thepaperroute94
    @Thepaperroute94 2 роки тому

    Your videos are so direct to the point! Good stuff

  • @eddykasili8131
    @eddykasili8131 4 роки тому

    thank you sir for teaching me how to use the pen tool

  • @marthaoikono2049
    @marthaoikono2049 Рік тому

    Thank you so much!! Your video really helped me!! ❤

  • @zibiniepodam2326
    @zibiniepodam2326 Рік тому

    Hi, I see that you press Enter every time you want to have a sharp node. Well you have not to do this. You can just press the Alt key before you release mouse button and drag the handle wherever you want making a sharp node. It is a faster method I think ;)

    • @johningram2153
      @johningram2153 7 місяців тому

      Yeah, or the option key on a Mac. I was thinking the same thing.

  • @AMHoo-zy7cf
    @AMHoo-zy7cf 3 роки тому

    Thank you for your helpful toturial
    Really appreciate that

  • @alakanandachakraborty
    @alakanandachakraborty 3 роки тому

    How did I cut out the image from this background, and put on it a another canvas?

  • @rolipoli7601
    @rolipoli7601 3 роки тому

    simple and precise

  • @next4_2
    @next4_2 2 роки тому

    Thank you

  • @finestford007
    @finestford007 7 місяців тому

    thank you for this video

  • @rtrslihoatulet2562
    @rtrslihoatulet2562 2 роки тому

    very good explanation, this helps a ton

  • @christszchannel
    @christszchannel 5 місяців тому

    Thank you so much

  • @dale7986
    @dale7986 Рік тому

    THANK YOU