How to use the Pencil and Smooth Tools in Illustrator

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  • Опубліковано 28 чер 2024
  • The pencil and smooth tools come in really handy when you need to draw or redraw parts of your graphic - in fact I use them every day! They're super easy to use if you just know the basics.
    Here's the font used in this tutorial - Grand Hotel:
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 127

  • @GDHT
    @GDHT  3 роки тому +5

    Learn how to ETHICALLY get Adobe CC free (or cheap) here: ua-cam.com/video/9b2rlS3dSjQ/v-deo.html

  • @evadesignagency
    @evadesignagency 9 місяців тому +8

    5 years later and your videos are still phenomenal and relevant. Thank You for this one!

    • @GDHT
      @GDHT  9 місяців тому

      Awww thank you so much!!

  • @dkarcade_
    @dkarcade_ 4 роки тому +6

    Awesome tutorial! Thank you so much for this! I love how you mention the keyboard commands too for those of us unfamiliar!

    • @GDHT
      @GDHT  4 роки тому +1

      You're welcome!! And thank you!

  • @charlesjosef6045
    @charlesjosef6045 2 роки тому

    I appreciate the useful information without the silly fluff that others offer. This channel looks like a great place to brush up on skills and learn new ones. THANKS!!!

    • @GDHT
      @GDHT  2 роки тому

      Thank you so much!!

  • @DonatoGreco
    @DonatoGreco 4 роки тому +2

    one of the best explanation on the subject, complete and simple. 👍👍👍

    • @GDHT
      @GDHT  4 роки тому

      Thank you so much!!

  • @jfosterdesigns
    @jfosterdesigns 2 роки тому +1

    Oh my goodness. I did not know you could use the pencil tool for this! This completely changes my typography game!!! Thank you 3000!!!

    • @GDHT
      @GDHT  2 роки тому +1

      Aww you're welcome 3000! :D

  • @DolbroDan
    @DolbroDan 3 роки тому +1

    thanks for all the help. i love shortcuts and getting to the point. So your advice was priceless :)

    • @GDHT
      @GDHT  3 роки тому

      Thank you so much!!

  • @joaquind.cabezas5832
    @joaquind.cabezas5832 4 роки тому +2

    This is A REALLY GREAT tutorial!!! Congrats

    • @GDHT
      @GDHT  4 роки тому

      Thank you!

  • @SusanBarrettPrice
    @SusanBarrettPrice 5 років тому +1

    Very helpful. Thanks for your generosity in sharing.

    • @GDHT
      @GDHT  5 років тому

      You're very welcome!!

  • @rajithahettige
    @rajithahettige 3 роки тому +1

    Awesome tutorial! clean & clear

    • @GDHT
      @GDHT  3 роки тому

      thank you!!

  • @RituSharma-zq6dz
    @RituSharma-zq6dz 3 роки тому

    Thank You for your videos. It actually helps me a lot in understanding Illustrator.

    • @GDHT
      @GDHT  3 роки тому

      You're welcome! I'm so glad to hear that!

  • @anthonye.2553
    @anthonye.2553 5 років тому +3

    Great tutorial! I’ve always struggled with the smooth and pencil tool.

    • @GDHT
      @GDHT  5 років тому

      Thank you- so glad it helped you!

  • @lynneholman891
    @lynneholman891 Рік тому

    Hands down the best Pencil tool tutorial I have found - thank you

    • @GDHT
      @GDHT  Рік тому

      Wow, thank you so much!

  • @2danniegrl
    @2danniegrl Рік тому +1

    First of all thank you so very much for posting these tutorials! I just found your channel, and I realize this is several years old, but let me say OMG.... I have had AI for a few years now, but I do not use it much. I am a crafter and got into design because of that. Cricut and Silhouette Design programs have always been a hassle for me, so I tried AI. I used it a lot at first, but then stopped this past year so I am rusty. I say that to say I never saw any tutorials that showed how to do what this video showed and I am having a horrible time cleaning up an image of words LUCKY MAMA and I am like HEYYYYYYYY I can think of A MILLION projects I wish I had known about these tools! I am so excited to have found your channel. Going to watch more now. Thank you!

    • @GDHT
      @GDHT  Рік тому

      You're welcome - I'm so glad the videos are helping!! If you're struggling with anything else, we do have a free Facebook group where you can include images of your problem along with your question: facebook.com/groups/adobeillustratorusershelp

  • @ElszyRocks
    @ElszyRocks Рік тому +1

    Thank you, exactly what I was looking for!

    • @GDHT
      @GDHT  Рік тому

      You're welcome!!

  • @nicolray1
    @nicolray1 5 років тому

    You are a great instructor! Keep making videos!!!

    • @GDHT
      @GDHT  5 років тому

      Awwww thank you so much!!

  • @salehinsakib
    @salehinsakib Рік тому

    wow! exactly what i needed . thank you miss

    • @GDHT
      @GDHT  Рік тому +1

      You're welcome 😊

  • @dalakishvili
    @dalakishvili Рік тому

    Straight to the point tutorial. Thank you!

    • @GDHT
      @GDHT  Рік тому

      You're welcome - I'm so glad it was helpful!

  • @duplinestephanus1603
    @duplinestephanus1603 6 місяців тому

    Wow, this is the clearest tutorial on the pencil tool. Thank you

    • @GDHT
      @GDHT  6 місяців тому

      You're welcome - and thank you so much!!

  • @beaazu826
    @beaazu826 4 роки тому

    You are such a great teacher!

    • @GDHT
      @GDHT  4 роки тому

      Wow, thank you so much!

  • @Mikeyalbum
    @Mikeyalbum 5 років тому +4

    I always use the pencil tool but never knew about the option key/smooth tool shortcut (in fact I forgot the tool even existed). This is going to be such a big help :)

    • @GDHT
      @GDHT  5 років тому +1

      Oh that is great! I actually didn't know about it till recently (I had an extra shortcut set up specifically for the Smooth tool!).

  • @TinaDerby01
    @TinaDerby01 5 років тому

    Super well done! Thank youuuuu :)

    • @GDHT
      @GDHT  5 років тому

      Tina Derby thank you!!

  • @jendu9538
    @jendu9538 3 роки тому

    Really helpful! Thank you!

    • @GDHT
      @GDHT  3 роки тому

      You're welcome! I'm glad it was helpful!

  • @mannyfilmsinc
    @mannyfilmsinc 2 роки тому

    AWESOME LESSON!! THANK YOU!!!

    • @GDHT
      @GDHT  2 роки тому

      Thank you - I'm glad you liked it!

  • @thrice911
    @thrice911 5 років тому +1

    Awesome tutorial Anne, thank you! A quick comment about 5:50... I believe the Cmd-E shortcut is set to toggle GPU performance by default in Illustrator, not to expand objects. However, I love your idea of using Cmd-E to expand objects since that's something I do all the time. Definitely going to remember that one. Thanks!

    • @GDHT
      @GDHT  5 років тому

      I just checked and on my version of Illustrator (CC 2019), CMD E is the default for Expand. I do have a custom shortcut for Expand Appearance (Shift CMD E). Are you on an older version of Illustrator? Maybe it's a somewhat recent change.

  • @tbmadeitt
    @tbmadeitt Рік тому

    THANK YOU SO MUCH!! I’ve been frustrated for days

    • @GDHT
      @GDHT  Рік тому

      You're welcome - I'm so glad the video helped!!

  • @isabellewest3013
    @isabellewest3013 Рік тому

    Amazing! Thanks! I usually either use the pen tool and take some time to smooth out the design manually or the paint brush tool, at a preliminary stage, which doesn’t connect paths so well.

    • @GDHT
      @GDHT  Рік тому

      You're welcome - I'm so glad the video helped!

  • @Antonina81
    @Antonina81 3 роки тому +1

    So good but fast vid. I learned a lot froom you. Thank you.

    • @GDHT
      @GDHT  3 роки тому

      This is one of my first videos - I'm sorry it's a bit fast!! I do try to slow the pacing a bit now. :D

  • @cagdastopcu6352
    @cagdastopcu6352 2 роки тому

    The best UA-cam channel.. You taught me a lot, dear Anne.. Endless thank you..

    • @GDHT
      @GDHT  2 роки тому +1

      Thank you so much!! I really appreciate it!

  • @sponk-long
    @sponk-long Місяць тому

    I love this ❤

    • @GDHT
      @GDHT  Місяць тому

      Thank you so much!!

  • @montrymanuel
    @montrymanuel 3 роки тому

    Thank you so much :) It's helped me
    cheers

    • @GDHT
      @GDHT  3 роки тому

      You're welcome - I'm glad it helped!!

  • @Heazito
    @Heazito 2 роки тому

    Great video!! thanks for the help, I can create unique logos now!!

    • @GDHT
      @GDHT  2 роки тому

      You're welcome - and thank you!!

  • @SivaKumar-fw1wi
    @SivaKumar-fw1wi 2 місяці тому

    thank you for the video.

    • @GDHT
      @GDHT  2 місяці тому

      You're welcome!!

  • @gelatinskeleton8745
    @gelatinskeleton8745 3 роки тому

    Jesus. I really needed this.

    • @GDHT
      @GDHT  3 роки тому

      I'm so glad it was helpful for you!!

  • @fvxwthis6579
    @fvxwthis6579 Рік тому

    thank you so much

    • @GDHT
      @GDHT  Рік тому

      You're welcome!

  • @ActiveMoxie
    @ActiveMoxie 5 років тому

    good lesson thanks

    • @GDHT
      @GDHT  5 років тому

      Thank you!!

  • @chekromlek1918
    @chekromlek1918 4 роки тому

    I start from scratch how to use AI, Your tutorial is extremely useful for me. Much appreciate.

    • @GDHT
      @GDHT  4 роки тому

      Thank you!!

  • @blackboss9447
    @blackboss9447 2 роки тому

    thank you lot miss :3

    • @GDHT
      @GDHT  2 роки тому

      You're welcome 😊

  • @dankemo3169
    @dankemo3169 3 роки тому

    Great video

    • @GDHT
      @GDHT  3 роки тому

      Thank you!!

  • @vamboo8918
    @vamboo8918 5 місяців тому

    Thanks

    • @GDHT
      @GDHT  5 місяців тому +1

      You're welcome!

  • @sajjadabouei6721
    @sajjadabouei6721 3 роки тому

    thanks a lot

    • @GDHT
      @GDHT  3 роки тому

      You're welcome!

  • @stevesculptor1
    @stevesculptor1 9 місяців тому

    I love your tut's. I'm using some old WMF (Windows meta file) they open in Ai but are covered in anchor points, is there a way to smooth these in 'bulk' other than using the Smooth Tool? Thx

    • @GDHT
      @GDHT  9 місяців тому +1

      Thank you! Yes - you can go to Object > Path > Simplify and mess with the settings. I also have a video for that if you're interested: ua-cam.com/video/4shGQQDX-Ac/v-deo.html

  • @soniyawawhal7234
    @soniyawawhal7234 3 роки тому

    Thanks Ma'am

    • @GDHT
      @GDHT  3 роки тому

      You're welcome!!

  • @jenniferlambert3886
    @jenniferlambert3886 3 роки тому

    You’re good!

    • @GDHT
      @GDHT  3 роки тому

      Thank you!!

  • @abidhossainmanu7827
    @abidhossainmanu7827 5 років тому +1

    very helpful. please make a new video tutorial in illustrator

    • @GDHT
      @GDHT  5 років тому

      Thank you - I upload a new video every Thursday! :)

  • @penyusupbumi215
    @penyusupbumi215 3 роки тому

    Your welcome

    • @GDHT
      @GDHT  3 роки тому

      ...Thank you....I think! :D

  • @artxaryan
    @artxaryan 2 роки тому

    Can I ask how do I turn off the blue line I I having in pencil tool while sketching, very frustrated. And how to turn on pressure sensitivity option

    • @GDHT
      @GDHT  2 роки тому

      The blue line just helps you see what you've drawn - when you release, it goes away. Just make sure you have a stroke color. For pressure sensitivity, you have to have a Wacom tablet or other tool that supports it (a mouse won't work).

  • @zozix4116
    @zozix4116 3 роки тому +1

    Leela from Futurama

    • @GDHT
      @GDHT  3 роки тому +1

      Ha!

  • @naamaaviad8170
    @naamaaviad8170 Рік тому

    hey im doing the exact same thing on 1:30 with my pencil tool I creat outlines and than draw with the pencil tool to make a nice curly shape but it doesn't connect the shape to the letter. and yes Im starting and finishing on the path. i would love some help.

    • @GDHT
      @GDHT  Рік тому

      Is your letter is outlined (not live text)? Other than that, open your Pencil tool options, and check the bottom option. Make sure it's selected, and the 'Within' part is about 6-7 pixels. Let me know if that doesn't fix it.

    • @naamaaviad8170
      @naamaaviad8170 Рік тому

      @@GDHT its better' now it becomes one compact path ' but it still doesnt look like yours, i can see both paths' not as on path. i mean i see the line of the letter and the line i added

    • @GDHT
      @GDHT  Рік тому

      @@naamaaviad8170 hmm, can you send the file? howtographicdesigner@gmail.com I'll take a look.

  • @bilbob7624
    @bilbob7624 3 роки тому

    is there a way to have the pencil tool close the path after drawing? or connect the first and last points?

    • @GDHT
      @GDHT  3 роки тому +1

      Yes - once you get close to the starting point, your cursor will change, then you can release and it'll connect.

    • @bilbob7624
      @bilbob7624 3 роки тому

      @@GDHT Thanks so much!

    • @GDHT
      @GDHT  3 роки тому

      You're welcome!

  • @janiceyan5928
    @janiceyan5928 4 роки тому +1

    why I can't find the smooth tool?

    • @GDHT
      @GDHT  4 роки тому +4

      It's under the Pencil tool. But your toolbar might also just not be showing it. Click the 3 dots at the bottom of the toolbar, go to the upper right of the flyout, click those 3 dots, and click Reset.

  • @ang.giselle2024
    @ang.giselle2024 5 років тому

    Hello, I just noticed your channel. Good content. Do you think it is too late for an adult 50+ to start a new career as a graphic designer? Your opinion is greatly valued.

    • @GDHT
      @GDHT  5 років тому +1

      Hi there, thank you!! No, I don't think it's too late, but I do think it will be a little harder - some places have bias towards the younger crowd - they also like hiring people they think they can pay less. It's not cool, but it's (somewhat) reality. Thankfully there are plenty of places that value a more mature workforce.

  • @kwaku_2023
    @kwaku_2023 3 роки тому

    Crtl + E (windows) not working for Expand. Dont have it as an options in keyboard shortcuts too.

    • @GDHT
      @GDHT  3 роки тому

      Hmmm that's weird. You can go to Object > Expand too. It sounds like you might need to reset your preferences, but just know that resets your whole Illustrator setup.

    • @kwaku_2023
      @kwaku_2023 2 роки тому

      Hello@@GDHT, it must be set as keyboard shortcut before it works. Just tried it and it works fine after that. Thank you.

    • @GDHT
      @GDHT  2 роки тому

      @@kwaku_2023 that keyboard shortcut comes standard in Illustrator, but it could be you changed it at some point, or sometimes Preferences get out of whack (a reset will fix them).

  • @stacyforbes6139
    @stacyforbes6139 5 років тому

    Thank you, thank you, thank you! I was getting so frustrated and now I'm not. Great tutorial!

    • @GDHT
      @GDHT  5 років тому

      Aww thank you!! That is great to hear!

  • @Grace-hr3qi
    @Grace-hr3qi 3 роки тому

    how to add selection once we use pencil it deletes the path how to add next path

    • @GDHT
      @GDHT  3 роки тому +1

      You'll need to deselect / click off to add a new line (if you're too close to the other pencil line)

    • @Grace-hr3qi
      @Grace-hr3qi 3 роки тому

      how maam can u tell me i m begineer

    • @Grace-hr3qi
      @Grace-hr3qi 3 роки тому

      beginner

    • @GDHT
      @GDHT  3 роки тому +1

      Hold Shift CMD a, or Shift CTRL a on PC to deselect all. Then draw your next path.

  • @sonny5196
    @sonny5196 4 роки тому +1

    As a natural artist Penicl tool is my choosen tool. Never use the pen tool.

    • @GDHT
      @GDHT  4 роки тому

      I love the pencil tool, but I find it hard to use when you want to create something really exact. It works well for lots of other stuff, though! :D

  • @d.o.a9236
    @d.o.a9236 Рік тому

    Nothing work

    • @GDHT
      @GDHT  Рік тому

      What are you trying to do?

  • @sarsky22
    @sarsky22 Рік тому

    my pencil tool just create a new object and never agglomerate to the original object...

    • @GDHT
      @GDHT  Рік тому

      There could be two issues. First you might not have had the original object selected. Second, in Pencil Tool options, make sure the "Edit Selected Paths" is within about 6 pixels or so.

    • @sarsky22
      @sarsky22 Рік тому

      @@GDHT Thanks for the answer, it works now ! Nice

    • @GDHT
      @GDHT  Рік тому

      @@sarsky22 awesome 👏