Draw and edit vector paths

Use Pen for deliberate anchor-by-anchor paths and Pencil for freehand strokes.

The representative video demonstrates this exact workflow: Use Pen to place three anchors and finish one open vector path.

Verified result: One open vector path with three anchors is created on the canvas.

Draw an open vector pathUse Pen to place three anchors and finish one open vector path.Result: One open vector path with three anchors is created on the canvas.

Transcript

1. Choose PenChoose the Pen tool from the toolbar.
2. Place the first anchorClick once to place the first anchor.
3. Add a segmentClick a second point to create the first segment.
4. Place the third anchorClick a third point to shape the open path.
5. Finish the pathPress Enter to finish the open vector path.

Download the tutorial videoDownload English captions

Before you start

Open an editable file and zoom in enough to place points accurately. Pen and Pencil tools are unavailable in viewing mode. Start in a clear canvas area so other objects do not hide the path preview.

Draw a path with Pen

1. Choose Pen in the toolbar.
2. Click to place the first anchor.
3. Click again to add a straight segment. Continue clicking to add more anchors.
4. Press Enter to finish the path as an open path.

A path needs at least two anchors to create a visible segment. When adding a point, drag instead of only clicking if you want to begin shaping a smooth curve with direction handles.

To make a closed outline after finishing, enter path editing and choose Toggle closed. This joins the final anchor to the first one without requiring you to redraw the path.

Draw freely with Pencil

1. Choose Pencil in the toolbar.
2. Press on the canvas and drag along the stroke you want.
3. Release to finish the open path.

Move far enough to create a real stroke. A tap or movement below the drawing threshold is ignored, which prevents accidental tiny paths.

Edit anchors and segments

Select a path, then press Enter or double-click it to enter path editing. The contextual path controls appear while anchors are editable.

• Select an anchor and drag it to move that point.
• Drag a direction handle to reshape the connected curve.
• Choose Corner point, Smooth point, Mirrored handles, or Asymmetric handles to control how segments meet.
• Choose Insert point, then click a segment to add an anchor where more control is needed.
• Select unwanted anchors and choose Delete points.
• Use Toggle closed to open or close the outline, and Reverse path to swap its direction.

Choose Exit when you are finished editing the path. Click a blank canvas area to inspect the result without anchor controls.

Cancel or recover safely

• While an unfinished Pen path is active, press Escape to cancel it instead of leaving a partial object.
• While a Pencil stroke is still under the pointer, press Escape to discard its live preview.
• After a path or anchor edit is committed, use Ctrl + Z on Windows or ⌘ + Z on macOS to undo it.

If anchor controls do not appear, confirm that you selected a Pen or Pencil path rather than a regular shape, then press Enter or double-click again. Ordinary rectangles and ellipses do not automatically expose path anchors.