#Pen

The Pen (P) draws exact paths point by point. Tap for a corner, drag for a curve.

#Corners and curves

• Click / tap to place a corner point. A slight wobble of a stylus or finger still gives a clean corner — handles only appear once you clearly drag.
• Click and drag to place a smooth point; the direction and length of your drag shape the curve.
• Hold Shift to snap the next segment, or a handle, to 0°, 45°, 90°, 135° or 180°.

#Finish a path

• Close it: click the first point again.
• Leave it open: press Esc, or pick another tool.

#Continue an open path

Choose the Pen and click the end point of an open path. New points continue that path instead of starting a new one.

#Change it later

Use Direct Selection (A) to move points and handles, or turn a corner into a smooth point — see Editing points & curves.

Tip: Turn on snapping in View to land points on other objects, the grid or the artboard edges.