Tutorial #12

Pen Tool Basics

Step One:
After selecting the pen tool, click on any point on the canvas.

That's your starting point. Don't like where it is? Hold CTRL and drag it somewhere else.

Step Two:
You're creating a path (or a line) so you need at least one other point. Click to another spot on the canvas, and drag to see how it bends.

You see the lines coming out of the point? Those help direct just how much curve you get. It's not gonna show when you fill or stroke it.

Step Three:
Like before you can edit any point by holding CTRL and dragging it

Step Three:
You may now continue adding more points until you are satisfied.

Step Four:
When you are ready you can right click and stroke it.

Or if you want to, you can also right click and fill it.

Then, if you don't think you'll be using for a while, Right click > Turn off Path. It's still there in the Path Window if you want it back. If you want to delete the path Right Click > Delete Path.

Notes:
You can also add points on the existing line by clicking anywhere on the line.
If you click it again, it will delete that point.
You can also "close" the path when you end with your starting point.
That is - you make a closed figure.

Tip:
Another way to control the bending is holding CTRL and pulling at the line segment itself.