How to Use the Adobe Illustrator Pen Tool

The pen tool is perhaps the most powerful tool in Illustrator. It can be used to create countless lines, curves and shapes, and serves as the building block for illustration and design. The tool is used by creating “anchor points,” and then by connecting those points with lines, which can be connected further to create shapes. Use of the pen tool is perfected through practice. Unlike many graphics software tools that have clear use and limitations, the pen tool is extremely flexible and encourages creativity.