What's the best way to create smooth curves and shapes in Illustrator?

1 Pen tool basics

The pen tool is the most versatile and essential tool for creating curves and shapes in Illustrator. You can use it to draw straight and curved segments, as well as to modify existing paths. To draw a straight segment, click once to create an anchor point, then click again where you want the segment to end. To draw a curved segment, click and drag to create an anchor point with direction handles, then click and drag again where you want the segment to end. The direction and length of the handles determine the shape and smoothness of the curve.

2 Curvature tool alternative

The curvature tool is a simpler and more intuitive alternative to the pen tool for creating smooth curves and shapes in Illustrator. You can use it to draw continuous curves without worrying about the direction and length of the handles. To draw a curve, click once to create an anchor point, then click again where you want the curve to bend. Illustrator will automatically adjust the handles and the curve for you. To draw a straight segment, double-click to create a corner point, then click again where you want the segment to end.

3 Anchor point adjustment

Sometimes you may need to adjust the anchor points and handles of a path to fine-tune the shape and smoothness of the curve. You can use the direct selection tool to select and move an anchor point, or use the anchor point tool to change the angle or length of a handle. To add or remove an anchor point, you can use the add anchor point tool or the delete anchor point tool. To convert a smooth point to a corner point, or vice versa, you can use the convert anchor point tool.

4 Smooth tool application

The smooth tool is a handy tool for smoothing out jagged or uneven curves in Illustrator. You can use it to redraw a path with a smoother curve, without changing the anchor points or handles. To use the smooth tool, select a path with the selection tool, then switch to the smooth tool and drag along the path. The smooth tool will follow your mouse movement and create a smoother curve. You can adjust the fidelity and smoothness of the smooth tool in the options bar.

5 Shape builder tool combination

The shape builder tool is a useful tool for combining or subtracting multiple shapes in Illustrator. You can use it to create complex shapes from simple ones, or to cut out unwanted parts of a shape. To use the shape builder tool, select two or more overlapping shapes with the selection tool, then switch to the shape builder tool and drag across the shapes you want to combine. To subtract a shape, hold down the Alt key (Windows) or the Option key (Mac) and drag across the shape you want to remove.

6 Path simplification option

The path simplification option is a quick and easy way to reduce the number of anchor points and handles in a path, while preserving the shape and smoothness of the curve. You can use it to optimize your paths and make them easier to edit and manipulate. To use the path simplification option, select a path with the selection tool, then go to Object > Path > Simplify. A dialog box will appear where you can adjust the curve precision and angle threshold. You can also check the preview and show original boxes to see the changes.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?