Section 4 · Vector Construction

Pen Tool

Definition

The primary tool for placing anchor points and drawing bezier paths directly.

Why it matters

The pen tool is difficult at first and non-negotiable afterward — nearly every precise vector construction, and the most accurate raster selection method, depends on it.

Example

Tracing a hand-drawn mark into clean vector by placing points at each direction change.

Note

Expect real frustration, and give it more than one session before it clicks. Repetitive tracing drills over existing shapes build the motor skill faster than open-ended drawing, because the target is unambiguous and mistakes are visible immediately.