Select the Pencil tool from the toolbar. As you move the mouse to the canvas, a small star appears on the Pencil tool, indicating it's ready to draw a freeform path.
Last updated on
Sep 11, 2025
Learn how to draw freeform paths using the Pencil tool.
In the Appearance section of the Properties panel, select Stroke, and in the panel that opens, adjust the stroke styles as needed.
Note
- Ensure you deselect New Art Has Basic Appearance from the Appearance panel menu (Window > Appearance). If you don't, you can apply styles and effects only after you draw the path, and can't preview them live.
- For the live preview to work, you must also turn on Real-Time Drawing and Editing from Illustrator > Settings > Performance (macOS) or Edit> Preferences > Performance (Windows).
Apply an effect from the Effect menu, if needed.
On the canvas, drag to draw the path and release the mouse when you finish. Anchor points appear at both ends and at various points along the path.
By default:
- The Pencil tool renders the stroke styles and effects live as you draw. However, curve-fitting happens only after you release the mouse. You can change these settings from the tool options.
- The path remains selected after you release the mouse.
Double-click the Pencil tool in the toolbar to adjust the tool options.
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