Select the Curvature tool.
Last updated on
Sep 12, 2025
Learn how to draw shapes using the Curvature tool to create smooth, precise curves with ease.
The Curvature tool simplifies path creation and makes drawing easy and intuitive. It allows you to create, toggle, edit, add, or remove smooth or corner points.
Click anywhere on the artboard to set the first point. Click again to create a second point. A line segment is created. Now, move the pointer to preview the resulting path.
Note
To turn the preview of the resulting path off, select Edit > Preferences > Selection & Anchor Display (Windows) or Illustrator > Settings > Selection & Anchor Display (macOS), then deselect Curvature Tool under Enable Rubber Band for.
Select a point on the artboard to create a smooth point and double-click to create a corner point.
Edit smooth and corner points:
- Alt-click (Windows) or Option-click (macOS) to continue adding points to an existing path or shape.
- Double-click a point to toggle the point between smooth and corner points.
- Select a point and then drag the point to move it.
- Select a point and press Delete to remove the point while maintaining the curve.
- Press Esc to stop drawing.
Tip
Turn the Real-Time Drawing and Editing feature on to enhance the live appearance of objects when you work on them.
- (Windows) Select Edit > Preferences > Performance > Real-Time Drawing and Editing.
- (macOS) Select Illustrator > Settings > Performance > Real-Time Drawing and Editing.
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