Learn how paths define shapes in vector graphics and how anchor points, fills, and strokes determine their structure and appearance.
In vector graphics, A path is the basic building block of a drawing. It consists of one or more straight or curved segments connected by anchor points, which act like pins holding a wire in place. Paths can be open, with distinct start and end points (like a wavy line), or closed, where the start and end points connect to form a complete shape (like a circle).
Paths and anchor points
You can reshape a path by dragging its anchor points, the direction lines extending from those points, or the path segments themselves.
Paths can have two kinds of anchor points:
- Corner points: The path changes direction sharply
- Smooth points: Curved segments connect in a continuous, flowing transition.
You can draw a path using any combination of corner and smooth points. If you draw the wrong kind of point, you can always change it.
A corner point can connect any two straight or curved segments, while a smooth point always connects two curved segments. Corner and smooth points refer to how the points behave, not whether the segments are straight or curved.
Fill and Stroke properties of paths
Each path has two visual attributes:
- Fill: The color or gradient applied to the interior area of a closed or open path.
- Stroke: The outline of the path, which can vary in thickness, color, and style. Adobe Illustrator and InDesign support stroke options like dash patterns and stylized lines.
You can change a path or shape’s Fill and Stroke properties at any time.
Create designs with Illustrator online (beta)
Create graphics that match your style right in your browser.
