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Get started
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Manage layers
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Use generative AI
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- Common questions about generative AI features in Illustrator
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Add and import files
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Draw shapes and paths
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Draw shapes
- Draw lines
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- Draw freeform paths with the Pencil tool
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- Pencil tool options
- Preview the path being drawn
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Modify paths
- Auto simplify paths
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- Create smooth paths with the Smooth tool
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- Use the Eraser tool options
- Select anchor points to modify paths
- Select and edit path segments
- Find and delete stray anchor points
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- Average the position of the anchor points
- Simplify paths advanced options overview
- Simplify path benefits
- Cut paths
- Convert anchor points on a path
- Add or remove anchor points
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Paint and fill
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Learn painting basics
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- Merge paths using the Blob Brush tool
- Remove fills or strokes
- About Live Paint
- Blob brush options and best practices
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- About fills and strokes
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Learn painting basics
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Manage colors
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Design with text
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Manage objects
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Reshape and transform objects
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Create traces, mockups, and symbols
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- Image Trace panel options
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Measure and align
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Use grids and guides
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Apply special effects and styles
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Simplify path benefits
Last updated on
Sep 11, 2025
Simplifying paths provides several key benefits for your artwork and enhance workflow. This feature allows you to remove unnecessary anchor points and generate a simplified, optimal path without significantly changing the original shape. Benefits of simplifying paths:
- Easy and accurate path editing
- Reduced file size
- Faster file display and printing
When to Simplify Paths
- To remove imperfections in the traced path when using Image Trace.
- To edit only a portion of the complex artwork and create sharper or smoother paths in selected regions.
- To reduce the number of anchor points when expanding shapes created with the Width tool .
- To edit artwork imported from mobile drawing or sketching apps.
only for internal reference – Image Trace retained as hyperlink from legacy article.
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