Select Window > Brushes to open the Brushes panel or select Window > Brush Libraries and select a brush library to open it.
Last updated on
Sep 11, 2025
Learn how to use brush strokes with the Paintbrush tool to draw paths.
Select the Paintbrush tool.
Select a brush from the Brushes panel or the brush library.
Drag on the artboard to draw a path.
To draw a closed path:
- Drag and then press Alt (Windows) or Option (macOS).
- Release the mouse first, and then release Alt (Windows) or Option (macOS) to close the path.
To adjust the shape of a brushed path:
- Select the path using the Selection tool.
- Select the Paintbrush tool and drag along the path until it's of the required shape.
Double-click the Paintbrush tool to customize the tool options.
Tip
Use calligraphic brushes with the Blob Brush tool to expand strokes into filled shapes that merge with adjacent or overlapping areas of the same color.
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