Paint tools overview

Last updated on Oct 27, 2025

Explore more about different Paint tools in Illustrator.

Illustrator offers a fine collection of vector brushes with which you can apply fills and strokes to elements in the artwork. You can even add blends and build complex shapes for the desired visual effect.

Tool (Keyboard shortcut)

Icon

Function

Allows you to create a gradual blend between colors.

Mesh tool (U)

Allows you to blend colors and create contours on the surfaces of objects.

Shape Builder tool (Shift + M)

Allows you to create complex shapes by merging and erasing simpler objects.

Allows you to create a Live Paint group and apply color, patterns, or gradients to different elements.

Allows you to select elements of the Live Paint group.