How to use the pen tool in a vector editor

Updated

The pen tool draws paths one anchor point at a time. Click to drop a corner point, or click and drag to pull out bezier handles for a smooth curve. In the EditItAll vector editor it works the Illustrator way, entirely in your browser — nothing is uploaded and it runs offline once loaded.

Do it now — free, in your browser

Open the vector editor

What the pen tool does

The pen tool is how you draw precise vector shapes: outlines, logos, icons, custom curves. Instead of a freehand stroke, you place anchor points, and the editor connects them with straight or curved segments. Because the result is vector, it stays crisp at any size.

Open the vector editor and pick the pen from the toolbar to start a path.

Corners, curves and bezier handles

Two clicks cover most of it:

  • Click once to drop a corner point and connect straight segments.
  • Click and drag to create a smooth point — dragging pulls out two bezier handles that shape the curve on either side.

The further you drag a handle, the deeper the curve. Adjust handles afterward to fine-tune the bend, and close a path by clicking back on your first point. If a boolean would be simpler than drawing a shape by hand, see how to combine shapes in a vector editor.

Save, export and keep it private

When the path is done you can keep working — add more paths, type or layers — then save as SVG or export a 2x PNG. The whole editor runs on your device, so nothing you draw is uploaded, and it keeps working offline once the page has loaded. New to vector work? Start with editing SVG files in your browser.

Ready to try it?

Free, no sign-up, and nothing you open ever leaves your device.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between a corner point and a smooth point?+

A corner point joins segments at an angle; a smooth point has bezier handles that carry a continuous curve through it. Click for corners, click and drag for smooth points.

Do I need to install anything to use the pen tool?+

No. The vector editor runs entirely in your browser with no account and no install. It even works offline once the page has loaded.

Can I edit a path after I've drawn it?+

Yes. You can move anchor points, drag their bezier handles, add or remove points, and reshape the path at any time before exporting.

What can I export my path to?+

You can save your work as an SVG or export a PNG at 2x resolution. Both download straight to your device.

Related guides

More guides on vector & svg →