How to Use The Pencil Tool in Adobe Illustrator

Graphic design utilizes functions similar to hand-drawn methods through software-based tools to create images, pieces of art and business-related designs. One of the most basic tools of any artist is the pencil. The pencil tool in Adobe Illustrator offers a way for graphic designers to draw, highlight or modify images with pencil-like strokes.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R08LMk7Ac0g The tool also includes a method of modifying lines or removing portions that are not needed in the final design. Learn how to use the pencil tool in Adobe Illustrator through this graphic design tutorial.

How to use the Pencil tool in Adobe Illustrator Video

Janee Meadows, an award-winning graphic artist from Los Angeles, offers a visual tutorial on how to use the pencil tool in Adobe Illustrator. She offers a step-by-step guide on activating and utilizing the pencil, smooth and the path eraser tool. This graphic design tutorial is part of a larger series of Adobe Illustrator guides offered on the Mahalo.com YouTube channel.

Step 1: Create a Pencil Menu

Click on the black triangle in the bottom corner of the pencil icon on your tool palate. The pencil tool is the fifth button in the right column. A pop-out window will appear that features 3 different pencil tools. Press the white column button on the right side of the window to activate the 'tear off' feature and create a stand-alone pencil menu.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R08LMk7Ac0g

Step 2: Use the Basic Pencil Tool

Click on the pencil tool, or press the "N" key on your keyboard to activate. Click and create a free-form image. A continuous line will appear as long as you continue to hold down your mouse button. Once released, the line will end and you can start a new line by pressing your left mouse button again.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R08LMk7Ac0g

Step 3: Use the Advanced Pencil Tools

After drawing an image with the pencil tool, you can smooth out, or round out sections of your lines. Press the middle button which is called the smooth tool. Click and then circle an area you want to adjust. Release your mouse button and the line will become smooth.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R08LMk7Ac0g

If you made a mistake, or want to remove a portion of your line drawing, press on the third button on the pencil tool palate to activate the line eraser tool. Click and hold your mouse, then circle the area you want to erase.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R08LMk7Ac0g