How to use the Pencil and Smooth Tools in Illustrator

Рет қаралды 105,618

Күн бұрын

The pencil and smooth tools come in really handy when you need to draw or redraw parts of your graphic - in fact I use them every day! They're super easy to use if you just know the basics.
Here's the font used in this tutorial - Grand Hotel:
fonts.google.com/specimen/Gra...
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Пікірлер: 127

@GDHT 3 жыл бұрын

Learn how to ETHICALLY get Adobe CC free (or cheap) here: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/b8hipc-EmMq3moU.html

@naamaaviad8170 Жыл бұрын

thnxx i sent you :)

@evadesignagency 9 ай бұрын

5 years later and your videos are still phenomenal and relevant. Thank You for this one!

@GDHT 9 ай бұрын

Awww thank you so much!!

@dkarcade_ 4 жыл бұрын

Awesome tutorial! Thank you so much for this! I love how you mention the keyboard commands too for those of us unfamiliar!

@GDHT 4 жыл бұрын

You're welcome!! And thank you!

@charlesjosef6045 2 жыл бұрын

I appreciate the useful information without the silly fluff that others offer. This channel looks like a great place to brush up on skills and learn new ones. THANKS!!!

@GDHT 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much!!

@jfosterdesigns 2 жыл бұрын

Oh my goodness. I did not know you could use the pencil tool for this! This completely changes my typography game!!! Thank you 3000!!!

@GDHT 2 жыл бұрын

Aww you're welcome 3000! :D

@DonatoGreco 4 жыл бұрын

one of the best explanation on the subject, complete and simple. 👍👍👍

@GDHT 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much!!

@DolbroDan 3 жыл бұрын

thanks for all the help. i love shortcuts and getting to the point. So your advice was priceless :)

@GDHT 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much!!

@lynneholman891 Жыл бұрын

Hands down the best Pencil tool tutorial I have found - thank you

@GDHT Жыл бұрын

Wow, thank you so much!

@joaquind.cabezas5832 4 жыл бұрын

This is A REALLY GREAT tutorial!!! Congrats

@GDHT 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@2danniegrl Жыл бұрын

First of all thank you so very much for posting these tutorials! I just found your channel, and I realize this is several years old, but let me say OMG.... I have had AI for a few years now, but I do not use it much. I am a crafter and got into design because of that. Cricut and Silhouette Design programs have always been a hassle for me, so I tried AI. I used it a lot at first, but then stopped this past year so I am rusty. I say that to say I never saw any tutorials that showed how to do what this video showed and I am having a horrible time cleaning up an image of words LUCKY MAMA and I am like HEYYYYYYYY I can think of A MILLION projects I wish I had known about these tools! I am so excited to have found your channel. Going to watch more now. Thank you!

@GDHT Жыл бұрын

You're welcome - I'm so glad the videos are helping!! If you're struggling with anything else, we do have a free Facebook group where you can include images of your problem along with your question: facebook.com/groups/adobeillustratorusershelp

@rajithahettige 4 жыл бұрын

Awesome tutorial! clean & clear

@GDHT 4 жыл бұрын

thank you!!

@SusanBarrettPrice 5 жыл бұрын

Very helpful. Thanks for your generosity in sharing.

@GDHT 5 жыл бұрын

You're very welcome!!

@Mikeyalbum 5 жыл бұрын

I always use the pencil tool but never knew about the option key/smooth tool shortcut (in fact I forgot the tool even existed). This is going to be such a big help :)

@GDHT 5 жыл бұрын

Oh that is great! I actually didn't know about it till recently (I had an extra shortcut set up specifically for the Smooth tool!).

@beaazu826 4 жыл бұрын

You are such a great teacher!

@GDHT 4 жыл бұрын

Wow, thank you so much!

@nicolray1 5 жыл бұрын

You are a great instructor! Keep making videos!!!

@GDHT 5 жыл бұрын

Awwww thank you so much!!

@cagdastopcu6352 2 жыл бұрын

The best KZfaq channel.. You taught me a lot, dear Anne.. Endless thank you..

@GDHT 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much!! I really appreciate it!

@anthonye.2553 5 жыл бұрын

Great tutorial! I’ve always struggled with the smooth and pencil tool.

@GDHT 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you- so glad it helped you!

@duplinestephanus1603 7 ай бұрын

Wow, this is the clearest tutorial on the pencil tool. Thank you

@GDHT 7 ай бұрын

You're welcome - and thank you so much!!

@RituSharma-zq6dz 3 жыл бұрын

Thank You for your videos. It actually helps me a lot in understanding Illustrator.

@GDHT 3 жыл бұрын

You're welcome! I'm so glad to hear that!

@ElszyRocks Жыл бұрын

Thank you, exactly what I was looking for!

@GDHT Жыл бұрын

You're welcome!!

@dalakishvili Жыл бұрын

Straight to the point tutorial. Thank you!

@GDHT Жыл бұрын

You're welcome - I'm so glad it was helpful!

@salehinsakib Жыл бұрын

wow! exactly what i needed . thank you miss

@GDHT Жыл бұрын

You're welcome 😊

@TinaDerby01 5 жыл бұрын

Super well done! Thank youuuuu :)

@GDHT 5 жыл бұрын

Tina Derby thank you!!

@thrice911 5 жыл бұрын

Awesome tutorial Anne, thank you! A quick comment about 5:50... I believe the Cmd-E shortcut is set to toggle GPU performance by default in Illustrator, not to expand objects. However, I love your idea of using Cmd-E to expand objects since that's something I do all the time. Definitely going to remember that one. Thanks!

@GDHT 5 жыл бұрын

I just checked and on my version of Illustrator (CC 2019), CMD E is the default for Expand. I do have a custom shortcut for Expand Appearance (Shift CMD E). Are you on an older version of Illustrator? Maybe it's a somewhat recent change.

@Antonina81 3 жыл бұрын

So good but fast vid. I learned a lot froom you. Thank you.

@GDHT 3 жыл бұрын

This is one of my first videos - I'm sorry it's a bit fast!! I do try to slow the pacing a bit now. :D

@sponk-long 2 ай бұрын

I love this ❤

@GDHT 2 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!!

@jendu9538 3 жыл бұрын

Really helpful! Thank you!

@GDHT 3 жыл бұрын

You're welcome! I'm glad it was helpful!

@mannyfilmsinc 2 жыл бұрын

AWESOME LESSON!! THANK YOU!!!

@GDHT 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you - I'm glad you liked it!

@isabellewest3013 Жыл бұрын

Amazing! Thanks! I usually either use the pen tool and take some time to smooth out the design manually or the paint brush tool, at a preliminary stage, which doesn’t connect paths so well.

@GDHT Жыл бұрын

You're welcome - I'm so glad the video helped!

@chekromlek1918 4 жыл бұрын

I start from scratch how to use AI, Your tutorial is extremely useful for me. Much appreciate.

@GDHT 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you!!

@gelatinskeleton8745 3 жыл бұрын

Jesus. I really needed this.

@GDHT 3 жыл бұрын

I'm so glad it was helpful for you!!

@Heazito 2 жыл бұрын

Great video!! thanks for the help, I can create unique logos now!!

@GDHT 2 жыл бұрын

You're welcome - and thank you!!

@tbmadeitt Жыл бұрын

THANK YOU SO MUCH!! I’ve been frustrated for days

@GDHT Жыл бұрын

You're welcome - I'm so glad the video helped!!

@montrymanuel 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much :) It's helped me cheers

@GDHT 3 жыл бұрын

You're welcome - I'm glad it helped!!

@SivaKumar-fw1wi 3 ай бұрын

thank you for the video.

@GDHT 3 ай бұрын

You're welcome!!

@ActiveMoxie 5 жыл бұрын

good lesson thanks

@GDHT 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you!!

@stevesculptor1 10 ай бұрын

I love your tut's. I'm using some old WMF (Windows meta file) they open in Ai but are covered in anchor points, is there a way to smooth these in 'bulk' other than using the Smooth Tool? Thx

@GDHT 10 ай бұрын

Thank you! Yes - you can go to Object > Path > Simplify and mess with the settings. I also have a video for that if you're interested: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/atmYerSCqb6RcZc.html

@dankemo3169 3 жыл бұрын

Great video

@GDHT 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you!!

@fvxwthis6579 Жыл бұрын

thank you so much

@GDHT Жыл бұрын

You're welcome!

@blackboss9447 2 жыл бұрын

thank you lot miss :3

@GDHT 2 жыл бұрын

You're welcome 😊

@jenniferlambert3886 3 жыл бұрын

You’re good!

@GDHT 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you!!

@sajjadabouei6721 3 жыл бұрын

thanks a lot

@GDHT 3 жыл бұрын

You're welcome!

@artxaryan 2 жыл бұрын

Can I ask how do I turn off the blue line I I having in pencil tool while sketching, very frustrated. And how to turn on pressure sensitivity option

@GDHT 2 жыл бұрын

The blue line just helps you see what you've drawn - when you release, it goes away. Just make sure you have a stroke color. For pressure sensitivity, you have to have a Wacom tablet or other tool that supports it (a mouse won't work).

@bilbob7624 3 жыл бұрын

is there a way to have the pencil tool close the path after drawing? or connect the first and last points?

@GDHT 3 жыл бұрын

Yes - once you get close to the starting point, your cursor will change, then you can release and it'll connect.

@bilbob7624 3 жыл бұрын

@@GDHT Thanks so much!

@GDHT 3 жыл бұрын

You're welcome!

@naamaaviad8170 Жыл бұрын

hey im doing the exact same thing on 1:30 with my pencil tool I creat outlines and than draw with the pencil tool to make a nice curly shape but it doesn't connect the shape to the letter. and yes Im starting and finishing on the path. i would love some help.

@GDHT Жыл бұрын

Is your letter is outlined (not live text)? Other than that, open your Pencil tool options, and check the bottom option. Make sure it's selected, and the 'Within' part is about 6-7 pixels. Let me know if that doesn't fix it.

@naamaaviad8170 Жыл бұрын

@@GDHT its better' now it becomes one compact path ' but it still doesnt look like yours, i can see both paths' not as on path. i mean i see the line of the letter and the line i added

@GDHT Жыл бұрын

@@naamaaviad8170 hmm, can you send the file? howtographicdesigner@gmail.com I'll take a look.

@vamboo8918 5 ай бұрын

Thanks

@GDHT 5 ай бұрын

You're welcome!

@soniyawawhal7234 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Ma'am

@GDHT 3 жыл бұрын

You're welcome!!

@ang.giselle2024 5 жыл бұрын

Hello, I just noticed your channel. Good content. Do you think it is too late for an adult 50+ to start a new career as a graphic designer? Your opinion is greatly valued.

@GDHT 5 жыл бұрын

Hi there, thank you!! No, I don't think it's too late, but I do think it will be a little harder - some places have bias towards the younger crowd - they also like hiring people they think they can pay less. It's not cool, but it's (somewhat) reality. Thankfully there are plenty of places that value a more mature workforce.

@abidhossainmanu7827 5 жыл бұрын

very helpful. please make a new video tutorial in illustrator

@GDHT 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you - I upload a new video every Thursday! :)

@janiceyan5928 5 жыл бұрын

why I can't find the smooth tool?

@GDHT 5 жыл бұрын

It's under the Pencil tool. But your toolbar might also just not be showing it. Click the 3 dots at the bottom of the toolbar, go to the upper right of the flyout, click those 3 dots, and click Reset.

@kwaku_2023 3 жыл бұрын

Crtl + E (windows) not working for Expand. Dont have it as an options in keyboard shortcuts too.

@GDHT 3 жыл бұрын

Hmmm that's weird. You can go to Object > Expand too. It sounds like you might need to reset your preferences, but just know that resets your whole Illustrator setup.

@kwaku_2023 2 жыл бұрын

Hello@@GDHT, it must be set as keyboard shortcut before it works. Just tried it and it works fine after that. Thank you.

@GDHT 2 жыл бұрын

@@kwaku_2023 that keyboard shortcut comes standard in Illustrator, but it could be you changed it at some point, or sometimes Preferences get out of whack (a reset will fix them).

@stacyforbes6139 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you, thank you, thank you! I was getting so frustrated and now I'm not. Great tutorial!

@GDHT 5 жыл бұрын

Aww thank you!! That is great to hear!

@penyusupbumi215 3 жыл бұрын

Your welcome

@GDHT 3 жыл бұрын

...Thank you....I think! :D

@zozix4116 3 жыл бұрын

Leela from Futurama

@GDHT 3 жыл бұрын

Ha!

@Grace-hr3qi 3 жыл бұрын

how to add selection once we use pencil it deletes the path how to add next path

@GDHT 3 жыл бұрын

You'll need to deselect / click off to add a new line (if you're too close to the other pencil line)

@Grace-hr3qi 3 жыл бұрын

how maam can u tell me i m begineer

@Grace-hr3qi 3 жыл бұрын

beginner

@GDHT 3 жыл бұрын

Hold Shift CMD a, or Shift CTRL a on PC to deselect all. Then draw your next path.

@sonny5196 4 жыл бұрын

As a natural artist Penicl tool is my choosen tool. Never use the pen tool.

@GDHT 4 жыл бұрын

I love the pencil tool, but I find it hard to use when you want to create something really exact. It works well for lots of other stuff, though! :D

@sarsky22 Жыл бұрын

my pencil tool just create a new object and never agglomerate to the original object...

@GDHT Жыл бұрын

There could be two issues. First you might not have had the original object selected. Second, in Pencil Tool options, make sure the "Edit Selected Paths" is within about 6 pixels or so.

@sarsky22 Жыл бұрын

@@GDHT Thanks for the answer, it works now ! Nice

@GDHT Жыл бұрын

@@sarsky22 awesome 👏