01
Build the outline with intentional anchors
Press P, then click where the outline should begin. Click again for a straight segment. For a curve, press and drag as you place the next point; the drag creates handles that influence the curve’s direction. Start with fewer anchors so you can see what each handle contributes.
02
Choose whether the path should close
Click the first anchor to close a shape, or press Enter to finish an open path. Open paths are useful for lines and outlines; closed paths can carry a filled shape. Change fill and stroke independently in the inspector rather than adding extra geometry to simulate an outline.
03
Refine rather than redraw
Re-enter path editing to move an anchor or adjust a handle. Hold Alt to split handles when the curve needs a corner or a different direction on one side. If a segment feels uneven, simplify the surrounding geometry before adding more points.
Try it in your next file
A few steps to get moving.
- 1
Click for a corner anchor.
- 2
Click and drag for a curved segment.
- 3
Click the first point to close, or press Enter to finish.
- 4
Adjust handles and tune fill and stroke.