How to Use the Pen Tool

The pen tool (in both Adobe Photoshop and GIMP) is one that allows users to make lines and shapes that, with modifications, can be turned into many different drawings. Using the pen tool is relatively straight forward. However, there are dozens of different things people can do with the tool. Its most basic use is creating shapes and drawing lines.

How to Use the Pen Tool in Adobe Photoshop

On the tool bar, select the pen tool. It looks like a small fountain pen. “Create a New Work Path” and “Create a New Shape Layer" are the most common options for using the pen tool. There are further options within the main ones, but are more specific to the needs to the user.

Click on the blank canvas with the mouse or stylus. Click the canvas twice and a line will appear between two points. Each time a click is made, another point is added to the canvas and it connects to the previous point. So, in essence, a very rough sketch or a shape is being created. To delete a point, right click on the pen tool and then change to “delete anchor point.” Then select the point to be deleted.

With the points made, right click on the pen tool and select the “Convert Point Tool.” This is where the lines that have been made can start being bent. Select one of the points and drag it around. It will begin to bend the lines that it is connected to, which will allow the shape being created to expand.

How to Use the Pen Tool in GIMP

The pen tool is used the same way in Photoshop as it is in GIMP. However, there are a few variations. Select the pen tool and begin making points on the canvas. Each point will connect to the previous point, which causes a rough shape to be created.

When finished, hit the enter button and this will make editing final. Choose “edit” in the tool box options area. For a short cut, just hold down “CTRL” and this will help edit as well.

While holding "CTRL" down, drag the points in the desired direction. Curves can now be made wherever desired. In some cases, users have to figure out how to move the point to get the shape the way they want because moving a line in one direction may cause overlapping. Therefore, practicing line movement is important to master the pen tool.