Harness the power of the Pen Tool

This powerful and efficient tool allows you to define precise vector points and create custom paths using Bézier curves.

Pen Tool - linearity curve
What is the Pen Tool?

Craft your vision with precision

Linearity Curve's powerful Pen Tool is a toolbox staple for every vector designer. It helps you quickly plot Bézier curves—also known as vector paths—that you can curve, edit, and close. With its precise control and accuracy, you can confidently create custom typefaces, logos, illustrations, and more.

mockup program creating street billboards commercial

Turn your concepts into assets with the Pen Tool

working on mac and iphone to recreate lettering graphic design
ipad and apple imac to recreate design typography
mac and ipad same design graphic design

Many design journeys start with a pencil and a sketchbook. Once you've got your design down on paper, our built-in Camera Scanner helps you capture and import it into Linearity Curve without the need for those big, old-fashioned scanners.

Add a new layer on top of your sketch layer, and begin tracing over your lines with the Pen Tool .

Create curved paths, straight paths, and complex shapes by defining anchor points. Adjust the curves by manipulating the two handles connected to each anchor point.

Like the Batman and Robin of design tools, the Pen Tool and Node Tool are powerful partners. Think of the Node Tool as the Pen Tool’s sidekick! It allows you to create precise paths by adjusting the corner radius and choosing your node type.

For example, you can easily change a curved segment back into a straight line by clicking on the anchor point and selecting "Single Node" in the Style Tab. It's that easy.

Jumpstart your design workflow

Ready to explore Linearity Curve’s powerful tools and features?

Get started for free

What sets the Pen Tool in Linearity Curve apart from other tools?

Creating vector illustrations needs precision, and the Pen Tool in Linearity Curve is the perfect tool.

While the Pen Tool might seem tricky at first compared to the Brush Tool, don’t worry—Linearity Curve has made it much simpler. It's fast, intuitive, and works seamlessly with gestures on the iPad and Apple Pencil. So, you can create detailed vector illustrations and more with ease.

Get started for free

Features

other tools

Precision control

Content-aware options to guide you

Custom-made gestures to speed up your design flow

1 Million+ high-resolution, royalty-free images

Choose from a library of free photos to use in your designs.

4,000+ design templates

Launch your ideas faster with free, ready-to-use templates.

80k+ royalty-free icons

Drop these vector elements straight into your document.

Master the Pen Tool

Learn how to use the Pen Tool with these essential tips.

Video Thumbnail

Frequently-asked questions

Have more questions? Visit our help center.
What is the difference between the Pen tools in Photoshop, Illustrator, and Linearity Curve?

The Pen Tools in Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Linearity Curve (formerly Vectornator) allow you to draw paths, but there are some subtle differences in how they work.

Unlike Adobe Illustrator and Linearity Curve, Photoshop is a raster-based image editing software. The pen can be used to draw fixed pixel-based shapes, a bèzier path, or a bèzier path-based shape.

In Illustrator, the Pen Tool is used to draw vector paths that can be scaled to any size. Any path can also be edited after it's drawn to take on the qualities of a different brush stroke or effect.

Linearity Curve's Pen Tool is also vector-based and allows you to create custom paths with bèzier curves. Like in Illustrator, any path you draw in Curve using the Pen Tool can be edited. However, we designed our Pen Tool to feel more intuitive, especially when it comes to using an iPad and Apple Pencil. Find out more about our amazing Pen Tool in our user Guide.

What is the Pen Tool?

A Pen Tool is a graphic tool that allows you to create precise paths with mathematical points.

In Linearity Curve (formerly Vectornator), you can draw straight lines by plotting points or curved segments by tapping and holding to bend the line you just made. You can then create a closed path by joining the first and last anchor points.

Learn more Pen Tool tips and tricks in our User Guide.

Why is it called the Pen Tool?

Although it's called the Pen Tool, this digital tool is not used like a regular pen.

In the past, it's been called the Bèzier Tool, named after Pierre Bèzier, the person who invented it. It has also been known as the Path Tool, since you can use it to draw a vector path line.

Today, the Pen Tool is perhaps the most powerful and important digital tool for designers out there. Most graphic designers, illustrators, and creatives need and use it every day, which is perhaps the reason it's named after such a common and useful object.

Where do I find the Pen Tool in Linearity Curve?

To activate the Pen Tool in Linearity Curve, simply tap/or click the Pen icon in the Toolbar or press the

P
key on your keyboard.

What vector tool is best to use for drawing?

Digital vector artists can use the Pen Tool, the Brush Tool, the Pencil Tool, and even the Shape Tool to draw. There are many powerful tools and techniques for drawing digitally, but plotting out points with the Pen Tool is the most precise way to create an accurate line or a smooth curve segment.

Linearity Curve users on desktop can use their trackpad or mouse button to click to add anchor points. And if you're using the iPad or drawing tablet, just tap with your stylus to add points as you draw. You path's direction and angle is determined by the position of the node handles.

What is a vector path?

In graphic design, a path is a line that appears when you draw using a vector tool as the Pen , the Pencil , or the Brush Tool. It is made up of a series of anchor points (or nodes).

There are mostly three types of paths:

  1. Open path: A single path (or line) with two end anchor points.
  2. Closed path: A closed shape that has no end point.
  3. Compound path: Two or more open or closed paths connected with each other.
Get started with Linearity today.

v2