The pen
points, then curves, then letters.
Every design app has a pen tool, and it puzzles almost everyone. It's simpler than it looks: points, plus handles that bend lines into curves. Six short, checked steps.
Step 1 of 6
Place a point. Then another.
corner smooth handle
Click for a point, drag for handles. Drag a point or handle to adjust. Click the first point to close.
Why it works this way
four rules type designers keep.
Bézier curves, the math in every font and vector app. A few habits keep them clean.
- Fewer points.
Fewer points make smoother curves that are easier to change.
- Points at the extremes.
Points at the curve's top, bottom, left and right render cleanest.
- Handles flat or upright.
At an extreme, handles lie flat or upright, so curves join without a bump.
- Smooth where it flows, a corner where it turns.
Aligned handles let the line flow; broken ones make a corner.