Overview

In This Chapter

• Discovering why the world loves to draw with the Pencil tool

• Generating paths with the Pencil tool

• Editing existing paths

• Using the Pencil tool preferences settings

• Smoothing out bumpy paths easily

• Deciding when to use the Pen or Pencil tool

• Using the Line Segment tool

• Creating and editing an arc

• Drawing amazing spirals

In the beginning, there was the Pen tool. And users said that the Pen tool was good. But the users also said that the Pen tool was too hard. And too frustrating. And inefficient for quickly creating paths. And the users griped. And behold! Adobe gave them the Pencil tool — the wondrous, magical Pencil tool that makes creating paths as easy as drawing with a, well, pencil. And there was great rejoicing. But Adobe wasn’t content to stop there, as you’re also blessed with three other tools — the Line Segment, Arc, and Spiral tools.

In this chapter, you find out all about the Pencil tool and its buddies, the Line Segment, Arc, and Spiral tools. You discover how to create and modify paths, and customize these tools to match your personal drawing style. And then you can join in the rejoicing!