I can not get the pencil tool to switch to the pen tool

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I am trying to add color to my photo in Illustrator and I can not get my pen tool to open. It is stuck on the pencil

Bill Silbert

Community Expert

It sounds possible that you may not actually have the pen tool loaded in your tool panel. Try clicking on the three horizontal dots at the bottom of the tool panel. As shown in the screenshot below you will then see icons of all of Illustrator’s tools. If you click on the pull-down menu at the upper right of the tools shown you will get the options for the tools which includes Advanced and Basic set-ups. Choosing either of these should pop the pen tool back into your tools.

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jane-e

Community Expert

@glamorous_grace5336

How are you selecting the Pen tool? By clicking in the toolbar or by using the shortcut “P”? What happens if you select a different tool, then try again?

Jane

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Harshika Verma

Community Manager

Hi glamorous_grace5336,

Thank you for reaching out, and sorry for the trouble in switching from the pencil tool to the pen tool. Are you able to resolve the issue? Please feel free to share the information our experts requested for further assistance. You may also check out this video that might help you.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Thanks,

Harshika

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Monika Gause

Community Expert

It is not by any chance showing a pencil that is strikethrough?

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Dave Creamer of IDEAS

Community Expert

What happens if you tap the P key?

Did you reset the preferences?

Do other tools work?

Also, is this a pixel/raster photo? Illustrator would not be the best program; of course, it depends on what you are trying to do.

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David Creamer: Community Expert (ACI and ACE 1995-2023)

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