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

Forum|Forum|15 hours ago
September 20, 2026
3 replies
20 views

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

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

Monika Gause

Community Expert

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

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.

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

Sign up

To post, reply, or follow discussions, please sign in with your Adobe ID.

Sign in to Adobe Community

To post, reply, or follow discussions, please sign in with your Adobe ID.