Pen Tool Behavior Normal?

Forum|Forum|5 months ago
December 3, 2025
3 replies
307 views

Hoping to gain a little clarity on the Pen tool in Ai. I have created a Rectangle using the Rectangle tool. I want to set an anchor point on the side of the rectangle and move the line towards center. In other words a "V" shape. In using the Pen tool to insert an anchor point I would expect the line (path) to move in towards center. However only the anchor point moves and not the path. The information shows me it is an anchor point created using the Pen tool. Only when I apply an anchor point using the Add Anchor can I move the path.

Trying to get a better understanding of the Pen tool.

Thanks

How-to

Correct answer Doug A Roberts

How exactly did you add the anchor point?

If the rectangle is selected and 'Disable Auto Add/Delete' is unchecked in Preferences, the pen tool should add points when you click on the path.

Anna_Lander

Community Expert

When you add the new anchor point by the Pen tool, this point is active, and you can move it immediately (holding Ctrl/Cmd button). If you want to move a full segment (line) with the Pen tool, click the line (while holding Ctrl/Cmd) and drag it.

Doug A Roberts

Correct answer

Community Expert

How exactly did you add the anchor point?

If the rectangle is selected and 'Disable Auto Add/Delete' is unchecked in Preferences, the pen tool should add points when you click on the path.

W

westdr1dwAuthor

Legend

Thanks, Doug the "Disable Auto Add/Delete" was on. Will have to explore what each of the settings does. Since I did not know or did not change the setting it must be on by default.