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businessdna1234
Participant
March 24, 2017
Answered

Pen tool is deleting anchor point

  • March 24, 2017
  • 2 replies
  • 14195 views

Hi,

I'm new to Illustrator, I'm trying to use the pen tool to draw a line from my anchor point, however it keeps changing to a delete anchor tool whenever I click on the anchor, could someone help me please! It's driving me mad!

Thanks,

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer Doug A Roberts

    do you mean an anchor point in the middle of a path? the pen tool is contextual by default. if you have a path selected and hover over an anchor point in the middle of a path, it'll change to the delete anchor point tool. if you hover over a path segment, it'll add anchor points. if you hover over an end point and click, it'll continue the path from there. if you want to disable this, go to Edit > Preferences > General and check 'Disable Auto Add/Delete'.

    you can't have a three-way path however you set things up though.

    2 replies

    Jacob Bugge
    Community Expert
    Jacob BuggeCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    March 24, 2017

    businessdna,

    There can only be two path segments from an Anchor Point so Illy thinks you wish to delete if you click a non end Anchor Point, and she is always eager to help.

    You can start a new path from an Anchor Point if you ClickHold just a bit away, then press the Spcebar and ClickDrag into the Anchor Point (Smart Guides are your friends saying anchor when you are within snapping distance).

    Edit: Hi Doug.

    Doug A Roberts
    Community Expert
    Doug A RobertsCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    March 24, 2017

    do you mean an anchor point in the middle of a path? the pen tool is contextual by default. if you have a path selected and hover over an anchor point in the middle of a path, it'll change to the delete anchor point tool. if you hover over a path segment, it'll add anchor points. if you hover over an end point and click, it'll continue the path from there. if you want to disable this, go to Edit > Preferences > General and check 'Disable Auto Add/Delete'.

    you can't have a three-way path however you set things up though.

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