Pen Tool Anchor Point

[Christin273676092kqf]

I'm trying to use the spacebar to refine an anchor point. When I hold down the anchor point and click on the space bar, nothing happens other than moving the entire artboard. I am using the pen for the Microsoft Surface Pro. Am I doing this incorrectly?

Can you also please explain the difference between using Alt and Ctrl with the pen tool? And how do you deselect the pen tool? 

Thank you.

[Monika Gause · Accepted solution]

To deselect the pen tool just select a different tool. To stop the drawing, press Esc or P

So you are trying to move the anchor point in the process of setting it? That's the only time when the spacebar will work in the intended way. It won't do that afterwards.

Conincidentally I have just made a video about the pen tool shortcuts: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fU5zh8BxgQ

[Met1]

https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/using/drawing-pen-curvature-or-pencil.html

https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/using/editing-paths.html

[Adorable_Dusk2701]

its not pressing spacebar its when you draw an anchor point the canvas moves everywhere ! please help

[Anubhav M]

Hello @Adorable_Dusk2701,

Thanks for reaching out. Would you mind sharing more details, like the exact version of the OS/Illustrator, and a screen recording of your workflow and the problem (https://adobe.ly/4ei5YWA), so we can investigate this further?

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Thanks,
Anubhav

[Adorable_Dusk2701]

Using a Surface Pro 11. The pen too does not work correctly with the digital touch pen. Every time you touch a point is drawn, then you are not able to draw the axis without the canvas being locked to the direction of the  cursor's movement. The canvas moves with the line being drawn and is unusable. I woud have to take a video to show it. It is unusable for touch screen and I cannot use my fingers in the canvas area for any of the tools wither.

[Adorable_Dusk2701]

The version is v25.12 all functionality does not work for the pen tool, also can not use rulers  with touch. Photopea works fine

[Srishti Bali]

Hi @Adorable_Dusk2701

Thank you for providing the requested information. It appears you're using a very old version of Illustrator. You can keep that version installed if you'd like, but I recommend installing the latest version (28.7.1) to see if the issue persists.

Additionally, you might want to try resetting Illustrator preferences. You can follow the steps shared here.

Regards,

Srishti