Skip to main content
A
annasapphire
Participant
March 30, 2018
Answered

Pen Tool Changed-- Help!

  • March 30, 2018
  • 2 replies
  • 1887 views

I used to use Illustrator a great deal, but have not in the past few years.  The version I have at my job is now Illustrator CC.  I'm completely frustrated because the pen tool does not work in the way that I'm accustomed to.  

When I draw a line, then try to adjust it by moving the anchor points, it changes to the pen's minus tool and deletes my anchor point- or it creates a new line instead. Grr.

Where can I change these settings to make it work the old way?

Can someone please HELP?

And why do they change things like this when they work fine?  I usually end up abandoning my project and have to use Photoshop because I can't figure out the most basic things.  I don't have time- I have a project due!  I used to love Illustrator, but this is making me never want to use it again. 

      This topic has been closed for replies.
      Correct answer Monika Gause

      In order to change that behaviour you could open Preferences > General and turn automatic add/delete off

      But to edit existing anchors and handles, you need to use the direct selection tool

      2 replies

      A
      annasapphireAuthor
      Participant
      March 30, 2018

      Thank you, Monika-  I will try that.

      I tried using the direct selection tool, but it just drags my line around...

      I know these are really basic questions- it has been awhile since I used Illustrator so I'm rusty - but everything seems to have changed so much...

      jane-e
      Community Expert
      jane-eCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      March 30, 2018

      Yes, over the past few years a lot has changed with the way drawing works in Illustrator. You might want to take a refresher course or watch a training video on www.lynda.com to learn some of the new ways so you won't be frustrated. And you might fall in love with some of the improvements once you learn how they work!

        A
        annasapphireAuthor
        Participant
        March 30, 2018

        That's an excellent idea- thank you, Jane!

          Monika Gause
          Community Expert
          Monika GauseCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
          Community Expert
          March 30, 2018

          In order to change that behaviour you could open Preferences > General and turn automatic add/delete off

          But to edit existing anchors and handles, you need to use the direct selection tool

          A
          annasapphireAuthor
          Participant
          March 30, 2018

          Monika-

          That was it.  Clicking the disable auto add/ delete box solved the annoying issues with both the pen tool and the direct selection tool.   Thank you so much for your help! 

          Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
          Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices