Pencil Tool
Draw freehand vector shapes and paths. Perfect for sketching, handwriting, and organic illustrations.
Design
Shortcut: Shift+PBeginner4 min readQuick Reference
Pencil Tool
FigmaKeyboard Shortcut
Shift+Pkey
Toolbar Location
Figma toolbar
Best Used For
- ▸Refer to the tutorial content for specific use cases
- ▸Practice with sample projects to build experience
- ▸Combine with other tools for advanced workflows
Beginner-Friendly⏱ 15–30 minutes to master
Key Settings
Draw:Smooth:Edit:
The Pencil Tool lets you draw freeform vector paths by hand. It is ideal for sketching, creating handwriting effects, and organic shapes where precision isn't required.
Where to Find It
Press Shift+P or select the Pencil icon from the toolbar, grouped with the Pen Tool.
How to Use
- Draw: Click and drag to draw freeform paths. Release to end the path.
- Smooth: Adjust the smoothing setting in the toolbar for cleaner or rougher lines.
- Edit: Switch to the Direct Selection tool to adjust the path after drawing.
Pro Tips
- Use with a graphics tablet or tablet device for the most natural drawing experience.
- Lower smoothing (0-20%) for rough sketches, higher (40-80%) for clean shapes.