Curvature Tool
Draw smooth, intuitive curves without manually adjusting bezier handles.
Drawing
Shortcut: Shift+~Intermediate8 min readQuick Reference
Curvature Tool
Adobe IllustratorKeyboard Shortcut
Shift+~key
Toolbar Location
Illustrator 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
Intermediate⏱ 30–60 minutes to master
Key Settings
Create path:Convert point:Adjust:Remove point:
The Curvature Tool simplifies curve drawing by automatically generating smooth bezier curves. Instead of managing handles, you simply click to place points and Illustrator creates the smoothest path between them.
Where to Find It
Nested under the Pen Tool in the toolbar. Click and hold the Pen Tool icon, then select Curvature Tool. Press Shift+~ to activate.
How to Use
- Create path: Click to add points. Curves are created automatically between points.
- Convert point: Double-click a point to toggle between corner and smooth.
- Adjust: Drag any point to reshape the curve dynamically.
- Remove point: Select a point and press Delete.
Pro Tips
- Use the Curvature Tool for organic shapes like logos and icons.
- Switch to the Pen Tool when you need precise handle control.