Paintbrush Tool
Apply brush strokes to paths using artistic, calligraphic, and pattern brushes.
Painting
Shortcut: BBeginner6 min readQuick Reference
Paintbrush Tool
Adobe IllustratorKeyboard Shortcut
Bkey
Toolbar Location
Left toolbar — Brush group (paintbrush icon)
Best Used For
- ▸Create digital artwork and illustrations from scratch
- ▸Add textures, shading, and color to designs
- ▸Apply masks and selective color adjustments
Beginner-Friendly⏱ 15–30 minutes to master
Key Settings
Select brush:Paint:Adjust:Variable width:
The Paintbrush Tool paints strokes using brush presets from the Brushes panel. It supports calligraphic, scatter, art, pattern, and bristle brushes for endless creative possibilities.
Where to Find It
Press B or select the Paintbrush icon from the toolbar.
How to Use
- Select brush: Choose a brush from the Brushes panel (Window > Brushes).
- Paint: Click and drag to draw a brush stroke.
- Adjust: Double-click a brush to edit its settings.
- Variable width: Use the Width Tool to adjust stroke thickness.
Pro Tips
- Load custom brush libraries for specialized effects.
- Use pressure sensitivity with a graphics tablet for dynamic strokes.