Smooth Tool
Smooth jagged paths by reducing anchor points and softening curves.
Drawing
No shortcutBeginner4 min readQuick Reference
Smooth Tool
Adobe IllustratorKeyboard Shortcut
N/A
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
Beginner-Friendly⏱ 15–30 minutes to master
Key Settings
Smooth a path:Multiple passes:Adjust:
The Smooth Tool removes excess anchor points and softens sharp angles in paths. It is ideal for cleaning up hand-drawn paths created with the Pencil Tool.
Where to Find It
Nested under the Pencil Tool in the toolbar. Click and hold the Pencil icon to access it.
How to Use
- Smooth a path: Select a path, then drag the Smooth Tool along it.
- Multiple passes: Drag over the same area multiple times for more smoothing.
- Adjust: Double-click the Smooth Tool icon to set smoothing fidelity.
Pro Tips
- Use after drawing with the Pencil Tool for cleaner, more professional results.
- Works best on paths with many small anchor points.