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How to use the Pen tool

The Pen tool draws paths made of points and smooth curves. A path can become a precise selection, a filled shape, a stroke or a vector mask.

Where to find it

It has its own button in the toolbar. Press P to pick it.

How to use it

Choose the tool. Press P, or click the pen nib in the toolbar.
Pick what to make. Choose Path, Shape or Vector mask in the options bar.
Click and drag points. Click for a sharp corner; drag to pull out handles for a curve.
Close or finish. Click the first point to close the path, or press Enter to finish an open one.
Use the path. In Path mode, click Selection (or press Ctrl+Enter, Cmd+Enter on a Mac), Fill or Stroke.

A Pen tool path with curve handles around the front basket of a bicycle — Screenshot from the editor, 13 November 2026.

Options bar settings

Path, Shape, Vector mask: Draw a path in the Paths panel, a new shape layer, or a mask on the current layer.
Freeform: Draw by hand like a pencil; it turns into smooth curves when you let go.
Curvature: Click points the curve should pass through and the handles place themselves.
Selection, Fill, Stroke: In Path mode: make a selection from the path, fill it with the foreground colour, or paint along it with the Brush settings.

Tips and common mistakes

Hold Ctrl (Cmd on a Mac) and drag to move a point while drawing.
Fewer points make smoother curves. Place them at the turns, not along the straight parts.

Related

Photostar is a free online Photoshop alternative that runs in your browser. There is no account to make, and your files stay on your device.

Checked 13 November 2026 in the current editor.

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