Tool manual

How to use the Pencil tool

The Pencil tool draws with a hard edge and no soft fade. It suits pixel art, sharp outlines and masks that need a crisp edge.

Where to find it

It is in the toolbar, in one slot with Brush and Mixer Brush. Right-click the slot, or press and hold it, to choose between them. Press Shift+B until it is selected (B on its own picks Brush).

How to use it

1. Choose the tool. Press Shift+B until it is selected, or right-click the brush slot and pick Pencil.
2. Set the size. Use Size. For pixel art, zoom in a lot and use 1 pixel.
3. Draw. Drag on the canvas, or Shift-click to join a straight line to the end of the last stroke.

Options bar settings

• Size and Opacity: The width of the line, and how strongly it covers.
• Symmetry: Mirrors each line across an axis or repeats it around the centre.
• Pressure size and Smoothing: Pen pressure changes the width; smoothing steadies hand-drawn lines.

Tips and common mistakes

• The Pencil has no Hardness or Flow: its edge is always hard.
• Turn Smoothing down to 0 for pixel art so every click lands where you expect.

Related

• How to use the Brush tool
• How to use the Eraser tool
• How to use the Paint Bucket tool

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Checked 13 November 2026 in the current editor.

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