How to Use the Pen and Node Tools in Affinity Designer

Affinity Designer is a popular graphic design app that offers a wide range of tools and features for vector design. In this tutorial, we will cover the basics of using the Pen and Node Tools.

We'll also provide tips and techniques for mastering these tools and creating professional-looking designs. If you're a beginner who wants to explore a bit more of this software, this Affinity Designer tutorial will help you unlock the full potential of these tools. You can also read the last tutorial on how to use the Move Tool in Affinity Designer.

If you like video tutorials, check out the complete Affinity Designer 2 course from the Tuts+ YouTube channel or the Affinity Designer for Beginners course page to learn more.

Watch the Lesson: Pen and Node Tools in Affinity Designer

What Is the Pen Tool in Affinity Designer?

First things first, let's talk about one of the most basic tools in Affinity Designer 2: The Pen Tool. This tool allows you to create curves by connecting individual points called nodes. By manipulating these nodes and their control handles, you can create complex shapes and curves.

When using the Pen Tool, it is important to set up your document for vector drawing. By doing so, you can take full advantage of the Pen Tool and other vector design features.

Pen Tool's Functions

This tool offers various functions and options to create and edit curves. When using it, you can choose between different modes, such as Pen (Bézier), Smart, Polygon, or straight Line mode. These modes determine how the curves will be drawn.

The Pen Tool is the heart of any vector drawing application. To start using it:

Click once for a corner point, and click and drag to create curved lines.
Adjust the curve handles by clicking and dragging.
Toggle between corners and smooth points by clicking again.
Use keyboard shortcuts like Command and Control for fine-tuning.
Use the spacebar to reposition points while dragging.
Experiment with the Close Curve button to automatically close curves.

How to Use the Pen Tool in Affinity Designer

The Pen Tool is a fundamental tool in Affinity Designer that allows you to create and edit curves. To get started with the Pen Tool, open a new document or import an existing design.

1. How to Create a Shape Using the Pen Tool

Let’s start with the shape of an iceberg. Draw a shape using all corner points. Click wherever you need a corner, and then click the Close Shape button.

2. How to Close a Shape Using the Pen Tool

Now we'll be drawing the bottom of the iceberg. Duplicate the first shape using the Option key. Again, create all corner points. Click the first point of the shape to close it as another option, instead of clicking the button.

Make sure Snapping is enabled. Click the little magnet button and select Curve drawing, as well as Snap to object geometry, Snap to shape key points, and Snap to object bounding boxes.

3. How to Draw a Shape With Curves

Now that we have the iceberg, we're ready to draw the shape of the polar bear. To draw lots of curves you'll have to click and drag, and then hold Shift to reposition while dragging. Hold the Option key and click the node to make a broken corner.

How to Use the Node Tool in Affinity Designer

The Node Tool allows you to adjust and fine-tune the nodes of a shape or curve to achieve the desired look, giving you precise control over your designs.

To adjust, just click to select a point. Then click, hold Shift, and click additional points. Release Shift and click and drag to move multiple points.

Add new points to lines by clicking anywhere on the line. Toggle between corner and smooth points with the Option key. Use the Corner, Smooth, and Auto buttons to change the node type.

Converting sharp points to smooth points in your designs can be useful when you want to create smooth curves or transitions between shapes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Make My Lines Smoother With the Pen Tool?

To make your lines smoother with the Pen Tool, you can adjust the control handles of the nodes to create a gradual curve. You can also experiment with different node positions and handle angles to achieve the desired smoothness.

What Are the Best Practices for Using Layers With the Pen and Node Tools?

When using the Pen and Node Tools, it is recommended to organize your design elements into layers and name them. This allows for easier editing and manipulation of individual elements. It's also helpful to use adjustment layers for non-destructive changes to your designs.

Discover More Affinity Designer Tutorials

Continue exploring and learning about Affinity Designer 2 on Envato Tuts+ and the Envato Elements blog to expand your skills and master this design software. Next on, we'll talk about how to use the Corner Tool in Affinity Designer. And if you need a professional source of assets, check out the library of Affinity Designer graphics from Envato!