About the Add Anchor Point Tool
To reshape a path you often need more points to grab. The add anchor point tool inserts a new point exactly where you tap on the path, and it does so without changing the shape of the line: the curve is split at that spot with de Casteljau's method, so before and after look the same until you move something. Start from one of the ready-made shapes, a triangle, square, circle or heart, or draw a path with the pen first. Then tap on the line to add points, and drag them with Direct Selection to bend the shape. Download the result as a PNG with the path on your picture, or as SVG. Your picture stays in your browser.
Updated October 2026
How to use the Add Anchor Point Tool
- 1Select an image or drop one on the page.
- 2Choose Start from a shape, or draw a path with the Pen tool.
- 3With Add Anchor Point selected, tap on the line where you want a new point.
- 4Switch to Direct Selection and drag the new point or its handles to reshape the path.
- 5Download the PNG or the SVG.
How splitting a curve works
A curve segment is defined by four control points. De Casteljau's method finds the point at any position along it and the control points of the two halves, so the new path traces exactly the same curve. This is why the shape does not jump when you add a point.
A good way to work
- Start with a simple shape, with few points.
- Add a point only where you need to change the outline.
- Switch to Direct Selection and drag the point outwards or inwards.
- Adjust its handles to smooth the bend.
- Use Delete Anchor Point to remove points you no longer need.
Straight and curved segments
A straight segment gets a corner point in the middle of where you tapped. A curved segment gets a smooth point with handles set so the curve is unchanged. You can convert any point between smooth and sharp with the Convert Point tool.
What the pink and blue guides mean
The thin pink line is the path. Squares are sharp points and circles are smooth points. The first point is pink. Blue lines end in small circles, the handles that control the curve. The guides help while you edit and are not part of the downloaded PNG.
Phone and computer
Taps and clicks are all you need. On a phone, zoom the page if a segment is short, because very small segments are hard to hit with a finger. When a curve needs more control than the points you have, add one here, then reshape it with the Direct Selection Tool. Use the Delete Anchor Point Tool when a path has too many points, and the Convert Point Tool to turn a smooth point into a corner.
Features
- Seven path tools in one editor, so you can switch as you work
- Cubic bezier curves with draggable handles
- Undo for every step
- PNG download with the line drawn on your picture
- SVG download and copyable path data
- Private: your picture is edited in your browser and never uploaded
- New points keep the curve's shape exactly
- Ready-made triangle, square, circle and heart to start from
Frequently asked questions
What does the add anchor point tool do?
It puts a new editing point on a path where you tap, without moving the line. More points mean more places to reshape it.
Will the shape change when I add a point?
No. On a curve the segment is split into two curves that together trace the very same line. On a straight segment a plain corner point is added.
How close must I tap to the line?
Within a few millimetres on screen. If nothing happens, tap closer to the line.
How do I move the new point?
Choose Direct Selection and drag it, or drag one of its handles to bend the curve.
Why would I add points?
To change a part of a path without disturbing the rest, to make a straight edge bow outwards, or to turn a square into a more detailed shape.
Can I add points to a closed shape?
Yes. All segments of the shape, including the closing one, can take points.
How many points can I add?
As many as you like. Use Undo to step back.
Is my picture uploaded?
No.