About the Pen Tool
The pen tool draws precise paths made of points and curves. Tap on the picture to place a corner point and the path joins it to the last one with a straight line. Press and drag instead, and handles pull out of the point so the line bends into a smooth curve. Tap the first point to close the shape. Choose a colour, a line thickness and an optional fill, then download the picture with the path drawn on it, or copy the path as SVG data to use in a design or a web page. The other path tools are on the same page, so you can add, delete and convert points or move the whole path. Your picture stays in your browser.
Updated October 2026
How to use the Pen Tool
- 1Select an image or drop one on the page.
- 2Tap where the path should start, then tap again for each corner. Press and drag on a tap to pull curve handles out.
- 3Tap the first point again to close the shape.
- 4Pick a colour, a line thickness and a fill. Switch tools above to adjust points.
- 5Press Download PNG, or Download SVG or Copy path data for the outline.
Points, handles and curves
A path is a list of anchor points. Between two points the line is a cubic curve controlled by one handle on each point. A point with no handles gives a straight line, and a point with handles gives a curve. The longer a handle, the more the curve leans towards it, and the direction of the handle sets the direction the line leaves the point.
Drawing tips
- Place points at the start and end of each curve, not along the middle.
- Drag in the direction the line should continue.
- Use few points. Smooth shapes need fewer points than you expect.
- Zoom the browser page if you need to place a point exactly.
- Tap Undo freely, because every step is remembered.
What to use it for
Outlining an object on a photo, drawing a speech bubble or an arrow, tracing a shape to turn into SVG, marking up a map or a plan, and making a simple logo outline. The SVG download is only the path, with the colour and thickness you chose, so it opens in any vector program or browser.
Path data in SVG
The Copy path data button gives the d attribute of an SVG path, with M for the start, L for lines, C for curves and Z for a closed shape. Paste it into an SVG file, a CSS offset-path or a drawing app.
Phone and computer
On a phone, tap for points and drag for curves. On a computer, click and drag with the mouse. Handles and points are shown only on screen and never saved in the PNG. Drawing points gives full control, so compare how other tools work. Try the Curvature Pen Tool for smoother curves, the Direct Selection Tool to move points later, and the Pencil Tool for free-hand lines. Turn a picture into a vector with PNG to SVG.
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
- Corner points with a tap, smooth points with a drag
- Close the shape by tapping the first point
Frequently asked questions
What is the pen tool?
It is the tool vector editors use to draw paths. A path is a chain of points joined by lines or curves, and you can keep editing it after it is drawn.
How do I draw a curve?
Press where the point should go and drag before you lift. Two handles pull out of the point, and the line leaving it bends in the direction you drag.
How do I draw a straight line?
Tap, without dragging, at each corner. Points without handles are joined by straight lines.
How do I close a shape?
Once you have three points, tap the first point, which is drawn in pink. The path joins up and the fill, if you chose one, appears.
How do I fix a point I placed wrongly?
Press Undo, or switch to Direct Selection and drag the point or its handles.
What can I download?
A PNG of your picture with the path drawn on it, an SVG file of the path alone, or the path data text to copy into a drawing program or a web page.
Does it work on a phone?
Yes. Tap and drag with a finger. The page does not scroll while you touch the picture.
Is my picture uploaded?
No. Everything happens in your browser.