✒️ Pen Tool in Adobe After Effects | Complete Guide for Creatives
🎯 What is the Pen Tool in Adobe After Effects?
The Pen Tool is one of the most powerful and flexible tools in After Effects. It allows you to create custom shapes, masks, and motion paths with precise control using anchor points and Bezier handles. Whether you're designing complex animations, creating motion graphics, or masking a video, the Pen Tool is essential.
🧭 Where to Find the Pen Tool
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Top Toolbar → Look for the pen nib icon 🖋️
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Or press the shortcut key: G
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Click and hold the icon to see options like:
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Pen Tool
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Add Vertex Tool
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Delete Vertex Tool
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Convert Vertex Tool
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🧰 Use Cases of the Pen Tool
| Feature | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Create Masks | Manually outline parts of a video to apply effects |
| Draw Shapes | Custom vector shapes for design and animation |
| Motion Paths | Animate objects along custom-drawn paths |
✏️ How to Use the Pen Tool (Step-by-Step)
✅ 1. For Masking a Layer:
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Select a layer (e.g., image or video)
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Choose Pen Tool (G)
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Click to add points on the composition panel
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After the final click, a mask will be created
To make a curved path, click and drag when placing a point
✅ 2. For Drawing Shapes:
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Deselect all layers
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Choose the Pen Tool
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Start clicking on the composition panel
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A new Shape Layer with a Bezier path will be created
Use Fill and Stroke settings on the top bar to stylize your shape
🎨 Editing Pen Tool Paths
Once your shape or mask is created:
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Use Selection Tool (V) to move the entire shape
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Use Convert Vertex Tool (Alt/Option + click) to toggle between sharp corners and smooth curves
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Adjust Bezier handles to refine curves
⚙️ Animate with Pen Tool Paths
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Open the layer’s Mask Path or Shape Path property
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Add keyframes to animate path changes over time
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Create morphing animations or shape transformations
💡 Pro Tips
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Hold Shift: Snap path segments to 45°, 90°, 135°, etc.
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Alt/Option + Click on Points: Convert corners ↔ curves
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Double Click Path: Select and move the entire shape or mask
📌 Use the Pen Tool For:
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Creating lower thirds
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Designing custom transitions
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Making shape-based infographics
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Drawing motion paths for advanced animations
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Rotoscoping or masking specific areas in a clip
📚 Summary
| Tool Feature | Shortcut/Use |
|---|---|
| Pen Tool | G |
| Create Shapes | Deselect layer, then draw |
| Create Masks | Select a layer, then draw |
| Edit Vertices | Use Convert Vertex Tool (Alt) |
| Animate Paths | Add keyframes under Path |
✅ Final Words
The Pen Tool in Adobe After Effects is your go-to weapon for precision-based design and animation. With a bit of practice, you can create complex masks, draw unique shapes, and animate stunning custom paths — all within one powerful tool.
