How to Use Pen Tool in Figma: Simple Steps for Beginners

To use the Pen Tool in Figma, select it from the toolbar or press P, then click to create points that form straight or curved lines. Click and drag to create curves, and close the shape by clicking the first point.

Syntax

The Pen Tool in Figma is accessed by selecting the Pen Tool icon in the toolbar or pressing the P key. You create shapes by clicking to add anchor points. Clicking and dragging an anchor point creates curved segments. To close a shape, click the first anchor point again.

• Click: Adds a straight anchor point.
• Click and drag: Adds a curved anchor point with handles.
• Close path: Click the first point to complete the shape.

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Pen Tool Usage:
1. Select Pen Tool (P)
2. Click to add points
3. Click and drag for curves
4. Click first point to close shape

Example

This example shows how to draw a simple curved shape using the Pen Tool in Figma.

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1. Press <code>P</code> to select the Pen Tool.
2. Click once to place the first point.
3. Click and drag to place a curved point.
4. Click to add a straight point.
5. Click the first point to close the shape.

Output

A closed shape with one curved side and two straight sides appears on the canvas.

Common Pitfalls

Beginners often struggle with these common mistakes when using the Pen Tool:

• Not dragging to create curves: Clicking without dragging only creates straight lines.
• Forgetting to close the shape: Leaving the path open can cause fill issues.
• Misplacing anchor points: Placing points too far apart or too close can distort the shape.

To fix these, practice clicking and dragging for curves, and always close your shapes by clicking the first point.

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Wrong:
- Click points without dragging (only straight lines)
- Forget to close path

Right:
- Click and drag for curves
- Click first point to close shape

Quick Reference

Action	How to Do It	Result
Select Pen Tool	Click Pen icon or press P	Activate Pen Tool for drawing
Add Straight Point	Click on canvas	Creates straight anchor point
Add Curved Point	Click and drag on canvas	Creates curved anchor with handles
Close Shape	Click first anchor point again	Completes and closes the shape
Cancel Path	Press Esc	Stops drawing without closing shape

Key Takeaways

Press P to quickly select the Pen Tool in Figma.

Click to add straight points; click and drag to create curves.

Always close your shape by clicking the first point to fill it properly.

Practice placing anchor points evenly for smooth shapes.

Use Esc to cancel drawing if needed.