Do you use the Shape Editor Tool or the Pen Tool?

**parahandy** · 18 October 2007, 09:39 PM

I use the pen tool 99% of the time.

**raynerj1** · 18 October 2007, 10:24 PM

I Typically slice and dice bitmaps a couple times a week. I like the control one gets with the shape editor. There is nothing better than the shape editor for slicing out a complex shape. Just set the the default for straight lines and cusp joins then just click around the edge of the bitmap where the arcs change. Then just "bend" the line to make em fit... There you have your perfect "mask" or as i call it... "a cookie cutter".

**gwpriester** · 19 October 2007, 01:07 AM

Shape Editor Tool.

I use it with the Make Line option and then edit the line segments into curves as I draw.

The Pen Tool, a very early concession to Illustrator users, is not one tenth (IMHO) as intuitive as sketching out a shape in line segments and then editing the line segments with the same tool.

Gary

**DAL** · 19 October 2007, 01:22 AM

The Shape Editor rocks!

**The Alien** · 19 October 2007, 06:09 AM

I voted Pen tool, but I wanted to vote Shape Editor. It's 08:00 and I'm still asleep. sry

**steve.ledger** · 19 October 2007, 07:24 AM

Always shape editor by choice.

**geminiguy** · 19 October 2007, 07:37 AM

I tend to actually use all three equally. Just because it varies on which is the best to use at each given moment.... The more options available, the better I always say

**MarcT** · 19 October 2007, 09:19 PM

Shape editor all the time except some rare freehand tool occasions. I usually sketch out straight line and adjust curves afterwards.

Also, if I remember correctly, you cannot double click to change point type to corner with the pen on the fly.

I find it worth a nobel prize not to have to switch tool to add points or edit curves.

coco

**amoore** · 20 October 2007, 12:56 AM

Originally Posted by Soquili

I use the Pen Tool to create the basic shape quickly, then the Shape Editor Tool to refine the shape.

Me too. I've never been happy using the Shape Editor to start from scratch. It never seems to do what I want it to.

It's only in the last six months that I've made any real use of the Freehand tool (and that's after using Xara for years).

**jclements** · 20 October 2007, 02:04 AM

If I am drawing over white-space or primarily drawing rules, I like the Freehand Tool (using Alt or Alt+Ctrl for lines) because I can keep drawing without lifting or clicking the mouse all the time. It also makes drawing with a tablet-pen more "natural.

Most other times, I am usually "tracing" over imported artwork which means clicking upon specific places, so I use the Shape Editor.

John