Pen tool modifier keys (XAML)

The following table lists shortcuts that you can use to modify a path while you are creating it with the Pen tool d514358f-185a-412f-a55d-36633b25dc8a. You can also use the Pen tool to add or remove points on an existing path, or to join two existing paths.

To do this action

Do this

Pointer

Create a point to start a straight line segment

Click to create the new point

0bfb1b71-80ac-4ad4-aed8-40e09f8b7ab8

Pen pointer

Create a point to start a curved line segment

Click to create the new point, and then drag to adjust the tangent handles before releasing the mouse button

0bfb1b71-80ac-4ad4-aed8-40e09f8b7ab8

Pen pointer

Adjust the last tangent without the smooth constraint, allowing you to make a sharp corner

Click to create the new point, and then press Alt before releasing the mouse button

317e5475-b70c-489f-9477-110a98639ade

Pen adjust pointer

Split the last tangent so that the tangent end points operate independently, allowing you to make a sharp corner

Click to create the new point, and then hold down Alt and drag before releasing the mouse button

317e5475-b70c-489f-9477-110a98639ade

Pen adjust pointer

Move the tangent end point around the new point in 15-degree increments

Click to create the new point, and then hold down Shift+Alt and drag before releasing the mouse button

317e5475-b70c-489f-9477-110a98639ade

Pen adjust pointer

Reduce the tangent at an end point to zero length

Click the end point

317e5475-b70c-489f-9477-110a98639ade

Pen adjust pointer

Add a new point to an existing path

Click the path at the location where you want the new point

b004ad5a-33a4-46ae-81c0-20be0d819332

Pen insert pointer

Remove a point from a path

Hover over an existing point and click

08a64b78-f3df-4730-8169-c56b5631b071

Pen delete pointer

Close a path with a sharp corner

Click the start point

a12fd3b4-a553-4762-b01c-c35efa594362

Pen close pointer

Close a path with a smooth curve at the corner

Click the start point and drag to modify the tangent handle before releasing the mouse button

a12fd3b4-a553-4762-b01c-c35efa594362

Pen close pointer

Create a sharp corner when joining two paths

Select two paths, click the Pen tool, click an end point of one of the paths, and then click an end point of the other path

bd12dfa4-112e-4f37-9765-3479e6b69894

Pen join pointer

Create a smooth corner when joining two paths

Select two paths, click the Pen tool, click an end point of one of the paths, and then drag an end point of the other path

bd12dfa4-112e-4f37-9765-3479e6b69894

Pen join pointer

Create a new path

Hold down Ctrl and click outside the previous path to stop adding points to the previous path, and then click or drag where you want the new path to begin

69758176-5f53-465b-808c-f13fd1a0b3f2

Pen start pointer

See Also

Concepts

Design surface modifier keys (XAML)

Other Resources

Pen tool modifier keys

Direct Selection tool modifier keys