How to Add Anchor Points in Illustrator

In this beginner tutorial, we will show you two ways to add anchor points in Illustrator. Anchor points make changing path angles and lengths easier, but don’t add more anchor points than needed. The more anchor points a path has, the more complex the path is, which affects the editing, displaying, and printing of the path.

Before we start, draw a vector object using one of the shape tools, the Line Tool or Pen Tool.

You could also import a vector graphic. If you are using a downloaded vector graphic, make sure you unzip the file before use.

Another option is to try our tutorial on making a vector ribbon in Illustrator. Today, we’ll use a couple of simple botanical vectors to show you how to add anchor points.

Use the Pen Tool or the Add Anchor Point Tool

Step 1 - Select the Vector Object With the Direct Selection Tool

If you'd like to see the anchor points before adding more, click the Direct Selection Tool (A) in the left toolbar and click + drag over your vector graphic to select all of its paths. You will now see all the square anchor points on the blue paths. You can also individually select paths.

Step 2 - Select the Pen Tool or the Add Anchor Point Tool

Select the Pen Tool (P) in the left toolbar, or right-click on the Pen Tool and select the Add Anchor Point Tool (+).

Step 3 - Click on the Path

Using either the Pen Tool (P) or the Add Anchor Point Tool (+), all you have to do is click on the path where you want to add an anchor point.

In the following animation, you will see the Pen Tool automatically switching between the different forms. Keep your eye on the little symbol to the bottom right of the cursor.

The following animation shows that using the Add Anchor Point Tool only allows you to add anchor points. Notice that the little symbol to the bottom right of the cursor point is always a plus sign.

Using Add Anchor Point Feature

Something to keep in mind is that although the Add Anchor Point feature is easy to use, it may end up adding more anchor points than you need.

Step 1 - Select Vector Object

With the Direct Selection Tool (A), select your vector object. We selected a single petal from the flower, as shown in the following image.

Step 2 - Access the Add Anchor Point Feature

Next, go to Object > Path > Add Anchor Point.

You will see that more anchor points have been added to the path.

Below is a comparison of the flower and leaf before and after some anchor points were edited.

Adding anchor points is as easy as that! To learn more about what you can do with paths and anchor points, take a look at our guide on using the Pen Tool in Illustrator.