If your vector lines look jagged or uneven, smoothing lines in Illustrator using the Smooth Tool is one of the easiest ways to achieve clean, professional results. In this tutorial, we’ll walk you through the exact steps to find, set up, and use the Smooth Tool to perfect your paths.
Why Smooth Lines in Illustrator with the Smooth Tool?
The Smooth Tool is designed to simplify paths by removing excess anchor points and automatically creating smoother curves. It’s especially useful when:
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You draw freehand lines with the Paintbrush Tool or Pencil Tool.
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You import sketches that need cleaner vector paths.
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You refine logo shapes, illustrations, or lettering.
Pro Tip: Fewer anchor points = cleaner curves and smaller file sizes.
Step 1 – Add the Smooth Tool to Illustrator’s Toolbar
By default, the Smooth Tool may not appear on Illustrator’s main toolbar.
Here’s how to find it:
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Look for it under the Shaper Tool group (if visible).
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If not, click the Edit Toolbar button (three dots at the bottom of the toolbar).
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Drag the Smooth Tool icon into your main toolbar for quick access.
Step 2 – Select the Path for Smoothing Lines in Illustrator
Before using the Smooth Tool:
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Use the Selection Tool (V) or Direct Selection Tool (A) to highlight the path or segment you want to smooth.
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Make sure it’s an editable vector path (not a raster image).
Step 3 – How to Smooth Lines in Illustrator with the Smooth Tool
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Select the Smooth Tool from your toolbar.
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Click and drag along the section of the path you want to smooth.
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Repeat until the path looks as clean as you want.
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Each stroke with the Smooth Tool reduces anchor points and adjusts curves.
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Step 4 – Adjust Smooth Tool Settings for Better Line Smoothing
You can double-click the Smooth Tool icon to open settings:
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Fidelity: Controls how closely the smoothed line follows your original path.
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Smoothness: Determines how aggressively Illustrator rounds corners and curves.
Best Practices for Smoothing Lines
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Zoom in to work precisely on small sections.
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Avoid oversmoothing; it can distort intended shapes.
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Combine with the Direct Selection Tool for manual adjustments.
Related Tutorials
If you’re learning Illustrator, you might also enjoy:
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How to Use the Pencil Tool in Illustrator (internal link)
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How to Edit Anchor Points in Illustrator (internal link)
Final Thoughts
Smoothing lines in Illustrator using the Smooth Tool is a quick and powerful way to clean up your vector artwork. Whether you’re refining hand-drawn shapes, fixing messy paths, or just polishing your design, mastering this tool will save you time and give your work a more professional finish.