The Paintbrush tool applies predefined vector artwork to the paths you draw.
The difference is in the appearance of the path it creates. Under the hood, the Paintbrush tool functions exactly like the Pencil tool and allows you to click and drag to create a vector path. By using brushes, you can streamline your work by creating complex artwork with just a few paths. More powerful than you might think, brushes support pressure-sensitive tablets and can even distribute art and patterns along a drawn path. The concept is simple: Instead of drawing a predictable, boring line using the Pencil tool, the Paintbrush tool can create flourishes, lines with tapered ends, and artsy elements that mimic the strokes you can create with Speedball or calligraphy pens. The brushes in Illustrator are such a feature. And every once in a while, a feature is introduced that is so unique and powerful that it changes everything.
Some are cool effects, and some add useful functionality. Learn More Buy Unleashing the Power of BrushesĮach version of Illustrator brings new features and tools to the hands of designers.