Pen tool - just double click last point to stop drawing (and leave path open)
It used to be (many versions ago) that if I was drawing with the pen tool, all I had to do is double click my last point, and it would end that graphic, leaving it open, and leaving the tool ready to draw another line. Now the only way to stop seems to be to hit return (which is awkward since I am right handed), go hit another tool, or use a keystroke. All of these take more time and break my train of thought.
P O'Hagan
shared this idea
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P O'Hagan
commented
Again, it is awkward and disrupting to have to use two hands. As for "inprecision", Illustrator is not very exact to start with.
Lasso in Photoshop doesn't end with a double-click, you just let go of the mouse and it closes. I have never used FreeHand or other drawing programs.
I am an actual artist that uses this program. I am asking for an option to make my workflow faster. How it has been lately is annoying and awkward. Even a right-click would be better.
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I consulted some veteran users about this, and it feels it’s not what Illustrator ever had.
Some other applications (e.g. FreeHand) were able to interrupt the path by double clicking on an endpoint. Perhaps this it what you confused with Illustrator with.
The other possible confusion is the Lasso in Photoshop, which does end an operation on a double-click. Perhaps it all just got mish-mashed.
A double-click also bears the risk of imprecision, and this is what I personally often get working with the Lasso in PS, and prefer to hit Enter instead.
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P O'Hagan
commented
I'm pretty sure it was a Preferences setting. Before there was all the other new items (like the legacy overrides...)
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P O'Hagan
commented
Sorry I don't remember what version I had. All I know is I still automatically double-click when I am done drawing, then use join if I want to close a path. It is just more natural when I am creating complex artwork. Especially if I creating as I go along. Thanks for considering it.
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What was the last version you used before switching to CC versions? Every version after version 10 do not end a path drawn with the Pen with a double-click, so I have my doubts about the claim you make, I have to test it in earlier versions if these are what you used before the switch. Sorry, we can’t rely on your or my memories here, it’s a fluid matter.
Even if it’s not a lost feature, but a brand new suggestion, the research has to be done.What I mean by 'double-clicking a node to change the corner/smooth' is Curvature tool, not Pen. They are somewhat alike, ad have similar tool icons even.
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P O'Hagan
commented
I have been using Illustrator since about version 1 or 2. Ending a line was never a two-handed task. Double-clicking was automatic for me until I was forced to start using "Adobe Creative Cloud" a couple years ago. Not sure what version I had then. I still do it out of habit.
The double-click to change the "node" was never available. I would just drag for a curve and click for a corner, and change it with the other tool later if needed, since I usually want to adjust it anyway.
I'll try escape, but would still prefer a one-handed method. Thanks.
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I just checked Illustrator 10 if it does stop drawing with a double-click — it does not. So either it was never a thing, or I didn’t check it deeper enough :)
Return, however, still ends the path in version 10.
So does the Escape — I am right-handed and I use it instead of Return, so maybe it can work for you as well.
As for the general idea of having in work with a double-click... The Pen is related to the Curvature tool, and it uses double-click to convert a sharp node to a smooth one and vice versa. Having the Pen with the double-click to end the path and not the Curvature can lead to more frustrations with their incomplete similarities.
Sure, it can be added as an option, but I personally don't think it’s entirely necessary.
