You’re working on a project, and although it’s almost finished, some of the objects you’ve created still have a few rough edges here and there. What options do you have? This may seem like a simple task to some, but for many individuals who are just starting out with Illustrator, it may be rather difficult.

In Illustrator, there are three techniques to soften an object’s corners. You may utilize the Simplify Window, the Sub-selection tool, or the Smooth tool to soften an edge. To take advantage of the smooth tool, after enabling the Selection tool by pressing “V” on your keyboard, click the item you want to choose. Select the smooth tool. Then, drag the Smooth tool along the line of the object you wish to smooth.

All three of these methods have been discussed in detail in this article. Keep reading below for more information.

How to Smooth Edges in Illustrator

You can smooth edges in three ways, and we’ve discussed these in detail below.

For more information on how to smooth edges in Illustrator, watch this video:

Using the Smooth Tool

By instantly smoothing the edge for you, the Smooth tool enables you to remove a sharp edge or line with a single mouse drag.

Step 1: Locate and Choose the Selection Tool

• The Selection tool may be found on the sidebar to the left of the window. The tool may also be quickly selected by using the “V” keyboard shortcut.

Step 2: Choose Your Object

• To pick your object, click the selection tool. It should have a border that is outlined around it.

Step 3: Locate and Choose the Smooth Tool

• Right-click on the Shaper tool in the menu on the left side of the screen, then select the Smooth tool icon to activate it. 

All of the anchor points on the border surrounding your chosen item will be outlined and accessible while the smooth tool is active.

Step 4: Make Your Shape’s Edges Smooth

• The edge portion you wish to smooth out may be identified by clicking and dragging the Smooth tool over it. Drag the tool over this region repeatedly until the desired outcome is obtained.

Using the Sub-selection Tool

Individual anchor points, the pathways that link them, and the curvature of these paths may all be chosen and changed using the Sub-selection tool.

Step 1: Locate the Selection Tool and Choose It

• Search for the Selection tool on the menu at the left of your window. Alternatively, you may quickly pick the tool using the “V” keyboard shortcut.

Step 2: Choose Your Object

• To pick your object, click the selection tool. It should have a border that is outlined around it.

Step 3: Locate and Choose the Sub-Selection Tool

• Look for the Sub-selection tool on the menu on the left end of the display. You may quickly pick the tool by pressing “A” on the keyboard as a workaround.

Step 4: Decide Which Anchor Points to Use

• Choose the anchor point that is closest to the edge you wish to smooth using the Sub-selection tool. 

The anchor point will be highlighted after being chosen, while the surrounding areas stay white. Holding down the “Shift” key while clicking on each anchor point allows you to choose more than one.

Step 5: Make Any Necessary Adjustments to the Shape’s Edges

• You may now change the geometry of your object by adjusting the anchor points and any connecting paths. 

Any curved line’s curvature may be altered using the anchor handles linked to the line’s anchor points.

Using the Simplify Window

You can also use this technique to smooth edges in Illustrator. Follow the instructions below.

Step 1: Locate and Choose the Selection Tool

• Search for the Selection tool on the menu at the left of the window. You may quickly pick the tool by using the “V” keyboard shortcut as a workaround.

Step 2: Pick Your Object 

• To pick your object, click the selection tool. It should then have a border that is outlined around it.

Step 3: Launch the Simplify Window

• Select “Object,” then “Path,” then “Simplify…” from the panel at the top of the page. A little toolbar with a slider and two icons will appear on the screen.

Step 4: Modify Your Shape 

• Adjust the number of anchor points surrounding your object using the slider on the Simplify panel. 
• Additionally, you may choose to have Illustrator automatically determine the value by selecting the “Auto-Simplify” button, or you can choose to open a box with additional modification choices by selecting the “More Options” symbol.

Conclusion

If you want your designs to look clean and professional, you need to know how to smoothen the edges of your objects in Illustrator. This is why we developed this tutorial to guide designers who don’t know how to do this yet. Happy editing!