30/04/2021 Basic tools in Animate

☰Basic tools 

ADOBE ANIMATE

›
Use this article to learn about the basic tools in Animate

Brush

Use the Brush Tool (B) to custom-define a brush by setting

parameters of the brush such as shape and angle. You can create
natural artwork in your projects by customizing the brush tool to suit
your drawing needs. You can choose, edit, and create a custom brush
in Animate through the Property Inspector, when the brush tool is
selected in the toolbox.

For more information on the Brush tool, see Brush tool in Animate.

Bone

https://helpx.adobe.com/animate/using/basic-tools.html 1/9
30/04/2021 Basic tools in Animate

Basic tools 

Use the Bone tool to use Inverse kinematics (IK), a way of animating
objects using bones chained into linear or branched armatures in
parent-child relationships. When one bone moves, connected bones
move in relation to it. You can add IK bones to movie clip, graphic,
and button instances.

To view detailed information on Bone tool, read the article on Using

the Bone tool in Animate, and watch the video tutorial on Using Bone
tool to create realistic movements.

Camera

https://helpx.adobe.com/animate/using/basic-tools.html 2/9
30/04/2021 Basic tools in Animate

Basic tools 

Use the Camera to mimic a virtual camera movement. When you set
a camera view for your composition, you look at the layers as though
you were looking through that camera. You can also add tweens or
keyframes on a camera layer. Use the following features within
camera to refine your animation:

Panning with the subject of the frame

Zooming in the object of interest for dramatic effect
Zooming out of a frame to remind the viewer of a larger picture
Modifying the focal point to shift the attention of the viewer from
one subject to another
Rotating the cameraUsing color tint or filters to apply color effects
on a scene

See the article on Using camera in Animate, and watch the video
tutorial on Using virtual camera in Animate for more help resources.

Ellipsis

https://helpx.adobe.com/animate/using/basic-tools.html 3/9
30/04/2021 Basic tools in Animate

Basic tools 

Use the Ellipse tool to draws circles and ovals.

For more information on Ellipsis, see Draw lines and shapes with
Animate.

Pencil

Use the Pencil tool to draw and edit freehand lines.

To learn how to use the Pencil tool, see Lines and shapes in Animate.

Pen

https://helpx.adobe.com/animate/using/basic-tools.html 4/9
30/04/2021 Basic tools in Animate

Basic tools 

Use the Pen tool (P) to draw straight and curved lines to create
objects.

For detailed information on using the Pen tool, see the article on
Drawing with the Pen tool.

Rectangle

Use the Rectangle tool (M) to draw squares and rectangles.

See the article on Lines and shapes to know how to use the Rectangle
tool.

Transformation anchor

https://helpx.adobe.com/animate/using/basic-tools.html 5/9
30/04/2021 Basic tools in Animate

Basic tools 

Use the anchor points of the connecting segments in the asset to

display direction handles, which consist of direction lines that end in
direction points. The angle and length of the direction lines determine
the shape and size of the curved segments. Move the direction points
to reshape the curves.

After selecting an anchor point, direction lines appear on any curved

segments connected by the anchor point. A smooth point always has
two direction lines, which move together as a single, straight unit.
When you move a direction line on a smooth point, the curved
segments on both sides of the point are adjusted simultaneously,
maintaining a continuous curve at that anchor point.

To view detailed information on using transformation anchor in

animations, see Use the Stage and Tools panel in Animate and
Animation basics.

Transform

https://helpx.adobe.com/animate/using/basic-tools.html 6/9
30/04/2021 Basic tools in Animate

Basic tools 

Use the Free Transform tool (E) to scale, rotate, or skew a selection.

Read the article on Transforming and combining graphic objects to

know more about using the Transform tool.

Legal Notices | Online Privacy Policy

ADOBE ANIMATE ^ Back to top

< See all apps

Learn & Support

Get Started
User Guide
Tutorials

Ask the Community

Post questions and get answers from
experts.
Ask now

https://helpx.adobe.com/animate/using/basic-tools.html 7/9
30/04/2021 Basic tools in Animate

Basic tools 
Contact Us
Real help from real people.

Start now

Was this page helpful? Yes No

Shop For

For Business

For Education

For Mobile

Experience Cloud

Support

Resources

Adobe Account

Adobe

Featured downloads Adobe Acrobat Reader Photoshop Illustrator

Change region ∨

Copyright © 2021 Adobe. All rights reserved. /

https://helpx.adobe.com/animate/using/basic-tools.html 8/9
30/04/2021 Basic tools in Animate

Privacy / Terms of Use / Cookie preferences / Do not sell my personal information / AdChoices
Basic tools 

https://helpx.adobe.com/animate/using/basic-tools.html 9/9