Expert: Kevin Stohlmeyer - 8/9/2010

Question
Hi,

I've justs started using illustrator and for some reason the dotted line that follows the pencil tool and allows you to see what you're drawing is only working very occasionally - I can't see a fix for it in any of the options settings.  Can you help so that I can see what I am drawing?

Thanks

Answer
Hi Mark,

I've had this questions a lot. Unfortunately, there are no options for the pencil tool, but here are a few helpful tips:

You can change the color of the dots using the layers panel. If you double click on the layer, change the color of the layer and it will change the dots as well.

Also, depending on how fast you are drawing your dots may be spread further out and harder to see.

The dots also do not change in size with your page view so it could also be how far out you are compared to the line you are drawing.

I've also heard that screen resolution can make a difference, but I have never experienced this problem myself. It would really depend on your setup.

Hopefully this helps.

Thanks

Kevin