Create variable stroke widths in Illustrator

This is a quick overview guide to creating variable stroke widths in Illustrator with the Width Brush Tool, Width Eraser Tool, and the Width Selector Panel - all available within the WidthScribe Plugin.

Width Brush Tool

You can find the Width Brush Tool in the Tool bar. This Tool is good for slowly building up a variable width, because as you click-and-drag along a path, it continues to add more width. You can change the parameters of this brush by opening the Width Brush Tool Options window and either double-clicking the tool icon, or pressing Enter on the numerical keypad. You can adjust the size of the brush, adjust the width amounts, and also set to increase a fixed amount on any stylus setting.

Width Eraser Tool

The Width Eraser Tool removes the variable width markers. It’s stacked under the Width Brush Tool in the toolbar. When using this Tool, it will show you all the Width Markers that have been set on a stroke, then you simply click-and-drag along the path to remove them.

Width Selector Panel

The Width Selector Panel gives you a lot more control over your variable stroke widths. You can find it by navigating to Window > Astute Graphics > Width Selector.

In the Width Selector panel you can:

• Select all markers on a path with the Select All button.

• Create tapered ends with one click using the Taper Stroke button.

• Average all the markers widths with the Average Widths button

• Even out the variable widths with the Smooth Widths button.

• Specify any marker width by entering it into the Specify Width input.

• Increase and decrease marker(s) widths by a percentage using the Change Width input and + / - buttons.

• You can also duplicate a marker by holding the Alt / Opt key as you move it along the path. For more quick keypress hints, ensure you have the AstuteBuddy panel open.

• You can also change the annotation colors in the Preferences Window (to open, double-click the tool icon, or press Enter on the numerical keypad).