5 Ways to Create Arrows in Adobe Illustrator

Method 1: Creating Arrows with the Pen Tool and Stroke Settings

This approach works well when you need clean, adjustable paths and a precise arrow in illustrator that can be edited at any time.

1. Choose the Pen Tool and draw a line in any shape you need. This is the most direct way to draw arrow in illustrator using custom paths.
2. Select the line, then open the Stroke panel from the Window menu or the Properties panel.
3. In the Stroke panel, locate the illustrator arrowheads options.
4. Pick an arrow style for the start or end of the line from the dropdown menus.
5. The line updates instantly, turning it into an adjustable Adobe Illustrator arrow.

Method 2: Using Arrow Symbols from the Symbol Library

If you want ready-made shapes, this method is useful when you need consistent illustrator arrows across multiple layouts.

1. Open the Symbols panel from the Window menu.
2. From the panel menu, choose Open Symbol Library, then select Arrows.
3. A window appears with a collection of predefined arrow designs.
4. Drag the symbol onto your artboard to quickly add an illustrator arrow that can be resized or modified.

Method 3: Drawing Arrows with Arrow Brushes

Brushes are helpful when you want to draw arrows with a repeated or hand-drawn look.

1. Open the Brushes panel from the Window menu.
2. Select Open Brush Library, then choose Arrows.
3. Illustrator shows several brush categories, including standard and decorative styles.
4. Use the Brush Tool to draw arrow in illustrator with consistent styling along any path.

Method 4: Building Arrows with Basic Shapes

This method works best when you need full control over geometry and want to make an arrow in illustrator as a standalone vector shape.

1. Create the shaft using the Rectangle Tool or Line Segment Tool.
2. Draw the arrowhead with the Polygon Tool set to three sides.
3. Align both shapes using the Align panel.
4. Select them together and use Pathfinder → Unite.
5. The result is a single shape that behaves like a custom illustrator arrow icon.

This approach is useful for UI elements or diagrams that rely on consistent sizing.

Method 5: Converting Strokes into Editable Arrow Shapes

When you need deeper control over points and angles, converting strokes into paths allows you to how to draw an arrow in illustrator with full edit access.

1. Draw a path with the Pen Tool and apply arrowheads through the Stroke panel.
2. Select the arrow and choose Object → Expand Appearance.
3. Illustrator converts the stroke into editable vector paths.
4. Use the Direct Selection Tool to fine-tune the shape and draw arrows in illustrator with precise adjustments.

This method is helpful when arrows need fine-tuned edits that aren’t possible with live strokes.

Each method offers a different balance of speed and control. Stroke arrowheads are ideal for precision, symbols work well for quick placement, brushes help when you need expressive lines, and shape-based methods are best when you want to fully customize an illustrator arrow for reuse.