Basic tools

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

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

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

Watch the video tutorial on Using virtual camera in Animate for more help.

Ellipsis

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

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

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

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.