What tool do you use to create paths in Adobe After Effects?

The Pen Tool is specifically designed for creating paths in Adobe After Effects. It allows users to draw straight lines and custom shapes with precision by placing anchor points. Each anchor point can be adjusted to create curves or sharp angles, providing great flexibility in defining complex paths. This tool is essential for both creating vector graphics and animating mask paths within the software, making it one of the most powerful tools for graphic design and animation in After Effects.

While the other tools mentioned serve their own purposes—such as the Brush Tool for freehand painting, the Rectangular Tool for drawing rectangular shapes, and the Shape Tool for creating predefined shapes—the Pen Tool remains the go-to choice for precise path creation due to its ability to manipulate paths directly and accurately.