How to Create a Spring Shape in Adobe Illustrator
Build a Clean, Custom Spring Shape in Illustrator with This Step-by-Step Method
Looking for a fun, flowing shape to add energy to your designs? A spring shape is a great way to add movement and dimension—especially when you want something more stylised than a spiral.
In this Illustrator tutorial, I’ll walk you through how I create a smooth, balanced spring shape using basic tools like the Ellipse Tool, Scissor Tool, and Shape Builder Tool. It’s a mix of geometry, manual adjustments, and just enough structure to keep it repeatable.
You can check out this video (and lots more!) over on my Instagram Page @hannah.bacon.design
Make a Spring Shape in Illustrator
1. Draw and Adjust the Base Oval
Use the Ellipse Tool (L) to draw a vertical oval
Grab the bottom anchor point’s handles and drag them inward so the bottom comes to a sharp-ish point
Tweak the shape until it has the flow you want
2. Cut and Extend
Use the Scissor Tool (C) to cut the oval in half
With the Direct Selection Tool (A), pull the bottom point down so it extends past the top anchor point
(This gives your spring some bounce and volume)
3. Duplicate and Reflect
Duplicate the half shape, go to Object → Transform → Reflect
Flip it horizontally and line up the two points as closely as possible
Use the Join Tool or Cmd/Ctrl + J to join the two halves into one path
You can optionally delete the top anchor point to keep the shape flowing cleanly
4. Duplicate for the Spring Effect
Duplicate the full spring shape twice more below the original
Use the Align Panel → Distribute Vertically to space them evenly
5. Trim and Build the Final Form
Use the Shape Builder Tool (Shift + M) to trim the connecting paths
Select and join the inside points to form clean loops
Add guides using straight lines from the corners to help position things precisely
6. Final Polish
Round off the corners using the Live Corner Widgets or Corner Radius tool
Pull up your guides and trim any overlapping excess
Now you’ve got a smooth spring form that can be duplicated or repeated as needed!
Why I Like This Method
It’s more customisable than using the Spiral Tool
You get full control over curve depth and spacing
It’s fully vector-based and scalable for print or digital
Perfect for use in motion-based designs, logos, or playful icons
Want More Time-Saving Tools and Freebies?
This process is just one of the techniques I share across my design templates and digital assets, made especially for designers who want professional results—without starting from scratch every time.
