@VectorStyler thanks! I figured out if I turn off the symmetric nodes and the "show segment" options, I get the pen tool settings that work best for me.
With your Command+ option, I see it can give me pure cusp nodes when using the pen tool. that can be useful
[image: 1741187704496-270a437d-9824-44b9-b04c-cd1d6e78f3d0-cleanshot-2025-03-05-at-10.14.35.png]