The sweep arrow tail has been created as a brush. I have a file already created in the file called, “Adobe Illustrator Startup RGB.ai”, which contains the brush. Download it and open the folder “C:\Program Files\Adobe\Illustrator 10\Plug-ins” (or where the application was installed). Rename the existing file “Adobe Illustrator Startup_RGB.ai” to anything you like and copy the download file into the folder. This file is for the RBG color profile only.

Usage

To generate a sweep arrow, launch Illustrator and open a “New” document, File > New. Select the radio button labeled “RGB Color” and click OK.

New Document

When the new file opens, make sure the following palettes are visible: Brushes. If not visible, from the menu bar Windows, toggle on the items.

Brush Menu

The New window should appear, it should be similar to this example.

Illustrator Desktop

Using the pen tool or other tools, draw an arc (tail is first point) whichwill become the sweep arrow shaft. The arc should be a simple two-points arc. The arc should be consistent and fluid. This may be drawn on the original illustration first (for best fit).

Line or Arrow Shape

With the line still selected, turn off fill and stroke (located on bottom of the toolbar).

Fill and Stroke

Click on the brush that looks like a sweep arrow tail in the Brushes window.

Brush Palette

The arc will change to a sweep arrow without a head.

Sweep Arrow Tail

With the line still selected and from the menu bar, select Filter > Stylize > Add Arrowheads…

Stylize Menu

Change the End to 10 and Scale to 180% and click OK. Note: if the head of the arrow is on the wrong end, change the End to Start (on add arrowhead).

Add Arrowhead

If the head of the arrow is not filled, select the head only and apply black fill. The sweep arrow is complete. The arrow can be sized (adjusted from the end point) or moved.