Back to The Basics: 5 Essential Illustrator Tools
corpacer / / Illustrator / November 16, 2023
Just as we uncovered the indispensable tools in Adobe Photoshop for photo editing prowess, let’s embark on a journey through Adobe Illustrator’s toolkitโa powerhouse for crafting and designing.
From the precision of the Pen Tool to the creative versatility of the Type Tool, we’ll unravel the key features that make Illustrator an indispensable ally for marketers, graphic designers and artists. Join us as we delve into the nuances of colour customization, image tracing, and the mighty Pathfinder Tool, unlocking the potential for boundless creativity within Adobe Illustrator!
Pen Tool
The Pen Tool stands as one of Illustrator’s most versatile tools. Beyond crafting simple shapes, it excels at transforming hand-drawn sketches into editable drawings.
Here are some Pen Tool techniques:
- Straight Lines: Hold down the Shift key while using the Pen Tool (P) to create straight lines at 0, 45, and 90-degree angles.
- Curves: Click, hold, and drag to create curves with the Pen Tool (P).
- Aligning Points: Activate Smart Guides via View > Smart Guides.
Type Toolย
Beyond inserting and editing texts, Adobe Illustrator’s Type Tool allows you to do more than that!
Hold down the Type Tool for options like Type on a Path Tool and Vertical Type Tool.
Here are some Type Tool techniques:
- Creating Text Around a Shape or Path: Select Type Tool (T) > Type on a Path Tool, then click on a shape/path that has no fill or stroke. Also, make sure to click exactly where you want the text to start on the path.
- Convert Text into Shapes or Path: After typing out the texts, go to Type > Create Outlines. To ungroup each letter, click Selection Tool (V) >ย Object > Ungroup (Shift + Ctrl + G).ย
Image Trace Tool
This tool converts raster images (JPEG, PNG, PSD etc.) to vector artwork. It allows users to create new drawings based on existing pieces of artwork by tracing it.
Additional tips for Image Trace Tool:
- Enable Preview in the Image Trace panel.
- Adjust tracing results in the Image Trace panel.
- Convert to paths via Object > Image Trace > Expand.
Presets Available for Image Trace Tool:
Colour Tools
Colours play a pivotal role in the design, and Illustrator provides various ways to customize them in users’ work!
- Fill and Stroke
- At the bottom of the toolbar, the full square icon represents the object’s fill colour, whereas the outlined square icon represents the object’s stroke colour.
- To colour an object, select it, double-click the fill or stroke swatch, and use the colour picker to select preferred colours.
- Swap colours by clicking the double arrow.
- A red diagonal line indicates no colour.ย
- Eye Dropper Tool
- Select the new shape you want to be recoloured. Then, select the eyedropper tool from the toolbar.
- Using the eye dropper tool, hover over the new colour you want your new shape to be and click on it.
Pathfinder Tool
This tool may be small but wields immense power in creating cut-outs and merging shapes.
Options available in Pathfinders & Shape Modes:
In summary, these five tools serve as the foundational pillars upon which numerous digital masterpieces are built within Adobe Illustrator. Beyond their artistic significance, mastering these tools holds the key to creating a larger impact on various fronts, from marketing endeavoursย to innovative design projects. So, venture forth, experiment fearlessly, and let these trusty companions amplify your creative and business impact on the digital canvas.
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