Illustrator

Introduction to Illustrator

CREATING PATHS = individual, open endpoints (LINES)

Open: endpoints (lines)
- Pencil = freeform lines
- Paintbrush = freeform lines
  - Strokes categories = calligraphic, art
- Line segment, arc segment

PEN TOOL: WATCH YOUR CURSOR!!

No symbol = create new line or shape
– = add anchor point
x = remove anchor point
> = convert corner point to curved point
o = close object

CREATING OBJECTS = closed set of anchor points (SHAPES)
SHAPE TOOL = Rectangle, ellipse, polygon, star = preset number of curved/straight anchor points

Stroke = outline of a path
Default = 1 pt, black
Fill = inside of a path
Default = white
Scale = resize shape *HOLD SHIFT and drag the corner to keep proportions
Rotate = wait for the curved cursor and drag to rotate *HOLD SHIFT for specific angle

PEN TOOL: Must return to the original point to close the object

Direction lines = angle affects slope of the curve and length affects height of the curve (click for straight line, drag for curved)

SELECTION TOOLS: WATCH YOUR CURSOR!!

Selection = select entire object (black arrow)
Direct selection = select parts of object (white arrow)
- Black box = found a path
- White box = found an anchor point

TRANSFORM TOOLS: WATCH YOUR CURSOR!!

Rotate = turn in any direction
- HOLD SHIFT to turn object at a specific angle
Reflect = create mirror image
- HOLD SHIFT to keep proportion
Shear = slants
Free Transform = rotate, scale, reflect, or shear
Blend = transform one shape into the next with a series of transitional shapes

STROKE & FILL:

Stroke = outline of a path
- Default = 1 pt, black
Fill = inside of a path
- Default = white

SHORTCUTS:
Cntrl C = Copy *Tear off palettes by holding and dragging to end and letting go
Cntrl X = Cut * Open tool options by double clicking on the tool
Cntrl V = Paste
Cntrl Z = Undo

Working with Type

Type Tool = left to right
Area Type = fits within a shape
Path Type = runs along a ling or edge of a shape
Orientation = horizontal or vertical

CHARACTER PALETTE:
Window > Type > Character = formatting for type

Font = serif, sans serif, novelty
Style = normal, bold, italic
Size = how many points
Kerning = letter spacing
Leading = line spacing
Tracking = word spacing

CONVERTING TYPE:
Type > Create Outlines = creating individual points (only editable as a shape)

Directly select and manipulate points
Apply strokes and fills

TYPE TERMINOLOGY

Source: https://mymusing.co/designing-type-adobe-illustrator/
https://mymusing.co/touch-type-tool-adobe-illustrator/

Working with Images for Tracing

Open Illustrator > Create New File
(or open recent)
- Title: Lastname Project Title, Size: 24in x 12in
File > Place > Select the image you want to trace > Click in the white space to drop it
- REMEMBER: Search for an image with the main subject clearly separated from the background - it should NOT be someone else’s graphic
Window > Image Trace Panel
- Be sure that the Preview is checked so you can see the adjustments
- Open up the Advanced options so you can tweak your tracing for the desired effect
  - Paths: Controls the distance between traced shapes (lower values = looser path, higher values = tighter path)
  - Corners: Specifies the emphasis on corners and sharp bends (lower values = fewer corners, higher values = more corners)
  - Noise: Specifies pixels that are ignored (lower values = fewer details, higher values = more details
Object > Image Trace > Expand
- Use the Direct Selection Tool to select and delete unnecessary traced elements
File > Save as > Lastname Project Title > Creative Cloud
- Sign in to CreativeCloud.Adobe.com, Go to “Your Files” and move to shared project folder