What is Adobe Illustrator used for? Adobe Illustrator is used to develop vector-based graphics. If you do not know what this means, do not worry, this article is for you.
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What is Adobe Illustrator? Illustrator Definition
Adobe Illustrator is a drawing software from the Adobe Series of software. It is used to develop vector-based artworks and drawings. Combined with a drawing tablet, it is one of the best software you can use to develop drawings and digital art.
Illustrators’ ability to work with vector graphics, makes it an industry standard when in the digital drawing and printing industries. You will use it to make Logos, Illustrations, and shapes.
Adobe Illustrator is a powerful software that also allows you to manipulate text and import images. This ability makes it possible to use it to create fliers, posters, brochures, and banners.
What can you make with Adobe Illustrator?
You can use Illustrator to make:
- Logos
- Fliers and Brochures
- Signage
- Digital Illustrations
- Infographics
- Social Media Graphics
- Branded Icons
- Email Signatures
How to use Illustrator, tools, and tricks
Learning How to use Illustrator is not too complicated if you have the right guidance. Here are some basic tools and navigation to get you started with the software.
In this article, we will go through a quick walk of the important tools and features we will be using and navigate around Adobe Illustrator.
We will be using Illustrator CC 2020 but you can use any version of Illustrator you have. If you are using a MAC where I use Control replace it with the Command key.
When you open the software, you will have a blank screen. To open a new page or artboard to work on, go to File >New or Control N shortcut. You will get a pop-up window like the one below where you can fill in the requirements of your job.
From the onset, you can hit Control S to save the document or Shift >Control >S to save as.
Once you are in a document you can hit Space and click and drag your mouse to move around. Alternatively, you can click the hand tool on your left.
To zoom in click Control + and Control – to zoom out. You can click Control 0 to view the actual size of a document.
How to create text in Illustrator
On the right side, we have a layers panel. You can add or remove layers, you can lock and unlock layers and basically what is on the top layers appears on top of your design. If you cannot see your Layers panels just go to Window then Layers.
To create text, just hit T on your keyboard then the type tool is selected. Click once on the artboard and type. Clicking and holding the type tool brings other type options.
How to make shapes in Illustrator
Next, we have the shape tool. You can hit M to select it, then click and drag to draw your shape. You can draw a rectangle. To change the fill and outline color click the down arrow on the top with the shape selected.
The one on the left for fill and one on the right for stroke.
When you click and hold more shapes come up and you can choose the one you want to draw.
To change the rectangle we have drawn hit V on the keyboard to select the selection tool. You can now move it around or resize it.
Shapes are made of points. To move only a specific point instead of the whole shape, click A to bring up the direct selection tool. You can move 1 point. To move a group of points click and hold the direct selection tool.
Clicking and dragging the circled object converts a point to a curve.
To add a point to a shape or line click P to choose the Pen tool. When you hold down the tool, 4 options come up. You can add or delete a point by clicking on it.
The Pen tool enables you to draw a curve or line by clicking once to create a point and clicking a second time to create a line. Clicking and dragging on the second point will make the line form a curve.
How to Use Adobe Illustrator: A Quick Guide
Adobe Illustrator is a powerful graphic design software that allows you to create stunning visuals, illustrations, and more. In this brief guide, we’ll cover the basics to help you get started on your creative journey.
Whether you’re new to Illustrator or looking for a quick refresher, we’ve got you covered.
Getting Started with Adobe Illustrator
To begin, open Adobe Illustrator and press Command + N (or Ctrl + N on Windows) to create a new document.
Alternatively, you can open an existing document using Command + O and then navigate to the Illustrator file. Use the Spacebar + Click and Drag to pan around your workspace.
File Formats and Types in Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Illustrator supports various file formats for importing, exporting, and saving documents. Here are some of the most common formats used.
Adobe Illustrator is the native file format for Illustrator. It preserves all the vectors, shapes, text, and editing capabilities of your file. If you are saving a file that you intend to edit in the future or send to a fellow designer to edit, this is the format to use.
It is denoted with a .ai extension and appears as the Illustrator logo icon if you have the software installed. To make it editable to someone using an older version of Illustrator, you need to down-save the Illustrator file. Here is how to do it.
After you have finished designing, go to File>Save and a pop-up appears that shows as indicated, 1 – Where to save the file, 2- file format you want, in this case .ai, and finally 3 – the name of the file.
Click save after setting these options. A new Pop-up appears that allows you to choose the version of Illustrator you want to use. To edit the file on a different computer, make sure to choose the version of Illustrator on the computer. Click Ok when done.
Make sure to not convert the text to curves when saving for text editing.
Adobe PDF (pdf) is useful for sharing vector graphics while maintaining compatibility across different platforms. It is the standard Adobe file moving format.
AutoCAD Interchange File (dxf) and AutoCAD Drawing (dwg) will allow you to import in AutoCAD art into Illustrator for further editing. Finally, AV1 Image (avif) is a format used for images that provide high compression efficiency and still retain quality.
Vector files in Adobe Illustrator are graphic files that use mathematical equations to define and display images. They are ideal for creating artwork that needs to be scalable without losing quality. Here’s a summary of vector files in Illustrator:
Illustrator allows you to convert raster images (like JPEG or PNG) into vector format using tools like the Image Trace feature. This enables you to edit and scale images without loss of quality.
Vector graphics are scalable, which means they can be resized without losing quality. This makes them suitable for logos, icons, and illustrations.
Adobe Illustrator Compatibility
Illustrator’s AI (Adobe Illustrator) format is its native vector format. While primarily associated with Illustrator, AI files can also be opened in other software like CorelDRAW for editing.
In new Illustrator versions, it is possible to package files. This process collects and copies linked graphics and files into a package folder, making it easier to share or collaborate on projects. The package file has link images, fonts, and any other thing used in your design.
To collaborate or share vector art files with other Adobe software like InDesign, you can export your artwork as PDF or AI files. When placing these files in other Adobe programs, they remain editable.
Creating Basic Shapes in Illustrator
Access the Rectangle Tool by pressing M on your keyboard. Click and drag to create rectangles. Modify their properties using the toolbar at the top.
Click and hold on the Rectangle Tool to reveal the Star Tool. Create stars and adjust the number of points using the arrow keys. Press A to activate the Direct Selection Tool. Select and manipulate individual points on shapes, including curves.
Shape Builder Tool: With the Shape Builder Tool (Shift + M), you can merge or divide overlapping shapes to create custom designs. Undo and Redo: Use Ctrl + Z to undo and Ctrl + Shift + Z to redo your actions.
The Eyedropper Tool (I) – 6 can match colors and appearances between objects. It lets you sample colors and styles from one object to another.
Drawing and Editing Text Adobe Illustrator
The Pen Tool (P) – 8, allows you to draw custom paths. Use + to add anchor points and – to remove them. Similar to the Pen Tool, the Curvature Tool (Shift + Squiggly Key) creates smooth paths. Press Alt to create sharp points.
Learn, Explore, and Create
Now that you’re familiar with these Illustrator basics, start experimenting and creating your own designs. Adobe Illustrator offers a vast array of tools and features for graphic design and illustration.
If you need to hire a freelancer to do it for you, just contact me on Fiverr.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a vector image or Graphic?
A vector-based graphic is a kind of graphic made of points that when stretched to any size does not lose its resolution and clarity. The opposite of it is an image file.
If you blow up an image file to be too large, it continuously loses its clarity and quality.What is Adobe Illustrator best used for?
Adobe Illustrator is used to create vector graphics. Vector graphics are images made of points, shapes, lines and curves with mathematical values instead of preset pixel values. They can be stretched to any size without loosing clarity.
Which is better, Photoshop or Illustrator?
You can not compare Illustrator and Photoshop because they are used for different functions. Your understanding of the difference between Photoshop and Illustrator and when to use which software can be the difference between good and bad design projects.