Creating Illustrations I

Creating Illustrations I
© 2011 Aptech Limited
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in
any form or by any means without prior permission from Aptech Limited.
All trademarks acknowledged.
APTECH LIMITED
Corporate Office:
Aptech House,
A-65, MIDC, Marol,
Andheri (East),
Mumbai - 400 093, India.
Edition: April 2011

Preface
Preface
This book introduces you to the various features of Illustrator CS5. This application is equipped with in-built tools
and other features that helps in creating distinctive artwork.
The ARENA Design team has designed this course keeping in mind that motivation coupled with relevant training
and methodology can bring out the best. The team will be glad to receive your feedback, suggestions, and
recommendations for improvement of the book.
Please feel free to send your feedback to the ARENA Design team at the Head Office, Mumbai. (Feedback form is
attached at the end of the book.)
ARENA Design Team
Aptech Limited iii

This page has been intentionally left blank.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Working with Adobe Illustrator CS5................................................................................................................ 1

Illustrator Workspace Environment..................................................................................................................... 1
Creating and Navigating through Documents................................................................................................... 10
Working with Objects......................................................................................................................................... 23
Modifying Fill and Stroke Attributes................................................................................................................... 38
Saving Documents............................................................................................................................................ 53
Summary........................................................................................................................................................... 56
Exercise............................................................................................................................................................. 57
Working with Gradients, Drawing Tools, Layers, and Text.......................................................................... 61

Gradients and Patterns..................................................................................................................................... 61
Drawing Tools.................................................................................................................................................... 70
Working with Groups, Layers, and Transparencies........................................................................................... 86
Working with Text.............................................................................................................................................. 97
Summary......................................................................................................................................................... 110
Exercise............................................................................................................................................................111
Measuring, Painting, and Working with Effects......................................................................................... 113

Measuring Objects.......................................................................................................................................... 113
Live Paint Tool and Live Paint Bucket Tool...................................................................................................... 120
Working with Brushes...................................................................................................................................... 124
Adding Effects................................................................................................................................................. 133
Compound Paths............................................................................................................................................. 140
Clipping Mask.................................................................................................................................................. 141
Summary......................................................................................................................................................... 143
Exercise........................................................................................................................................................... 144
Working with Graphics, Symbols, and 3D.................................................................................................. 147

Tracing Raster Graphics.................................................................................................................................. 147
Converting Tracing to Paths............................................................................................................................ 149
Graphic Styles................................................................................................................................................. 149
Applying Appearance Attributes...................................................................................................................... 151
Symbols........................................................................................................................................................... 153
Working with Three Dimensions in Illustrator.................................................................................................. 161
Perspective Grids............................................................................................................................................ 165
Actions............................................................................................................................................................. 167
Summary......................................................................................................................................................... 170
Exercise........................................................................................................................................................... 171
Aptech Limited
Exporting, Creating Web Graphics, and Printing....................................................................................... 173
Exporting Files................................................................................................................................................. 173
Illustrator for the Web...................................................................................................................................... 176
Slices............................................................................................................................................................... 177
Save for the Web............................................................................................................................................. 180
Scalable Vector Graphics................................................................................................................................ 181
Data-driven Graphics and Variables................................................................................................................ 185
Version Cue..................................................................................................................................................... 186
Printing............................................................................................................................................................ 186
Summary......................................................................................................................................................... 189
Exercise........................................................................................................................................................... 190
Glossary......................................................................................................................................................... 191
vi Aptech Limited
Table of Contents
Iconography
: System Requirements
: Note
: Important/Tip
: Quick Test Questions
: Hints for the Hands-on
: Answers to Quick Tests
: Answers to Exercise
Aptech Limited vii

Working with Adobe Illustrator CS5
1 Working with Adobe Illustrator

CS5
Learning Outcomes
In this session, you will learn to -
 Work with the various elements in the Illustrator interface
As you are aware, Flash is a drawing and painting program that lets you use a variety of tools to create drawings
and later animate them according to your requirements.
System Requirement
Windows Operating System

Intel® Pentium® 4 or AMD Athlon® 64 processor
Microsoft® Windows® XP with Service Pack 3 , Windows Vista® Home Premium,
Business, Ultimate, or Enterprise with Service Pack 1; or Windows 7
1 GB of RAM
2 GB of available hard-disk space for installation; additional free space required
during installation (cannot install on removable flash-based storage devices)
1024x768 display (1280x800 recommended) with 16-bit video card
DVD-ROM drive
Broadband Internet connection required for online services
1.1 Illustrator Workspace Environment
1.1.1 Welcome Screen

Like any other application, Illustrator receives you with a Welcome Screen. The Welcome Screen:
 Lists the last ten files that were used
 Displays a list of present profiles of:
● The print document
● Web document
● Mobile and device documents
● Video and film documents
Clicking the preset profiles of the specific devices, opens a new document quickly. Refer to Figure 1.1.
Aptech Limited
Figure 1.1: Welcome Screen
Tip
Alternatively, you can access the Welcome Screen from the Help menu. To access
the Welcome Screen, click the Help menu and choose Welcome Screen.
1.1.2 The Illustrator Window

When you start Illustrator, the application displays several windows of various types you can use to work with
graphics and illustrations. These windows appear in the workspace in panels. Refer to Figure 1.2.
Aptech Limited
Figure 1.2: The Illustrator window
■ Panel - A panel is a window you can collapse, expand, and group with other panels. Panels when grouped
or docked are referred to as panel groups. Panel groups improve the accessibility and workflow. It consists of
either individual panels arranged one above the other or related panels organized together in a tabular man-
ner. The tabular arrangement of the panels help in easy navigation between panels.
■ Tools panel - The Tools panel contains a set of tools you can use to create shapes, such as lines, rectan-
gles, rounded rectangles, and ellipses. You can customize the shapes and text with color, pattern, or custom
tiles. On selecting a tool from the Tools panel, additional options appear on the Control panel.
■ Menu - A menu is a list of commands used to accomplish specific tasks. A command is a directive that ac-
cesses a feature of a program. The menus available in Illustrator are located on the Application bar, which
appears along the top of the Illustrator window. On the Application bar you also have options for changing
the document layout. This appears immediately beside the menu options.
■ Document window - Illustrator documents open in the document window. Multiple documents can be
opened and worked on at the same time and are displayed as tabs. The tabs make it easier to switch be-
tween documents. Like any other application, Illustrator also has a close button that can be used to quickly
close a document.
1.1.3 Customizing the Workspace

To make the workspace suit your needs, you can customize it by arranging the panels in the desired fashion. Panels
are small windows similar to dialog boxes. Each panel has a name that appears on its tab. In addition to being
grouped, panels can also be floated on screen. This can be done by clicking the title bar and dragging it along the
screen. The title bar has buttons to minimize, restore, and close the panel. Every aspect of the illustrator drawing
environment can be controlled virtually using panels.
An illustrator drawing environment has 34 standard panels and an unlimited number of library panels that comprise
swatches, symbols, styles, and a variety of other such elements.
Aptech Limited
A panel is a modeless window, which means you can work with features of one panel without having to close
another panel. This is the most important difference between a modeless window and a dialog box.
Tip
You can toggle between the minimized and maximized state of the panel by double-
clicking the title tab.
Occasionally, a panel has a handle on the lower right corner that resembles a dotted triangle. You can change the
size of the panel by clicking and dragging the corner of the handle. Some panels have a double-arrow icon that
appear to the left of the title name. This is an alternative way to toggle between the different panel sizes. Refer to
Figures 1.3 and 1.4.
Figure 1.3: Handle at the lower right corner used to resize the panel
Figure 1.4: Double-arrow icon used to toggle between the various panel sizes
■ Linking together and tearing apart panels

You can place panels together in different combinations by tabbing and docking them. Tabbing refers to stacking
several panels into a single panel; whereas, docking refers to aligning the panels without stacking them in the
same space. Refer to Figure 1.5.
Each panel, except the Tools panel has a tab on it. You can:
 Click a tab to activate it
 Drag a tab from one panel and move it to another panel
Aptech Limited
 Drag a tab from a panel and create a separate panel
Figure 1.5: Panels stacked together
Dragging a floating panel to the right of the screen makes it a docked panel; whereas, dragging a docked panel
into the document window makes it a floating panel. Refer to Figure 1.6.
Figure 1.6: Docked panels
1.1.4 Working with Panels and Menus
■ Panels
Panels are all the more useful when you can toggle between their hidden and available state depending on your
requirement. This option is available under the Window menu. You can select or deselect the check box next
to the panel to reveal or hide it, respectively. Some panels use a keyboard shortcut to access them, and others
Aptech Limited
are accessed through the Window menu.
■ Menus
Illustrator has a lot of features that are available in its menu bar. You can access any feature by clicking the
menu and selecting the appropriate command. For example, to increase the view of the Illustrator window, from
the View menu, click the Zoom In command. Refer to Figure 1.7.
Figure 1.7: View menu
Note
Incase if a command appears highlighted on a menu but the cursor is not positioned
on it, then the desired action will not take place.
Some commands have a small triangle beside them. This indicates that the command has a submenu. You
can choose a command from the submenu. To do so, select the command from the menu and choose the
appropriate command from the submenu.
Aptech Limited
Note
Submenus usually appear on the right side of the menu, but due to space limitations
on your monitor, submenus may appear on the left side for certain menus.
■ Panel menus
Menus are not restricted to the main document alone. They appear on the panels as well. The triangle located
on the top-right corner of the panel gives access to the various commands available within the menu. Refer to
Figure 1.8 to view the commands available in the Graphics Styles panel menu.
Figure 1.8: Graphics Styles panel menu
■ Using the Tools and Control panel

The Illustrator toolbox comprises a wide variety of tools, which are as follows:
● Selection tools
● Painting or shape tools
● Type tools
● Tools dedicated to creating artboards, working with slices, and transforming and viewing illustrations
● Slicing and sampling tools
● Viewing tools
It is important to have a thorough knowledge of the various tools that are available and can be used for designing
a good layout. In Illustrator similar tools are grouped under one button. To access the grouped tools, click and
hold the small black arrow located on the lower right corner of the tool.
Aptech Limited
The tools can also be accessed using the keyboard. For example, pressing the P key on the keyboard activates
the Pen tool; whereas, pressing the T key on the keyboard activates the Type tool. Refer to Figures 1.9 and 1.10
to view the tools available in the tools panel. If a button has more than one tool available, clicking the arrow on
the right side of the tool menu displays all the tools for easy access. On displaying the small panel, you can click
the arrow on the right edge to change the menu to a panel that can be left open. This panel has a close button,
which when clicked dismisses the panel.
Figure 1.9: Various tools in the Tools panel (a)
Aptech Limited
Figure 1.10: Various tools in the Tools panel (b)
■ Using the Control panel

The Control panel displays options for the currently selected tool. This panel is customized based on the tool
that has been selected. For most of the tools, the Control panel includes the following options:
● Selection
● Stroke width
● Brush panel
● Graphic style panel
● Opacity
● Document setup
● Preferences
● Select similar objects
When working with the Text tool, the Control panel provides the following additional options:
● Character panel
● Paragraph panel
● Align left button
● Align right button
● Align center button
Aptech Limited
Quick Test 1
1. Menus not only appear on the panels but also appear on the main document. (True/
False)
2. For most of the tools, except the Text tool, the Control panel provides the Align Center
button. (True/False)
1.2 Creating and Navigating through Documents
1.2.1 Opening Existing Documents

To open an existing document, from the File menu select the Open command. In the dialog box that appears, select
the file that you want to open. Then, click Open. Refer to Figure 1.11.
Figure 1.11: Open dialog box
1.2.2 Navigating through a Document

You can navigate through a document using the Zoom Level display, the Navigator panel, the Zoom tool, and the
Hand tool.
■ Navigating using the Zoom Level display
10 Aptech Limited
The Zoom Level display is used to change the magnification of the document. It appears at the bottom left
corner of the Illustrator Document window. Using this option, you can change the magnification of the document
from 3.13% to 6400%.
■ Navigating using the Navigator panel

The Navigator panel gives you an overall view of the image. It also allows the user to navigate through the
document or change the zoom size. Viewing images at different sizes helps you focus on small elements of the
design without actually affecting the original image.
Enlarging the small areas of the image, makes it easy to make minute changes. The Navigator panel contains
a thumbnail view of the image. Under the thumbnail are easy-to-use controls that let you adjust the zoom of
the image. In addition to this, changes made in the Navigator panel are reflected immediately in the active
document window. The Navigator panel has a view box that gives a preview of the viewable area of the image.
This view box represents visible boundaries of the active document window. Refer to Figure 1.12.
Figure 1.12: Navigator panel
Tip
Another way to zoom in is to keep the Ctrl key pressed on the keyboard and then
click and drag to resize the active document. To constrain the view box to drag hori-
zontally or vertically, you can keep the Shift key pressed on the keyboard and then
click and drag the view box horizontally or vertically.
Note
To control the view of the document using a shortcut, click in the Zoom input box
on the Navigator panel, and then use the Up or Down arrow keys to increase or
decrease the zoom value of the document. This action will increase the zoom value
1% at a time. You can also change the zoom size to 10% at a time, by keeping the
Shift key pressed on the keyboard while using the Up or Down arrow keys.
Aptech Limited 11
■ Changing the Screen Display mode
The background behind the active image is determined using the Screen Display mode. For example, in
Illustrator, you have the option of choosing a screen mode that hides all the panels, title bar, or menu bar. At
times, the background of your computer monitor and the Illustrator panels, in combination, can create distraction
to your workspace. Screen modes come handy in such instances. Changing the screen mode emphasizes the
image. For example, on changing the screen mode to view images against a gray colored background helps in
identifying the actual colors within an image. Refer to Figure 1.13.
Figure 1.13: Screen display modes
Typically, there are three types of display modes, namely the normal screen mode, the full screen mode with
menu bar, and the full screen mode.
In the normal screen mode, the artwork is displayed in a standard window with the menus, panels, and scroll
bars visible. Refer to Figure 1.14.
12 Aptech Limited
Figure 1.14: Normal screen mode
In the full screen mode with menu bar, the artwork is displayed in full screen with the menus, panels, and scroll
bars visible. Refer to Figure 1.15.
Figure 1.15: Full screen mode with menu bar

In the full screen mode, the artwork is displayed in full screen. In this mode the title bar, menus, or panels are
not visible. Refer to Figure 1.16.
Aptech Limited 13
Figure 1.16: Full screen mode
■ Changing the View with the Zoom Tool

The Zoom tool is another way to control what you see in Illustrator. Like the Navigator panel, using the Zoom
tool, you can view the image in different magnifications without changing the active image.
The Zoom tool resembles a magnifying glass and is located towards the bottom of the Tools panel. The
maximum magnification of an Illustrator document is 6400% and the minimum size is 3.13%. Increasing the
magnification of an image gives you control over what you see and how you work. Refer to Figure 1.17.
Figure 1.17: Zoom tool
To navigate using the Zoom tool, select the Zoom tool from the Tools panel. Then, keep the Alt key pressed on
the keyboard and click on the screen to reduce the zoom of the active document. The zoom reduction centers
on where you click on the active document. Large documents are difficult to work with. They are also difficult to
view. At times, large documents when viewed at 100%, appear larger than the document window. This results
14 Aptech Limited
in reducing the zoom in order to view the entire document. Refer to Figure 1.18.
Figure 1.18: Image magnified using the Zoom tool
Tip
Viewing the document at 100% gives a feel of how the printed result of your artwork
will look like.
■ Navigating Using the Hand Tool

The Hand tool is another easy to navigate tool available in Illustrator. Using this tool you can quickly move within
the active document window without having to use the scroll bars. For example, incase if you have zoomed the
image and the section to be changed is beyond the visible size of the window, then the Hand tool can be used
to pan through the document window. Refer to Figure 1.19.
Aptech Limited 15
Figure 1.19: The Hand tool
1.2.3 Creating New Documents

Illustrator gives you the option of creating as many new documents as you need. Every time a new document
is created it becomes the active document. A document is said to be active when it is in front of all the other
documents.
To create a new document, click the File menu and choose New. A New Document dialog box appears. Click
OK.
The New Document dialog box has various settings that can be modified before working on a new document. Refer
to Figure 1.20.
Figure 1.20: New Document dialog box

16 Aptech Limited
Refer to Table 1.1 to view the various settings available in the New Document dialog box.
Settings Description
Name This box lets you type a name for your new document.
New Document Profile This is a preset of all the settings in the New Document dialog box. Changing
the preset, updates the other values in the dialog box.
Number of Artboards This list lets you set the number of artboards that should appear initially when
you create your document. The buttons to the right of this list control the position
of the artboard in relation to each other.
Size This list allows you to choose the standard preset dimensions, such as letter or
legal for your documents.
Width and Height This box allows you to type the exact dimensions required for your document.
Units Using this list, you can select the units you prefer to work in. The most commonly
used units are picas, inches, millimeters, centimeters, and pixels.
Orientation Changing the orientation of the page sets the view of the page to landscape
or portrait. Landscape refers to viewing the document horizontally; whereas,
portrait refers to viewing the document vertically. Clicking any of the options
changes the orientation of the page.
Bleed Bleed refers to how much a document spills outside the defined print area.
Using this list, you can define the top, bottom, left, and right settings of the
document.
Raster effects This list appears in the Advanced group and is used to change the resolution
of the image.
Preview mode This list defines the appearance of your document. It provides various options
to preview a document, which are as follows:
 Default - Displays the artwork in the vector view
 Pixel - Displays the artwork with a rasterized look
 Overprint - Displays the artwork with an ink preview
Align new objects to pixel Selecting this check box sets an object to have its vertical and horizontal paths
grid aligned to the pixel grid. This reduces the jagged and blurred effect.
Color mode This option is also referred to as color space. It defines how Illustrator displays
and prints an image. There are different color modes for different tasks, which
are as follows:
 Grayscale - Used for printing black and white and duotone images. It
uses one channel and a maximum of 256 shades of gray.
 RGB - These are the primary colors on a computer and are best used
for online and multimedia color images.
 CMYK - Best used for commercial printing of colored images.
Table 1.1: Settings in the New Dialog box
1.2.4 Creating New Documents from Presets

When creating documents for specific purposes, like the print, Web, film, or mobile phones, the importance and
output requirements of the file are clearly defined. The preset file sizes available in the New Document Profile
menu lets you create images at a size and pixel aspect ratio that compensates for scaling when you incorporate
Aptech Limited 17
them into various output modes. Refer to Figure 1.21.
Figure 1.21: Print Presets and its options
1.2.5 Multiple Artboards

Artboards are regions of a document that contain printable artwork and are mainly used as crop areas for printing or
placement of multiple artwork elements. Artboards can be created either by using the New Document dialog box,
or by using the Artboard tools in the tools panel. Artboards can also be created by using the Artboards panel. You
can create upto 100 different artboards of various sizes.
Artboards can be customized, rearranged, repositioned, reordered, and duplicated for various uses, which are as
follows:
 For creating documents of various sizes
 For creating and organizing artwork in different places within the same document
 For creating multiple pages in the Portable Document Formats (PDF)
Refer to Figure 1.22 to take a look at the various options available in the artboard.
18 Aptech Limited
Figure 1.22: Options available in the artboard
■ The Artboard tool and Control panel

The Artboard tool is placed on the lower half of the Tools panel. It not only allows you to change existing
artboards but also allows you to create new documents. Refer to Figures 1.23 and 1.24.
Figure 1.23: Artboard options on the Control panel
Figure 1.24: The Artboard tool on the Tools panel
Aptech Limited 19
To create an artboard, select the Artboard tool from the Tools panel. On selecting the Artboard tool, the
screen changes. Everything outside the artboard area appears darkened and a dashed line appears around the
artboard. Selecting the Artboard tool also changes the Control panel.
Keeping the Artboard tool selected, click and drag in the workspace, outside an artboard. Alternatively, you can
use a preset dimension by clicking the Preset list drop-down arrow. Then, select the desired preset.
To duplicate an existing artboard, first select the artboard to be duplicated. Click the New Artboard button on
the Control panel and then click on the workspace to place it.
■ Artboards panel
The Artboards panel displays all the artboards that have been created. The Artboards panel can be accessed
using the Windows menu. Each artboard is numbered and named. This enables in switching between artboards
easily and also helps in re-ordering them. The Artboards panel allows you to edit and work on the already
created artboards. For this purpose, you need to first activate the artboard that needs be to worked on by
selecting the Artboard tool from the Tools panel. Remember, only one artboard can be activated at a time.
Note
On selecting the Artboard tool, the cursor changes to a double-arrow.
The following operations can be performed on an artboard, after activating it.

 Show or hide artboards - To show or hide artboards, on the View menu, click Show Artboards or
Hide Artboards. Alternatively, you can press Ctrl+Shift+H on your keyboard to toggle between the two
commands.
 Resize - To resize an artboard, click on the edge of the artboard and drag to resize it.
 Moving an artboard with contents - The artboard can be moved on the workspace using the Move/Copy
Artwork With Artboard button on the Control panel. To move the artboard with its contents, click the
Move/Copy Artwork With Artboard button and drag the artboard.
Note
Selecting the Move/Copy Artwork With Artboard button moves the artboard with the
contents; whereas, deselecting the Move/Copy Artwork With Artboard button moves
the artboard without the contents.
 Delete - You can delete the artboard using the Delete button either on the Control panel or the Artboard
panel. Alternatively, you can press the Delete key on the keyboard.
 Rearrange Artboard Layout - To rearrange the layout of your artboard, click the Options button on the
Artboards panel and select Rearrange Artboards. The Rearrange Artboards dialog box has a variety of
options for selecting layouts, columns, and spacing. Refer to Figure 1.25.
20 Aptech Limited
Figure 1.25: Rearrange Artboards dialog box

 Switch to a Specific Artboard - To switch to a specific artboard, click the Artboard Navigation list on the
Status bar. Alternatively, you can click an artboard from the Artboards panel. Refer to Figure 1.26.
Figure 1.26: Switching between artboard panels

 Selecting the First and Last Artboard - You can switch between the First and Last artboard by clicking
the First or Last button on the Status bar. You can also switch between the previous and next artboards
by clicking the Previous and Next buttons on the Status bar.
 Reordering Artboards - To reorder artboards, select the artboard to be moved, then click the Move Up or
Move Down button.
 Changing the Artboard Display - The Control panel has a lot of display options that can be used to
change the display. The available options are as follows:
● Rulers - To access the Rulers, from the View menu select Rulers. Then, click Change to Artboard
Rulers.
● Center Mark - From the Display Options list on the Control Panel, select Show Center Mark.
Aptech Limited 21
● Cross Hairs - From the Display Options list on the Control Panel, select Show Cross Hairs.
● Safe Area - From the Display Options list on the Control Panel, select Show Video Safe Areas.
● View as Outline - To view as outline, right-click the artboard and select Outline.
1.2.6 Viewing Artwork

In Illustrator, you can view the documents either in the Outline mode or in the Preview mode.
In the Outline mode, the guts of the artwork is displayed without the fills and the strokes. Refer to Figure 1.27.
Figure 1.27: Image viewed in the Outline mode
The Preview mode displays objects that overlap. It displays objects that lay in the front and back. It also details the
gradations, strokes, and patterns applied to the image. Refer to Figure 1.28.
Figure 1.28: Image viewed in the Preview mode
22 Aptech Limited
Illustrator allows you to edit your work in both Outline and Preview modes. You can also print a document using
either of the modes. It is also possible to save the documents in both the modes. It is possible to save the changes
in both the modes. However, the next time you open it, it displays the artwork in the mode it was saved in. Changes
made in the Preview or Outline mode cannot be undone. Incase if you change to either of the modes, illustrator
prompts you to save the changes before closing the document. This message pertains to the view change. The
current view mode always appears in the title bar beside the document name.
The Outline mode has its own advantages. One of the advantages of the Outline mode is that every path that is
not directly overlapping the other path is clearly visible. In this mode, invisible masks that are hidden by the fills of
other objects are also normally visible as paths that can be selected. Here, illustrations disappear and are replaced
by outlines of all the paths.
This does not happen in the Preview mode, where many paths can be hidden. In the Preview mode, the placement
and overlap of the objects are visible. This mode also displays the beginning and end of the gradations and the
various patterns that are applied to the objects. In other words, in this mode, the document looks exactly the way it
will look when you print it. In the Preview mode, Illustrator begins to draw and fill in the various parts of your image.
This is a disadvantage of this mode as it is a time consuming process and takes longer if your computer is slow.
Illustrator provides you with the option of toggling between the two modes. For example, to change the current
mode of the document to the Outline mode, you can choose the Outline command from the View menu.
1.2.7 Using and Creating Custom Views

The custom views feature in Illustrator allows you to save special views of an illustration. This feature contains view
information that includes magnification, location, and other details pertaining to the preview. Custom views also
save information about the layers and layer sets available in the Preview mode and Outline mode.
Note
Layers in the Preview mode are indicated by regular eyeballs to the left of their names
in the Layers panel; whereas, layers in the Outline mode show an outlined eyeball.
Custom views are helpful in viewing details of a certain part of a document. For example, the details of a logo can
be viewed instantly if you have preset the zoom factor and position and have saved the image in the custom view.
Begin by creating a new view by setting up the document in a view that you would want to save it in. Then, from the
View menu, select the New View command. The New View dialog box appears, where you can type a name in the
space provided. Each new view that is created appears at the bottom of the View menu.
1.3 Working with Objects
1.3.1 Understanding Vector and Raster Graphics

Refer to Table 1.2 to view differences between vector and raster graphics.
Aptech Limited 23
Vector Graphics Raster Graphics

Vector graphics are created using mathematical shapes Raster graphics are created using individual pixels
and not pixels. that identify one piece of color information.
Vector graphics include vector shapes and objects. Raster graphics include images and bitmaps.
Vector graphics when enlarged to 100 times its original Raster images when enlarged or scanned at a
size does not lose its quality. This is because it is created larger size lose out on its detail and quality. Inspite
using mathematical data. Hence, these images are said of using image interpolation to enlarge the color
to be resolution independent. Refer to Figure 1.29 to information in the document, the images appear
view a vector graphic and its effect on zoom. blurred and pixilated. This is because it is created
using pixels. Hence, these images are said to be
resolution dependent. Refer to Figure 1.30 to view
a raster graphic and its effect on zoom.
Figure 1.29: Effect on the vector graphic when Figure 1.30: Effect on the raster graphic when
zoomed zoomed
Table 1.2: Difference between vector and raster graphics
1.3.2 Drawing, Selecting, and Modifying Shapes

Rectangles, ellipses, polygons, and stars are the basic shapes in any drawing. Illustrator is a handy tool for any kind
of drawing and coloring. Refer to Figure 1.31 to view the basic shape tools that are available in Illustrator.
24 Aptech Limited
Figure 1.31: Basic shape tools available in Illustrator
To create any of these tools, the basic steps remain the same. Select the respective tool from the Tools panel.
Then, click and drag the shape on the artboard. In most instances, clicking on the artboard with the respective
tool selected, prompts you to change the dimensions of the specific tool. This can be done by entering the desired
values and clicking OK.
Here are some guidelines that need to be borne in mind while drawing the basic shapes:
 Drawing from the center - To define the point of origin of the rectangle at the center, keep the Alt key
pressed on the keyboard while dragging the shape on the work area. Once the shape is defined, release
the Alt key on the keyboard after releasing the mouse.
 Constraining the shape - To create a square or any other shape with perfect proportions, keep the Shift
key pressed on the keyboard while dragging the shape on the work area. Once the shape is defined,
release the Shift key on the keyboard after releasing the mouse.
 Creating the shape with exact measurements - To create a rectangle with exact measurements, select
the Rectangle tool from the Tools panel. Then, click on the artboard without dragging. The Tools dialog
box appears, where the desired dimensions and units of measure can be defined.
Tip
You can also keep the SHIFT+ALT keys pressed on the keyboard while dragging the
shape as an alternative method to draw a perfectly constrained shape with the point
of origin in its center. Once you have defined the shape, you can release the keys
after releasing the mouse.
■ Rectangle tool
This tool is used for making rectangles and is found in the second column of the Tools panel.
■ Rounded Rectangle tool

This tool is used for creating rectangular shapes with rounded edges. The shape of the corners of the rectangle
can be changed using the arrow keys on the keyboard. The function of each arrow key is as follows:
● Up arrow - Increases the corner radius of the rectangle
● Down arrow - Decreases the corner radius of the rectangle
● Left arrow - Removes the corner radius to create square corners
Aptech Limited 25
● Right arrow - Adds maximum amount of curviness to create super rounded corners
You can enter the radius values for the rounded corners by selecting the tool and single clicking on the artboard.
Refer to Figure 1.32.
Figure 1.32: Image depicting the Rounded Rectangle tool with its options
■ Ellipse tool
The Ellipse tool is useful for drawing circles or ovals. You can define the width and height measurements by
selecting the tool and single clicking on the artboard. Entering the same values for the width and height defines
perfect circles. Refer to Figure 1.33.
Figure 1.33: Image depicting the Ellipse tool and its options
■ Polygon Tool
This tool is used to draw polygons with three or more sides. The sides of the polygon can be added or subtracted
with the help of the Up and Down arrows on your keyboard. Once you define the shape, release your mouse to
add the polygon to your artboard. You can define the number of sides of the polygon by selecting the tool and
26 Aptech Limited
single clicking on the artboard. Refer to Figure 1.34.
Figure 1.34: Image depicting a polygon with tool options
■ Star tool
This tool is used to draw stars with three or more sides and with varying length and radii of the points. The length
of the points can be modified using the following keyboard shortcuts:
 Press the Up or Down arrow key to add or subtract points
 Press the Alt key on the keyboard to increase the inner radius of the star as you drag the mouse cursor
 Keep the Ctrl key pressed on the keyboard to increase the outer radius of the star as you drag the mouse
cursor
You can enter the value for the inner and outer radius and also define the number of points in the Points fields
by selecting the tool and clicking on the artboard. Refer to Figures 1.35 and 1.36.
Figure 1.35: Images of a star
Aptech Limited 27
Figure 1.36: Image depicting the Star tool options
■ Line Segment tool

In Illustrator, a line is referred to as a stroke, whose thicknesses, styles, colors, and fills can vary. It is easier to
draw line segments with vector tools. The vector tools available in the Line Segment tool’s flyout menu are the
Line Segment, Arc, Spiral, Rectangular Grid, and Polar Grid tool.
Using the Line Segment tool, you can create horizontal, vertical, diagonal, or straight lines. To do so, after
selecting the Line Segment tool, click and drag your mouse cursor on the artboard. Then, release the mouse
to add a line segment to your artboard. You can also draw a line with precise dimensions. To do so, begin by
selecting the Line Segment tool. Then, click the artboard to set the point of origin for the line. This launches
the Line Segment Tool Options dialog box. Enter the desired length and angle for the line and click OK. Refer
to Figure 1.37.
Figure 1.37: Image depicting the Line Segment Tool Options dialog box
28 Aptech Limited
■ Arc tool
This tool is used to draw curved line segments. To draw an arc, select the Arc tool from the Tools panel. Then,
click and drag on the artboard to the desired length. Before you release your mouse, you can control the angle
and direction of the arc by pressing the Up and Down arrow keys on the keyboard. Release the mouse cursor
after defining all the dimensions to add the arc to the artboard.
You can create an arc with greater precision by specifying the dimensions in the tool’s dialog box. To access the
tool’s dialog box, select the Arc tool and click on the workspace area. The following attributes can be defined
while working with the Arc tool:
● Length X-Axis - You can enter a numeral to define the width of the arc.
● Length Y-Axis - You can enter a numeral here to define the height of the arc.
● Reference Point - You can define the point of origin of the arc using this field, by clicking a corner
square in the reference point locator.
● Type - This attribute gives you the option of selecting the open or closed shape to create an open or
closed arc respectively.
● Base Along - This attribute sets the direction of the arc along the horizontal (x) or vertical (y) axis.
● Slope - This attribute sets the slope of the arc by adjusting the slider for a convex or concave arc.
● Fill Arc - This attribute is used to fill the arc, whether opened or closed, with the current fill color.
Figure 1.38: Image showing an open arc, an open arc with fill, and a closed arc with fill
■ Spiral tool
The Spiral tool, as the name suggests, is used to create spirals. You can click and drag on the artboard to draw
and rotate the spiral. Before releasing the mouse cursor, you can increase or decrease the number of spiral
segments by using the Up and Down arrow keys on the keyboard. You can also control the decay as you drag
Aptech Limited 29
by keeping the Ctrl key pressed on the keyboard.
To set the point of origin, select the tool and click on the workspace without dragging. The following attributes
can be defined while using the Spiral tool:
● Radius - Using this attribute, you can define the distance between the center and outer point of the
spiral.
● Decay - Using this attribute, you can set the decrease in distance between one spiral and the next.
● Segments - Using this attribute, you can define the number of spiral segments. Each spiral twist is
made up of four segments.
● Style - Using this attribute you can set the direction of the spiral to either clockwise or
counterclockwise.
Figure 1.39: Image depicting types of spirals with its options
■ Rectangular Grid tool

Using this tool, you can create horizontal and vertical grids with any number of rows and columns. You can use
the Up or Down arrows to add or subtract rows respectively. You can also use the Right or Left arrow keys
to add or subtract columns respectively. You can define exact proportions for the grid using the Rectangular
Grid Tool Options dialog box. The attributes available in the Rectangular Grid Tools option dialog box are
as follows:
● Default Size - This attribute defines the width and height of the rectangle in inches or points. For
example, 3.5 in or 65 pt.
● Reference Point - This attribute defines the point of origin of the grid.
● Horizontal Dividers - Using this attribute you can define the number of horizontal dividers to create
rows. You can also enter a skew number to weigh the dividers toward the top or bottom of the grid.
● Vertical Dividers - Using this attribute you can define the number of vertical dividers to create columns.
You can also enter a Skew number to weigh the dividers toward the left or right of the grid.
● Use Outside Rectangle As Frame - This option is used to draw a grid frame bordering the rectangle,
giving it the shape.
● Fill Grid - This attribute fills the grid with the current fill color. Leaving this option unchecked, fills no
color in the grid.
30 Aptech Limited
Figure 1.40: Image showing the rectangular grid with its options
■ Polar Grid tool

This tool is used to create elliptical grids. The number of circular and radial dividers can be adjusted using arrow
keys on the keyboard. The Up and Down arrow keys are used to adjust the circular dividers; whereas, the
Right and Left arrow keys are used to adjust the radial dividers. The attributes available in the Rectangular
Grid Tools Option dialog box are as follows:
● Default Size - This option is used to set the width and height of the polar grid.
● Reference Point - This option is used to set the point of origin of the polar grid.
● Concentric Dividers - Using this option you can define the number of concentric circular dividers of
the grid. You can also edit the skew to make the dividers weigh toward the inner and outer edge of the
grid.
● Radial Dividers - Using this option you can define the number radial dividers from the center to the
edges of the grid. You can also edit the skew to weigh the dividers clockwise or counterclockwise.
● Create Compound Path From Ellipses - Using this option you can draw each circle with its own
compound path. You can also fill every other circle with the specified Fill color.
● Fill Grid - Using this option you can fill the grid with the current fill color. Leaving the option unchecked
applies no fill to the grid.
Aptech Limited 31
Figure 1.41: Image depicting types of polar grid with its options
■ Selecting shapes
You can select a shape by choosing the Selection tool from the Tools panel and clicking the desired shape.
The selected objects display a blue outline around its outer edge, which is referred to as its bounding box. Refer
to Figure 1.42.
Figure 1.42: Image showing a selected and deselected shape
■ Modifying shapes
Any shape - either straight-edged, circular, or a combination of the two - is created with a series of line segments,
known as paths. These paths are connected by anchor points. These anchor points and paths appear as blue
lines and dots around the edges of any selected object. Shapes can be edited using these points and paths.
32 Aptech Limited
Figure 1.43: Image showing anchor points on a shape
■ Direct Selection tool

You can select the anchor points or path segments of any object using the Direct Selection tool. After selecting
the points, you can separate those parts from the rest of the object. On clicking the path of an object, the entire
path of the object is selected. This helps in clicking and dragging any anchor point or segment to modify the
shape. However, on clicking the Fill of a filled object, the entire object is selected. A selected anchor point is
depicted as a small solid-blue square. On the contrary, unselected anchor points on a selected object are
depicted as hollow blue squares. Refer to Figure 1.44.
Figure 1.44: Image showing selecting and dragging with a direct selection tool (before and after)
■ Lasso tool
The Lasso tool is used to select any object that falls inside an invisible selection shape or path that is drawn
using this tool. You simply need to drag across or around any objects to select it. Using this tool, it is also
possible to select any number of anchor points on multiple objects simultaneously. Refer to Figure 1.45.
Aptech Limited 33
Figure 1.45: Image depicting the anchor points selection for single and multiple objects
1.3.3 Applying Colors

Coloring objects is an added feature in Illustrator. Color can be applied to both – the fill and the stroke.
Note
The fill is the internal portion of a shape; whereas, the stroke is the edge of a shape.
The Tools panel provides color boxes (also known as thumbnails) using which you can apply fill and stroke colors.
The fill or stroke color that is selected appears on the thumbnails on the Tools panel.
To change the fill or stroke color, begin by selecting an object. Then, select the Fill or Stroke color box.
Choose a color by double clicking inside the respective color box. Alternatively, you can select a color or enter color
values in the Color Picker dialog box. Refer to Figure 1.46.
34 Aptech Limited
Figure 1.46: Color Picker dialog box
In addition to changing the Fill and Stroke colors, Illustrator also provides you with the following options. These
options are available in the Tools panel.
 None check box - To remove or not apply any color to the selected object
 Default Fill and Stroke icon - Sets the default color of black and white
 Swap Fill and Stroke icon - Switches between the current fill and stroke color
■ Using the Shape Builder tool

The Shape Builder tool allows you to create complex objects by merging and erasing simpler objects. It selects
the edges and regions of an object that can be merged or erased to form a new object. This tool is also used to
break overlapping objects to create new ones.
Note
An edge is any section of a path that does not intersect with the path of other selected
objects. A region is a closed area.
■ Creating an object with the Shape Builder tool

To create an object with the Shape Builder tool, click the Selection tool on the Tools panel. Select the paths
you want to merge to create a shape. Then, click the Shape Builder tool.
You can perform the following operations:

 Break or extract a region from the shape - Click on the selected region with the Shape Builder tool
selected.
 Merge paths - Drag the mouse cursor along the regions to be merged with the Shape Builder tool selected.
The selected regions appear merged and share the attributes of the existing region.
Refer to Figure 1.47 to view the Shape Builder tool and its drag action.
Aptech Limited 35
Figure 1.47: Shape builder tool and its drag action
1.3.4 Organizing Objects
■ Aligning and Distributing objects

Illustrator provides the option of aligning objects or a group of objects with each other using the buttons available
in the Align panel. Using the button it is possible to align the objects to each other or to the page.
To evenly align several objects across the document, select the objects to be aligned and then choose a
distribution option.
You need to take note of the following points before you can choose the align command.
 Be specific of how you want to align the objects. For example, horizontally or vertically, or in relation to the
document or the selected objects.
 To align the objects to another object, remember to select and use a key object before selecting the
alignment option.
Refer to Figure 1.48 to take a look at the Alignment panel and Figure 1.49 to view the alignment options.
Figure 1.48: Alignment panel
36 Aptech Limited
Figure 1.49: Alignment options
To align objects, select the Selection tool on the Tools panel. Then, select the objects to be aligned and select
the Align panel. Alternatively, you can click Align on the Control panel.
Click the Options menu, and then click Use Preview Bounds. A checked option uses the object’s stroke weight
and any applied effects when aligning or distributing.
 If you want to align objects along the edges of the artboard, click the Align To Menu on the Align or Control
panel, and then click Align to Artboard. Objects are moved on the artboard based on the alignment or
distribution command to the closest edge (top and bottom, or left and right).
 If you want to align objects to a key object, click an object to make it the key object (a thick blue outline
appears and the Align To Key Object option is selected in the Align and Control panel). Use the alignment
and distribution buttons on the Align or Control panel.
1.3.5 Correcting Mistakes

Illustrator provides the option of correcting mistakes using the Undo, Redo, and Revert commands.
■ Using the Undo and Redo commands

You can undo your previous mistakes and redo things you wished you had not undone. The two commands are
available in the Edit menu. You can use the undo and redo commands any number of times till you reach the
desired result.
■ Using the Revert command

The Revert command restores your document to the last stored version. Using this command, you can undo
all the operations done after you have last saved your document. Unlike Undo, Revert command cannot be
undone.
To revert a document to the last saved version, choose Revert from the File menu. A warning message is
appears before you revert the file.
Aptech Limited 37
1.4 Modifying Fill and Stroke Attributes
1.4.1 Color Modes

Illustrator creates or looks for a color profile whenever you create or open any document. The color profile specifies
the color usage in the document and color modes define the colors in the active document. Illustrator provides you
with the option of changing the color mode. However, it is best to select the appropriate color mode while creating
a document. Predominantly, the color modes available in Illustrator are RGB (Red, Green, and Blue) and CMYK
(Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black). RGB color modes are used for onscreen and Web projects; whereas CMYK
color modes are used for commercial printing projects.
■ Working with color modes

Color modes:
 Determine the number of colors and file size of an image.
 Not only define the working color space of the active document, but also represent the color space of the
output document.
 Not only determines what colors the eyes see but also represent how the colors are mixed. For example, a
photograph scanned on a high-end drum scanner would most likely be in the CMYK color mode; whereas,
an image displayed on a monitor would be in the RGB or indexed color mode.
 Should be selected depending on the file format of the document and its usage. For example, if you were
creating a new document in Illustrator, the color mode you choose should depend and represent the output
of the document, for example, the output could be on a Web page, or to an inkjet printer, or better still onto
a 4-color press.
■ Switching between color modes

Changing color modes results in changes in the digital color information of the image. For example, if you open
a RGB image, which is intended to be sent out to a 4-color press (CMYK), the right option will be to remain in
the RGB color mode during the entire processing of the image. Once the image is processed, the image can
be converted into the CMYK mode.
As mentioned earlier, it is essential to select the appropriate color mode for the document you intend to create.
RGB is the best choice for the Web and other onscreen projects and CMYK is the best choice for commercial
printing. There could be instances when you have to create documents for both types of projects. In such
instances, you can save a copy of the document and then change the color mode. On changing the color mode,
the colors will convert to a mode in the document. During this process, you will see a shift in color.
To change color modes, from the File menu, choose the Document Color Mode command. Then, click CMYK
Color or RGB Color. Refer to Figure 1.50.
Tip
You can use the Undo command from the Edit menu to reverse the color conver-
sion.
38 Aptech Limited
Figure 1.50: Color modes
1.4.2 Modifying Fills and Strokes

You can change the fill or stroke color by selecting the appropriate Fill or Stroke box from the Tools panel. This can
be done using the various options available in Illustrator.
■ The Color panel

The Color panel provides basic color selection via the Color Ramp along the bottom of the panel and more
precise control via sliders and percentage entries in Grayscale, RGB, HSB (Hue, Saturation, Brightness), CMYK
, and Web Safe RGB. The Color panel can be used to color any object’s fill or stroke. Colors to be used in an
illustration can be defined using the Color panel. The Color panel is available in the Window menu. To access
the Color panel, from the Window menu, click Color. Refer to Figure 1.51.
Note
RGB or CMYK color spaces are most commonly used by Illustrators. However, HSB
and Web Safe RGB color spaces are used by heavy Web designers.
Aptech Limited 39
Figure 1.51: The Color panel
The arrow heads next to the name of the panel on the Color panel opens a pop-up menu. This allows you to
toggle the display of the options and to choose from the available color spaces.
The color space option allows you to switch between grayscale, RGB, HSB, CMYK, and Web Safe RGB.
Grayscale displays white to black with all shades of gray in between. Refer to Figure 1.52.
Figure 1.52: Color panel displaying shades of gray
RGB color space is used by computer monitors. It is best suited for multimedia and Web-page graphics. The
RGB values can range from 0 to 255. You can change the RGB measurements from percentage to numeric and
vice versa by double-clicking to the right of the text fields.
HSB comprise the RGB derived color space. This is best for adjusting RGB colors in brightness and saturation.
Refer to Figure 1.53 to view the Color panel displaying the HSB color space.
40 Aptech Limited
Figure 1.53: HSB Color panel
CMYK are considered as typical printing process colors.
Web Safe RGB are the 216 colors.
Note
As you drag a specific color slider in the color panel, the other colors also change.
The icon to the left of the sliders displays the current color. It also displays the fill or
stroke color.
■ Using the color ramp

The bar along the bottom of the Color panel is referred to as the color ramp and resembles a rainbow. The
color ramp is an easy option to quickly pick a color from the current color space. On resting the cursor above
the color ramp area, it changes into an eyedropper. On changing to a different color space, the color ramp along
the bottom of the panel also changes displaying the rainbow of colors in that particular color space.
Tip
Keeping the Shift key pressed on the keyboard, click the color ramp to cycle through
the color spaces. This is much faster than choosing a color space from the pop-up
menu.
■ Working with Gamut

On choosing certain colors, a little icon appears on the center left of the Color panel, as shown in Figure 1.54.
This icon indicates that the current color is out of gamut with the color space. In simpler terms, the particular
color you chose is not within the range of colors that can be displayed or printed for the selected color space.
Aptech Limited 41
This issue is generally important only if you plan to print the document using CMYK process colors.
In such situations, the best way to reset the current color is to click the In Gamut icon. This results in a change
in the RGB and HSB values such that it is well within the CMYK color space.
Figure 1.54: Color panel showing Gamut warning
■ The Swatches panel

The Swatches panel houses presets, gradients, and patterns. You can access the Swatches panel from the
Windows menu.
To choose a color, select the Swatches panel and then click the desired color swatch. Refer to Figure 1.55.
Figure 1.55: Swatches panel
42 Aptech Limited
Note
When you initially install Illustrator, the Swatches panel is housed with the Color
panel. Clicking the respective tabs help toggle between the two panels.
Buttons along the bottom of the panel, when clicked changes the display. Description of the buttons available in
the panel are as described in Table 1.3.
Buttons in the Description

Swatches panel
Swatch Libraries Menu This button provides quick access to the installed swatch libraries. Choosing
one swatch library displays another swatch panel with relevant set of colors in
it. Refer to Figure 1.56.
Show Swatch Kinds Using this button, you can access the All Swatches command, color swatches,
Menu gradient swatches, pattern swatches, and color groups.
Swatch Options This button provides quick access to the swatch options of the currently
selected button through the Swatch Options dialog box.
New Color Group Clicking this button creates a new color group.
New Swatch This button is used to create a new swatch. It looks like a little piece of paper
with a bent corner. You can also create a new swatch by dragging any single
object into the Swatches panel.
Delete Swatch The Trash button on the Swatches panel is used to delete a swatch. To delete
a swatch, you can select a swatch and click the Trash button.
Table 1.3: Description of the buttons available in the Swatches panel
Figure 1.56: Swatches panel library menu
Aptech Limited 43
■ Using the Eyedropper tool
The Eyedropper tool selects the color from where you click. This tool samples paint style information from a
path and stores it in the Fill and Stroke boxes on the Tools panel without selecting that path. The information
stays there until:
 You change information in the Color panel
 You select another path with different paint style information
 You click any other path or placed image with a different paint style
Figure 1.57: Eyedropper tool
Tip
On clicking the Eyedropper tool, if you have paths selected, then the selected ob-
jects are changed to the paint style of the path that you clicked.
It is easy to change the Eyedropper options. This can be done by double-clicking the Eyedropper tool on the
Tools panel.
The left and right columns show check boxes for options that you want the Eyedropper tool to pick and apply
respectively. You can select or deselect check boxes as per your requirement.
The sample size of the color can be defined by using the Raster Sample Size list. Click the Raster Sample
Size list arrow, and then select a sample size for the pick up color and attributes. Once done, click OK to close
the dialog box.
■ Stroke attributes
Any object you draw, including shapes, lines, paths, and even text, can have a stroke applied to it. Color, weight,
44 Aptech Limited
and attributes contribute in defining the stroke of an object. Strokes appear at places where there are paths or
around the edges of the type. Like fills, any one path or object can have only one type of stroke on it. The color,
weight, and style of the stroke are consistent throughout the length of the path.
■ Changing weight attribute

The weight of a stroke defines its thickness. Illustrator centers the stroke on a defined path, with half the
thickness of the stroke on one side of the path and half the thickness on the other side of the path. So a 1-point
stroke has 1⁄2 point on each side of the path.
You can set the stroke weight either from the Stroke panel’s Weight menu or by typing a value in the Weight
text field. Figure 1.58 shows the fully expanded Stroke panel. To incrementally change the stroke weight, you
can use the Up and Down arrows on the left of the Weight text box. To change the presets, choose from a
preset stroke weight in the pop-up menu or type a value in the Weight text box.
Figure 1.58: Expanded Stroke panel
■ Other stroke attributes

The other attributes of a stroke consist of several parts, including the cap style, join style, miter limit, and dash
pattern. Refer to Figure 1.59 to view the Stroke panel.
Aptech Limited 45
Figure 1.59: Stroke panel
The stroke options include the following options:

 Cap Style - This option defines the way the ends of a stroke look. This style can either be butt cap, rounded
cap, or projected cap. Caps apply only to endpoints on open paths. If the path is cut into an open path then
the cap style goes into effect.
● Butt Cap - This cap style chops the stroke off perpendicularly at the end of the path.
● Round Cap - This cap style results in smooth, rounded ends that resemble a half-circle. These caps
protrude from the endpoint one-half the stroke weight.
● Projecting Cap - This cap style projects from the endpoint one-half the stroke weight and appears
perpendicular to the direction of the path at its endpoint.
● Join Style - The join style is the manner in which the corner points on paths appear when you stroke
them. Any of the following joint styles can be applied to paths:
- Miter Join - This style causes the outer edges of the stroke to meet at a point. This is the only join
type that is affected by the miter limit.
- Round Join - Rounds off the outside edge of corners.
- Bevel Join - The outer edge is cropped off before the angle can reach a corner.
Joins affect all corner points - be it straight, or curved, or a combination of both. However, in all the
cases, join types affect only the outside corners. The inside corners are always mitered.
● Miter Limit - This option controls how far a corner can extend past the edge of the path. This is useful
for tight corners of paths that have large weights. This is because, places where the outside edges of a
path meet in a corner can be at a distance from the original edges of the paths. The number in the Miter
Limit controls how many times the width of the stroke the miter can extend beyond the point.
● Align Stroke - This option is used to control how the stroke aligns with the path. It can be centered over
the path, inside the path, or outside the path.
46 Aptech Limited
● Dashed Line - This option is usually used if the dash pattern for a stroke is solid. However, you
can create various dash patterns for different effects. The bottom of the Stroke panel controls the
appearance of the dashed strokes. Clicking the Dashed Line check box gives you the option of typing
different values for up to three dashes and gap lengths.
Using the Stroke panel, you can change the stroke style. On creating a dashed stroke, you can align
the dashes around the corners and at the end of the open paths. You can also preserve the dashes and
gaps in the stroke. Refer to Figure 1.60.
To create a dashed stroke, select the desired object or objects. Choose the Stroke panel and select
the Dashed Line check box. Click the Align Dashes to Corners and Path Ends or Adjusting Length
to fit icon. Key in values in the first Dash box. Then, key in values in the first Gap box. Once done,
continue filling the other text boxes.
Note
After entering values in the first Dash box, if you do not enter values in the remaining
boxes, then the first value is used for the rest of the boxes.
Figure 1.60: The Stroke box
Aptech Limited 47
Tip
To create a dotted line, click the Round Cap button, enter a dash value of 0, and then
enter a gap value greater than or equal to the stroke weight.
■ Adding arrowheads
The Stroke panel has a section that adds arrowheads automatically at each end of each path. The Start and
End arrowheads are situated on the left and right side respectively. If you drew a path using the Line tool and
applied a Start arrowhead to it, the arrowhead appears where you first clicked. The End arrowhead appears at
the other end of your path. Using the Scale field, situated directly below the two arrowheads, lets you increase
or decrease the size of the arrowhead. The size of the arrowhead is always proportional to the stroke. Due to
this reason, there is room for smaller or larger arrowheads on a thicker or thinner stroke.
The Align Tip Toggle buttons define the beginning of the arrowhead in relation to the end of the path. This can
be changed such that the base of the arrowhead starts at the start/endpoint of the path by clicking the other
button, resulting in an arrowhead that extends beyond the end of a path.
■ Creating variable stroke widths
You can create a variable width stroke using the Width tool. You can also save your settings as a profile that
can be applied to other strokes. On pointing to a stroke using the Width tool, a small circle appears on the path.
Using this circle, you can drag to create a variable width. On selecting the Width tool from the Tools panel, you
can use any of the following methods to create and adjust a variable width stroke.
 To create a Variable Width Point, point to the path, and then click on the path and drag to re-size it.
 To change a Variable Width Point Position, point to the path, point to a width point, and then drag it along
the path.
 To change a Variable Width Point Size, point to the path, point to a width point, and then drag the inward/
outward handle.
 To set the exact Variable Width Point Sizes and Options, point to the path, double-click the width point,
specify the sizes you want, select the Adjust Adjoining Width Points check box to adjust neighboring
width points, and then click OK.
Refer to Figure 1.61 to take a look at the Width tool and its options.
48 Aptech Limited
Figure 1.61: Width tool and its options
■ Creating a stroke width profile

After selecting the Width tool from the Tools panel, create or select a variable stroke width. Click the Profile list
arrow on the Stroke panel. Then, click the Add To Profiles button. Type a name and click OK.
■ Blending fill colors

The Edit Color submenu in the Edit menu allows you to blend fill colors for three or more objects. The more
objects that you select, the more gradually the color blends and the stroke colors and attributes remain the
same. Illustrator considers objects on the edges - front and back, left and right, and top and bottom - as the start
and end colors in the blend. Refer to Figure 1.62.
Aptech Limited 49
Figure 1.62: Blend options under the Edit Colors submenu
After selecting three or more objects containing fill colors, you can apply the following options available inside
the Edit Colors submenu.
 Blend Front to Back - This option uses the fill color of the front and back objects in the selection as the
starting and ending colors in the blend. Refer to Figure 1.63.
Figure 1.63: Blend effect from front to back

 Blend Horizontally - This option uses the fill color of the left and right side objects as the starting and
ending colors in the blend. Refer to Figure 1.64.
50 Aptech Limited
Figure 1.64: Horizontal blend effect

 Blend Vertically - This option uses the fill color of the top and bottom objects as the starting and ending
colors in the blend. Refer to Figure 1.65.
Figure 1.65: Vertical blend effect
■ Creating blends automatically

To create blends, select two objects that you want to use in the blend, and then choose the Make command
from the Object menu. Illustrator creates all the transitional objects in between.
To release the blend objects, click the Object menu, point to Blend, and then click Release. Refer to Figure
1.66.
Aptech Limited 51
Figure 1.66: Image blends
Using the Blend Options dialog box, you can control the appearance of your blends. The changed settings
automatically apply to the selected objects and future blends. To do so, click the Spacing list arrow, and then
select any one of the following:
 Smooth Color - This option is used to automatically create a smooth color blend based on the number of
transitional steps needed.
 Specified Steps - This option helps specify the desired number of transitional steps between the range of
1 to 1000.
 Specified Distance - This option helps specify the distance between the transition objects in the blend
between the range of 1 to 1000.
■ Orientation
The various options available under the Orientation section are as follows:
 Align to Page - This option aligns objects perpendicular to the horizontal axis.
 Align to Path - This option aligns objects perpendicular to the path.
Refer to Figure 1.67 to view the Blend Options dialog box.
52 Aptech Limited
Figure 1.67: The Blend Options dialog box
■ Creating blends with the blend tool

The Blend tool in the Tools panel, specifies the location where the blend takes place. This tool allows you to
select the anchor points on the objects to determine the direction of the blend. The following actions can be
performed using the Blend tool.
 Select two or more objects (with space in between them) that you want to blend, click the Blend tool in the
Tools panel. Click the fill of the first object (not the center point) to let Illustrator determine an anchor point to
use, or click the anchor point that you want to use. Then, click the fill or an anchor point on the next object.
If the path is open, click an endpoint.
 To modify blend objects, after you create a blend, use commands from the Blend submenu.
 To reverse the stacking order without changing the x or y location, select a blend object. From the Object
menu, select the Blend command. Then, click Reverse Front to Back.
 To reverse the spine, select a blend object. From the Object menu, select the Blend command. Then,
click Reverse Spine. The Reverse Spine option changes the x and y location of the blend objects without
changing the stacking order.
 To replace the spine, create a new path for the spine. Then select a blend object and the new path. After
selecting the same, from the Object menu, select the Blend command. Then, click Replace Spine.
1.5 Saving Documents

You need to save your Illustrator document, before you close or exit Illustrator. To save a file, choose the Save
command from the File menu. Alternatively, you can press Ctrl+S on the keyboard.
If you have saved the file earlier, then it takes just a fraction of a second to update the existing file with the changes
that you have made. Incase if you have not yet saved the file, the Save As dialog box similar to the one shown
in Figure 1.68 appears. Illustrator files are best saved in the native Illustrator format, which is AI (files with the .ai
extension). This format preserves all Illustrator-specific information.
Aptech Limited 53
Figure 1.68: Save As dialog box
Before you can save a file, it is equally important to decide on the location to save the file. Options to save the
formatting options in an Illustrator file are as follows:
 Illustrator EPS (eps) - This option is used for sending or passing files between users who may not have
Illustrator, but can place or open the files in another program, such as InDesign or Photoshop.
 Illustrator Template (ait) - This option is used for creating templates that you can use as guides for future
drawings.
 Adobe PDF (pdf) - This option is used for sending the file to anyone who has or can download Adobe
Reader or Acrobat Standard or Professional.
 SVG Compressed (svgz) - This option is used for creating a Web page. This option produces smaller files
as compared to the uncompressed Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) format.
 SVG (svg) - This option is used for creating a Web page and is an XML-based format. It can be used to
produce smaller file sizes as compared to the typical bitmap formats, such as JPEG and TIF.
An Illustrator Options window appears on clicking save. You can save multiple artboards in separate files by turning
on the Save Each Artboard To A Separate File option from the Options menu.
■ Using the Save As command

You activate the Save As command from the File menu. Alternatively, you can activate it by pressing the
Ctrl+Shift+S key on the keyboard. By using this command, you can save multiple versions of the document as
you progress. If you choose Save As and opt not to rename or change the location of the file, then Illustrator
prompts you to replace the existing file. On choosing Replace, the already existing file is replaced with the new
file.
■ Understanding the Save a Copy command

The Save a Copy command can be activated from the File menu. Alternatively, you can activate it by pressing
Ctrl+Alt+S keys on the keyboard. This command saves a copy of your document at its current state without
affecting your document or its name. On pressing the Ctrl+S keys on the keyboard, Illustrator saves changes
54 Aptech Limited
to the original file without making any changes to the copy of the file.
■ Reverting to the last saved version
In Illustrator it is possible to retrieve the earlier changes of a document. This can be done using the Revert
command available from the File menu. This option automatically closes the document and opens the last
saved version of it. This option appears grayed out if you have not yet saved the file. On selecting this option, a
dialog box appears, confirming if you want to revert to the earlier version of the document.
Keyboard Shortcuts
Command Shortcut
File  View Ctrl+V
File  View  Zoom Out Ctrl ++
File  View  Zoom In Ctrl --
File  Open Ctrl+O
File  New Ctrl+N
Hands-on Project
Task 1:
Create a new file with the following dimensions:
 Height - 200 pixels
 Width - 300 pixels
Create a clock dial. Use roman letters for the dial.
Aptech Limited 55
1.6 Summary
In this session, Working with Adobe Illustrator CS5, you learnt:
 Illustrator CS5 provides you with a variety of options that cater to the print, Web, mobile and device
documents, and video and film documents.
 The Illustrator window appears in the workspace panel, where you have the Tools panels, the menus, and
the document window.
 Panels are modeless windows that can be collapsed, expanded, and grouped. They include menus and
tools that can be used to create and edit objects in the workspace environment.
 Illustrator provides the option of navigating and previewing a document. The various tools available like the
Zoom tool and the Hand tool aid in easy navigation.
 Presets are a useful option for defining the size of the documents based on the requirements.
 Artboards are regions of a document that contain printable artwork and are mainly used as crop areas for
printing or placement of multiple artwork elements.
 The Custom Views feature in Illustrator allows you to save special views of an illustration.
 Illustrator provides a variety of options to work with objects. Objects can be created, modified, and even
colored using the various tools available.
56 Aptech Limited
1.7 Exercise
1. Identify the statement that best describes panels.
a. List of commands that can be collapsed or expanded to accomplish specific tasks.
b. A window that can be collapsed, expanded, and grouped to improve the accessibility and workflow.
c. Documents that can be opened and worked on at the same time.
d. A dialog box that has an unlimited number of library panels.
2. The Control panel is customized based on the __________ that is selected.
a. Panel
b. Object on the artboard
c. Tool
d. Opacity
3. Custom views allow you to _____________.

a. Edit specific sections of an illustration
b. Save specific sections of an illustration
c. See objects that overlap in the image
d. To include vector graphics
4. Vector graphics are resolution independent because ______.

a. They are created using pixels
b. They are created using mathematical data
c. These images include bitmaps
d. These images include high resolution shapes and objects
5. The Swap, Fill, and Stroke option _____________.

a. Switches between artboards
b. Switches between the current fill and stroke color
c. Sets the default color to black and white
d. Removes the applied color
6. The Document Color Mode command is used to __________.

a. Change the file format
b. Switch between color modes
c. Provides basic color selection via the color ramp
d. Pick a color from the current color space
7. What does the warning Out of Gamut indicate?

a. Out of Gamut indicates that the chosen color is already in use
b. Out of Gamut indicates that chosen color is out of the color space
c. Out of Gamut indicates that the chosen color is converted into grayscale
d. Out of Gamut indicates that the document cannot be printed
Aptech Limited 57
Answers to Quick Test
Quick Test 1
Agree: 1, 2
Disagree: 3, 4, 5
Answers to Exercise
1. b
2. c
3. b
4. b
5. b
6. b
7. b
58 Aptech Limited
Working with Gradients, Drawing Tools, Layers, and Text
2 Working with Gradients, Drawing

Tools, Layers, and Text
Learning Outcomes
 Work with gradients, drawing tools, layers, and text
2.1 Gradients and Patterns

A gradient is a smooth transition between two or more colors in an object. Using the Gradient panel, you can either
apply one of the built-in gradients available in the Gradient library or create a gradient of your own. After you apply
a gradient, you can change the direction or smoothness of the color transition.
2.1.1 Working with Gradients
■ Applying gradients
You will now learn how to apply a gradient. Before you begin, select the object on which the gradient has to
be applied. Then, from the Swatches panel, click the Swatch Libraries menu and click Gradient. Select the
required gradient library. Finally, click a gradient swatch on the Swatches or Gradient Library panel. Refer to
Figure 2.1: Gradients available in the Swatches panel
Aptech Limited 61
Figure 2.2: Gradient panel accessed through the Swatches panel
You can apply gradients using the Gradient Fill list from the Gradient panel. Alternatively, you can click the
Window menu and select the Gradient command to access the Gradient panel. On selecting a swatch from
the Gradient library, it is automatically added to the Swatches panel. On clicking a gradient swatch, it is applied
to a selected object. Refer to Figure 2.3.
Figure 2.3: Image displaying the gradient applied to an object using the Gradient panel
■ Creating gradients
Incase if you are not happy with the existing gradients present in the library, it is possible to create your own set
of gradients. You can be creative with the gradients you create. For example, you can create a gradient with two
or more colors and also add transparency. After creating a gradient, you can save it in the Swatches panel so
that it is available for use at a later date.
On a macro level, there are two types of gradients, which are as follows:
 Radial (Circular)
 Linear (Horizontal)
Refer to Figure 2.4 to view the Gradient panel displaying the types of gradients.
62 Aptech Limited
Figure 2.4: Image displaying the Gradient panel with the two types of gradients
The type of gradient to be applied can be chosen from the Type list box. Radial gradients move from the center
location of an object radial outward in all directions; whereas, Linear gradients move in one direction across
the object. On choosing a Radial gradient, you can choose the distortion of the gradient by editing the value in
the Aspect Ratio field. The angle of the gradient can be controlled using the Angle field. Using the Gradient
panel, you can control the colors present in it and their relation to one another. Black and white are the default
gradients and increments from white to black; where white appears on the left and black on the right.
To create a new gradient, click below the bar where you want the new gradient to appear. This creates a Color
Marker that resembles a small square. The new color becomes a step between the left color slider and the right
color slider. The Location percentage value defines the percentage of the color depending on where you click
on the slider with 0% on the left end and 100% on the right end. In other words, position of the slider defines
the proximity of the color.
You can also add a different color. To do so, click the Color Marker and select a new color from the Color panel.
You can add upto 32 color stops between the two end colors.
On choosing a color stop, you can:

 Change the position of the color stop by typing a different value in the Location field
 Change the opacity, by typing a value in the Opacity field
Tip
Double-clicking a gradient stop displays a temporary Color or Swatch panel. This

panel allows you to change colors of the gradient stop quickly. You can duplicate a
color stop by keeping the Alt key pressed on the keyboard while dragging it.
The diamonds that appear above the color bar indicate the midpoint between the two color stops. You can
move the midpoint either to the left or right to alter the halfway color between the two color stops. You can also
change the position of the diamond by typing a different percentage in the Location field. After making the
desired changes, you can save the gradient by dragging the Gradient Fill box from the Gradient panel to the
Swatches panel.
Aptech Limited 63
Tip
Incase if you want to add color to your already selected black and white gradient, you
can do so using the Color panel. To do so, select the color from the Color panel, and
drag it onto the marker to change its color mode.
Refer to Figure 2.5 to view the Gradient panel displaying the variations in the gradient stop and opacity values
of the object.
Figure 2.5: Image displaying variations in the gradient stop and opacity values of the object
■ The Gradient tool

The Gradient tool can be used to give a 3D look to an object. This can be done by changing the angle, and start
and end points for a Linear gradient. For a Radial gradient, a 3D look can be obtained by changing the location
of its center and edges.
The Gradient tool is also used to balance the highlight on a radial gradient. Most of the Gradient panel changes
can be done directly into your artwork using the gradient stop bar. This bar proves handy for tiny adjustments
of the gradient stops, especially when the image is zoomed in. The temporary Color/Swatch panel can also be
accessed through this floating bar by double-clicking on a gradient stop. Refer to Figures 2.6 and 2.7.
64 Aptech Limited
Figure 2.6: The Gradient tool on the Tools panel
Gradients are applied using the Gradient tool or panel. To create a gradient from the Gradient tool, double-click
the Gradient tool that displays the Gradient panel. Then, select the Gradient type from the Type list. It could
be either Radial or Linear. Select a path that is filled with a gradient. Ensure that at least one path is selected.
After selecting a path, drag the mouse cursor with the Gradient tool on the object.
Listed below are some points that should be borne in mind while working with the Gradient tool.
 You can drag the Gradient tool on linear gradients to change the angle, length, and position (start and end
points) of the gradients.
 You can drag the Gradient tool on Radial gradients to determine the start and end position of the
gradient.
 You can reset the highlight to a new location by clicking the Gradient tool.
Figure 2.7: Gradient applied on an object using the Gradient tool
Refer to Figure 2.8 to view the effect of the Radial gradient applied on the image. The circle on the left has a
Radial gradient applied to it; whereas, the circle on the right has the same gradient, but it is positioned differently
within the object by using the Gradient tool.
Aptech Limited 65
Figure 2.8: Image depicting the effect of the Radial gradient applied on the object
■ Creating a Gradient mesh

A mesh object is a multicolored gradient type. It not only allows colors to flow in different directions but also
transitions colors from one point to the other. A mesh object resembles a grid that uses mesh lines. This grid-like
structure makes it easier for modifying color flows, transitions, intensity, and opacity. The points that connect
the grid are called mesh points. These mesh points act like anchor points. Unlike anchor points, it is possible
to assign color and transparency to these mesh points. The space that is formed between four mesh points is
called a mesh patch, which is used to modify the color and transparency.
Mesh objects can be of two types, namely:

 Mesh points with an irregular pattern
 Mesh points with a regular pattern
Figure 2.9: The Gradient Mesh tool
To create mesh objects with an irregular pattern of mesh points, select the Mesh tool on the Tools panel. Select
a Fill color for the mesh points and then click to place the first mesh point.
66 Aptech Limited
To create mesh objects with a regular pattern of mesh points, from the Object menu, select the Create
Gradient Mesh command. Then, set the number of rows and columns, select the highlight direction, and enter
a percentage of white highlight. Finally, click OK. Refer to Figure 2.10.
Note
The percentage of white highlight is defined as 100% = white, 0% = no white.
Figure 2.10: Create Gradient Mesh dialog box
In addition to creating mesh objects, you can also do the following actions by selecting the Mesh tool from the
Tools panel.
 Delete Mesh Point - You can delete a mesh point by keeping the Alt key pressed on the keyboard and
clicking a mesh point to delete it.
 Move Mesh Point - You can move a mesh point by clicking a mesh point and dragging it. To keep a mesh
point on a mesh line, keep the Shift key pressed on the keyboard and drag it.
 Add Mesh Point - You can add a mesh point by selecting a color and then clicking on the mesh object.
Aptech Limited 67
Figure 2.11: Image depicting a mesh object with mesh points applied to it
■ Setting color and transparency for a gradient mesh

After selecting the Mesh tool from the Tools panel, select one or more mesh points or patches on the object.
Next, to change the color of a mesh point or patch, select a color from the Color or Swatches panel and drag
it onto the point or patch. Then, select the Transparency command from the Window menu. Click the Opacity
list drop-down arrow, to specify the percentage of the opacity. Refer to Figure 2.12.
Figure 2.12: Image depicting the color and transparency for a gradient mesh
68 Aptech Limited
2.1.2 Using Pattern Fills
■ Creating patterns
As an alternative to using solid colors or gradients as object fills, you can also create and use patterns. The
process is very simple. In Illustrator, you can create a pattern using any of the following tools:
 Rectangle
 Ellipse
 Polygon
 Arc
 Spiral
 Star
To create a pattern, draw one or more objects that have to be used as a pattern. Using the Selection tool,
select all the drawn objects. From the Edit menu, click Define Pattern. Type a name for the swatch and click
OK. Refer to Figure 2.13.
Figure 2.13: The New Swatch dialog box
You can also use the pattern as a fill. To do so, begin by selecting an object and then select the Swatches panel
with the pattern. Click the Fill box on the Tools panel, and then click the pattern in the Swatches panel.
Refer to Figures 2.14 and 2.15.
Figure 2.14: Image depicting the newly created pattern
Aptech Limited 69
Figure 2.15: Image depicting the pattern applied to an object
Quick Test 1
1. On a macro level, _____ and ____ are the two types of gradients.
2. The tool used to balance the highlight on a radial gradient is known as ________ tool.
3. The space between four mesh points is referred to as a mesh _________.
2.2 Drawing Tools

A thorough knowledge of the Flash authoring environment helps in creating effective and efficient movies. The
Adobe Flash Professional work area includes command menus at the top of the screen, and a variety of tools and
panels for editing and adding elements to your movie. Using this program, it is possible to create all the objects for
your animation or even import elements.
2.2.1 Pen Tool

Wherever you use the vector drawings or tools available in Illustrator, the application creates a path to store
information. These paths are defined mathematically by putting anchor points and segments to use. Once created,
they can be customized to blend into any design situation. It is possible to create precise paths and also create
complicated selections around any shape with the help of the various Pen tools. Once the path is defined, it is easy
to add, subtract, or modify anchor points to produce complex paths. This is not all; you can also convert straight
segments into curved segments and remove a curve from a segment by clicking on the segment.
On clicking with the Pen tool, you create corner points and straight segments. On the contrary, when you click and
drag with the Pen tool, you can create smooth points and curve segments. These points and curve segments have
direction handles that can be used to change the direction of the curved segment. The length and direction of the
direction handles define the shape of the curve segments. Refer to Figure 2.16.
70 Aptech Limited
Figure 2.16: The Pen tool palette
■ Drawing a polygon with the Pen tool

You will now learn how to draw a Polygon using the Pen tool. To do so, from the Tools panel, click the Fill box.
Then, select the desired color for the fill. Incase if you do not want to use a fill, select None. After selecting the
desired color swatch, select the Pen tool from the Tools panel. To define the first side of the Polygon, you will
have to define two anchor points on two different locations. Click on the first location to define the first anchor
point, followed by a click on the other location to define the second anchor point. A line segment appears
between the two points. This is one of the sides of the Polygon. Continue adding anchor points until you get the
desired shape. You can complete the shape either with an open or closed path.
To leave the shape with an open path, click the Pen tool or any other tool from the Tools panel. Then, keeping
the Ctrl key pressed on the keyboard, click outside the shape to deselect it.
To leave the shape with a closed path, click the Pen tool from the Tools panel. Then, click on the first anchor
point. Refer to Figure 2.17.
Figure 2.17: (a) Line segment showing two anchor points; (b) Line segments forming an open path; and
(c) Line segments forming a closed path
Note
To draw segments constrained to 45 degrees, keep the Shift key pressed on the
keyboard while you click.
■ Drawing curves with the Pen tool

To draw curves, select the Pen tool from the Tools panel. Then, click and drag to create the first anchor point.
Aptech Limited 71
As you drag, the direction handles move to form a curve. Release the mouse cursor. Then, click and drag on
the position where you want to create the second anchor point.
A curve segment appears between the two anchor points. Refer to Figure 2.18.
Figure 2.18: Curves created using the Pen tool
■ Moving points and segments

On moving an anchor point, segments connected to it, either straight or curved, change. On moving a straight
segment, the anchor points on the segment move along with it; whereas, on moving a curved segment, the
anchor points remain as is but the curve changes. Adjusting a direction point on the direction handle also
changes the curve segment.
To move an anchor point or segment, select the Direct Selection tool from the Tools panel. Then, click a blank
area to deselect all the points. Drag an anchor point or drag the middle of a segment.
For a smaller move, click the anchor point or segment, and then press the arrow key on the keyboard. You can
also reshape a curved segment. To do so, click an anchor point or curved segment. Then, drag the direction
point at the end of the direction handle. Refer to Figure 2.19.
Figure 2.19: Image depicting the repositioned anchor point
Note
To constrain the movement of anchor points or segments to 45 degrees, keep the

Shift key pressed on the keyboard while dragging.
■ Converting anchor points

When you create a curve with the Pen tool, the curve segment after the second anchor point appears on the
72 Aptech Limited
opposite side as the first curve segment. To make the second curve segment appear on the same side as the
first, convert the anchor point from a smooth point to a corner point. You can do so by using the buttons on the
Control panel or by using the Convert Anchor Point tool.
To convert points on a path using the Control panel, select the Direct Selection tool from the Tools panel.
Click the point that you want to convert. You can choose between the two options, Convert to Smooth or
Convert to Corner. Refer to Figure 2.20.
Figure 2.20: Image depicting the convert option
■ Converting points on a path using the Convert Anchor tool

To convert points using the Convert Anchor tool, select the Convert Anchor Point tool from the Tools panel.
You can also:
 Convert a corner point to a smooth point by dragging a direction handle from a corner point.
 Convert a smooth point to a corner point, by clicking a smooth point.
Figure 2.21: Image depicting the Convert Anchor Point tool
Aptech Limited 73
Figure 2.22: Image depicting a corner point converted to smooth point
Tip
Keeping the Alt key pressed on the keyboard, converts the Pen tool into a temporary
Convert Anchor Point tool.
■ Adding and deleting anchor points

There are many ways you can modify a path once it has been created. For example, you can not only add,
delete, or subtract anchor points on an existing path but also make changes to those points to meet your
expectations.
From the Tools panel, select the Direct Selection tool. Select the object to which you want to add an anchor
point. Then, from the Tools panel, select the Add Anchor Point tool. Click once on the path to add a new
anchor point. Adding an anchor point to a curve segment creates a smooth point on the path; whereas, adding
an anchor point to a straight segment creates a corner point on the path. Refer to Figures 2.23 and 2.24.
74 Aptech Limited
Figure 2.23: Image depicting the Add Anchor Point tool
Figure 2.24: Image depicting the added anchor point
■ Adding anchor points to an open path

To add an anchor point to an open path, from the Tools panel, select the Pen tool. Point to the endpoint to which
you want to add an anchor point. A slash appears next to the pen pointer. Then, click the endpoints to make
it a corner point or drag it to make a smooth point. Click once on the path to add a new anchor point. Refer to
Figure 2.25.
Aptech Limited 75
Figure 2.25: Image depicting anchor points added to an open path
■ Deleting anchor points

To delete anchor points, select the object in which the point has to be deleted using the Direct Selection tool
from the Tools panel. Then, select the Delete Anchor Point tool. This tool appears inside the Pen tool tear off.
Click once on an existing anchor point to remove it from the path.
Tip
To delete a point, you can also click the Remove Selected Anchor Points button from
the Control panel.
■ Aligning anchor points

In addition to aligning objects, you can use the Align buttons on the Control panel to align points on a path
along the horizontal and vertical axis.
To align anchor points, select the Lasso tool from the Tools panel. Then, drag to select two or more points on
the path. You can align the anchor points using any of the following options:
 Horizontal - This option aligns the anchor points horizontally and can be done by clicking any of the
Horizontal Align buttons.
 Vertical - This option aligns the anchor points vertically and can be done by clicking any one of the Vertical
Align buttons.
 Overlap - This option is used to move and align points horizontally and vertically. This can be done by
clicking the Horizontal Align button, followed by clicking the Vertical Align button (or vice versa) to move
and align the points horizontally and vertically.
76 Aptech Limited
Figure 2.26: Image depicting the aligned anchor points
■ Joining Anchor Endpoints with a Straight Line

Select the Direct Selection tool on the Tools panel. Keeping the Shift key pressed on the keyboard, click the
two endpoints that you want to join. Then, click the Connect Selected End Points button on the Control panel.
A straight line segment connects the two endpoints. Refer to Figure 2.27.
Figure 2.27: Image depicting Connect Selected Endpoints button to connect between the two endpoints
Aptech Limited 77
Use the Horizontal Align and Vertical Align buttons on the Control panel to have the endpoints meet in the
middle. Then, use the Join option in the Control panel. The two points are combined to form a single anchor
point.
■ Reshaping paths with the Reshape tool

The Reshape tool is useful for extending the side of an object path by moving points and segments around to
modify the path. It is housed in the Tools panel. On selecting multiple points using this tool, you can extend or
contract the selection without making any changes to the points that are not selected.
To reshape paths, click the Direct Selection tool from the Tools panel. Then, deselect the existing selection by
clicking on a blank area. Finally, click on the path to select an anchor point.
From the Tools panel, select the Reshape tool. To drag multiple points at the same time, keep the Shift key
pressed on the keyboard and click the anchor points that you want to select. You can also use the Selection
tool from the Tools panel to select the paths that have to be reshaped. After selecting the panels, drag any point
or segment. Refer to Figures 2.28 and 2.29.
Figure 2.28: Image depicting a closed path reshaped with the Reshape tool
Figure 2.29: Image depicting non-aligned and aligned anchor points
■ Simplifying paths
After creating a path, you can simplify it for its size, display, and printing actions. On simplifying the path, extra
anchor points are removed without affecting the shape of the path. In Illustrator, you can reshape the path using
the Curve Precision and Angle Threshold sliders.
To simplify paths, select the object with the path that you want to simplify using the Direct Selection tool from
the Tools panel. From the Object menu, click Path and then click Simplify.
78 Aptech Limited
Figure 2.30: Image depicting the Simplify dialog box
The Simplify dialog box has the following options:

 Preview check box - Selecting this check box displays a preview of the simplified path as you make
changes.
 Curve Precision - This option is used to adjust the curve precision. You can either drag the sliders or type
a percentage value between 0 and 100 in the text box. Greater the precision, closer the anchor points.
 Angle Threshold - This option specifies a degree angle between 0 and 180. It is used to control the
smoothness and sharpness of the corners when the curve precision is high or low respectively. You can
also drag the sliders to change the threshold.
 Straight Lines check box - Selecting this check box creates straight lines between the original anchor
points of the object.
 Show Original check box - Selecting this check box displays the original path that lies behind the simplified
path.
Figure 2.31: Image depicting a closed path simplified using the Simplify command
■ Dividing paths
The Divide Objects Below command allows you to cut off and divide other objects using an object shape. On
cutting off other objects, the original selection is discarded. To divide a path, begin by creating or selecting an
object that you want to use as the cutting object. Keeping the Selection tool selected, move the cutting object
on top of the objects that you want to divide. Next, to perform the dividing action, from the Object menu, click
the Path command. A submenu is displayed. Click Divide Objects Below. You can reshape the divided object
by dragging its edge.
Aptech Limited 79
Figure 2.32: Image depicting a path before and after applying the Divide Objects command
Note
In Illustrator, it is possible to divide objects into a grid. To do so, begin by selecting

closed path objects. Then, from the Object menu, select the Path command. A
submenu appears. Click Split Into Grid. Type the desired values for the grid and click
OK.
■ Splitting paths
Using the Scissor tool on the Tools panel, you can either split an open path into more paths or open a closed
path. You can split a path at an anchor point or in the middle of a segment. To split paths, from the Tools panel,
select the Direct Selection tool command. Then, select the object that has to be split. Again, from the Tools
panel, select the Scissor tool and click the object’s path where you want to split.
Points to be noted when using the Scissor tool:
 Clicking a closed path, turns it into an open path.
 Clicking an open path, splits it into two paths.
 Clicking a line segment, creates two endpoints placed one on top of the other. To view the endpoints clearly,
you can move it using the Direct Selection tool.
80 Aptech Limited
Figure 2.33: Path split using the Scissor tool
You can also split paths using the Control panel. To do so, from the Tools panel, click the Direct Selection tool.
Select the object with the path, and then click the anchor point that you want to split. From the Control panel,
click the Cut Path At Selected Anchor Point button. A new anchor point appears on top of the selected one. To
move the anchor point, drag the selected point to display the other anchor point below it. Refer to Figure 2.34.
Figure 2.34: Image displaying the Cut Path At Selected Anchor Points button on the Control Panel
2.2.2 Pencil Tool

The Pencil tool comes handy when you want to draw rough edges or realistic illustrations. For example, a map
drawing with bumpy edges. You can access the Pencil tool from the Tools panel. It is housed with the Smooth tool
and Path Eraser tool, which helps smoothen and edit the paths.
The Pencil tool is used to draw a free-formed stroked single path that follows the route taken by the cursor. Double-
clicking the Pencil tool icon on the Tools panel, opens the Pencil Tool Options dialog box. Refer to Figure 2.35.
Aptech Limited 81
Figure 2.35: The Pencil Tool Options dialog box

The Pencil Tool Options dialog box has the following options.
 Fidelity - The Fidelity setting defines how distant the curves can appear from the original dotted line.
Lower the fidelity value, sharper the angles; higher the fidelity value, smoother the curves. The default
fidelity number is 2.5 pixels. However, the lowest and highest fidelity values are 0.5 pixels and 20 pixels
respectively.
 Smoothness - This option gives a value that is measured in percentages. It is used to determine how the
Pencil tool controls the irregularity of the line that is drawn. Lower the smoothness, rougher the angular
path; higher the smoothness, higher the angular path and lesser the anchor points.
 Fill new pencil strokes - This option when selected applies a fill to new pencil strokes and vice versa.
 Keep selected - This option keeps the last path selected. This option proves handy in instances when you
want to make changes right after drawing the path.
 Edit selected paths - Selecting this option helps you edit paths using the Pencil tool. On deselecting this
option, paths can be edited, however not with the Pencil tool.
 Within pixels - This option works on selecting the Edit selected paths check box. It is used for defining
how close your drawing should match the existing path to be editable.
■ Drawing with the Pencil tool

The Pencil tool, depicted by a small pencil, leaves a trail of dots when clicked and dragged on screen. These
dots define the approximate location of the path, which is directly relevant to the speed and direction of the
cursor. Incase if you wish to create a closed path, end your path at the same place that you started. While
drawing using this tool, keep the Alt key pressed on the keyboard. When the Pencil cursor is over the beginning
of the line, a little circle appears to the lower right of the Pencil. This indicates that it is a closed path.
To continue drawing on an existing path, it should first be defined as an open path that has two distinct endpoints.
On placing the Pencil tool over one end of the path the little x beside the Pencil disappears. This indicates that
you can click and drag the mouse cursor to extend the path with the Pencil tool. Refer to Figure 2.36.
82 Aptech Limited
Figure 2.36: Paths in a drawing created using the Pencil tool
■ Working with the Smooth tool

The Smooth tool works on any path. It does not depend on the tool that was used to create it. The Smooth tool
can be applied in either of the following ways:
 Using the Tools panel - After selecting the path that has to be edited, click the Smooth tool from the
Pencil tool’s popup tools. Then, drag your mouse over the selected path to smoothen the line.
 While using other tools - With the Pencil tool selected, you can access the Smooth tool by keeping the
Alt key pressed on the keyboard, which is a shortcut to change the Pencil tool to a Smooth tool. Refer to
Figure 2.37 to view an image that shows a path before and after using the Smooth tool. Double-clicking the
Smooth tool opens a dialog box where, the Fidelity and Smoothness values can be set.
Figure 2.37: Image displaying the result on an image before and after applying the Smooth tool
■ Erasing with the Path Eraser tool

The Path Eraser tool can be accessed from the Pencil tool group. The Path Eraser tool also works on any path
and is not dependent on the tool that was used to create the path. The Path Eraser tool erases a path when
dragged over it. This tool can also be used to cut a path. This can be done by selecting the path first and then
dragging across a section. You can use this tool in a similar manner as the Scissors tool, to cut a line. Selecting
this tool and clicking once on a path, cuts the path exactly in that spot.
Aptech Limited 83
2.2.3 Shape Modes and Path Finder
The Shape Mode buttons are available on the Pathfinder panel, which is housed in the Window menu. These
buttons are used to create compound shapes. These shapes can be edited and have the ability to restore their
original attributes.
■ Working with the Shape Mode command

To apply a Shape Mode command, begin by selecting two or more overlapping objects. Then, from the Window
menu, select the Pathfinder panel that provides access to an array of Shape Mode buttons. Refer to Figure
2.38.
Figure 2.38: Image depicting the Pathfinder panel
The following Shape Mode buttons are available in the Pathfinder panel:
 Add to Shape Area - This button is used to form a compound shape by joining the outer edges of the
selected objects.
 Subtract from Shape Area - This button is used to remove objects that overlap the selected objects. The
advantage is that during the process it does not affect their paint attributes.
 Intersect Shape Area - This button is used to preserve object areas that overlay each other.
 Exclude Overlapping Shape Areas - This button is used to apply transparency to the overlapping areas.
84 Aptech Limited
Figure 2.39: Image depicting shape mode objects applied on two overlapping objects
In Illustrator, it is possible to expand a compound shape to create a single path. To do so, from the Tools panel,
click the Selection tool. Select the compound shape, and then click the Expand button on the Pathfinder
panel. You can also release a compound shape to restore the attributes of the object. To do so, select the
compound shape with the Selection tool. Then, click the Release Compound Shape on the Options menu
from the Pathfinder panel.
■ Working with Pathfinder

There are various commands available in the Pathfinder panel. These commands are useful in creating
separate closed paths. Using these commands, you start working on the overlapping objects and derive at an
output with separate, non-overlapping lines, and objects. Using the commands in this panel, it is not possible to
recover the original object. However, you can always undo the previous operation.
Refer to Figure 2.40. The Pathfinder panel provides the following options:
 Divide - This button is used to create separate, non-overlapping objects from an overlapping area.
 Trim - This option is used to work on the overlapping objects. It preserves the object in the front and deletes
the overlapping objects at the back.
 Merge - This button is used to merge adjacent or overlapping objects that have the same fill attributes.
 Crop - This button acts very similar to a clipping mask. It is used to crop the frontmost object.
 Outline - As the name suggests, this button creates an outline of the overlapping objects.
 Minus Back - This button is used to retain only the frontmost part of the object by removing objects at the
back.
Aptech Limited 85
Figure 2.40: Image depicting the selection of two or more objects using the Pathfinder panel
Note
In Illustrator, it is possible to convert a stroke into a filled object. To do so, begin

by selecting the object with a stroke. Then, from the Object menu, select the Path
command. Finally, click Outline Stroke.
2.3 Working with Groups, Layers, and Transparencies
2.3.1 Grouping Objects

Grouping objects is a good option while working with multiple objects. When objects are grouped, it appears
as though it is one single object. Although the objects are grouped, it is possible edit individual objects within a
group and also perform various actions like select, isolate, cut, copy, paste, move, recolor, and transform, without
ungrouping them.
From the Object menu click Group. After grouping the objects once, use the Group command again to form a
Nested group.
To ungroup objects, click the Selection tool from the Tools panel. Then, select the objects that have to be ungrouped.
From the Objects menu, click Ungroup. Incase if you have nested groups within an object, you can ungroup it by
selecting the Ungroup command again. Refer to Figure 2.41.
86 Aptech Limited
Figure 2.41: Image depicting the grouped and ungrouped objects
2.3.2 Working with Layers

Layers resemble a group of transparent sheets stacked one on top of the other. Using layers, you can not only
separate individual elements of your design but also control the appearance of the elements of the artwork.
You can do a lot with layers. Elements of various layers can be blended together or merged into an already existing
layer to give a creative approach to your design. You can also adjust and control the contrast, brightness, and color
balance. Working with multiple layers not only help in controlling information within a document but also help in
adjusting and moving each element in a document independently.
Initially, all objects are organized in the parent layer. Objects available in the parent layer can be moved to the new
layer as well. Layers are an easy option to edit and change the appearance of the artwork. Layers can also be
templatized. That is not all, you can create layer groups and display them in the Layers panel.
■ Layers panel
The Layers panel is housed in the Window menu and is used to list, organize, and edit objects in a document.
Each layer has a unique color by default and appears beside the name of the layer on the Layers panel. The
assigned color appears in the bounding box, path, anchor points, and center point of the selected object in the
Illustration window. The unique color of the layer helps in locating the layer of the corresponding object in the
Layers panel. The colors assigned to the layers can be changed to meet the objective. At times, in the Layers
panel, you may come across a triangle that appears to the left of the object name. This indicates that the parent
object contains other objects. On clicking the triangle, the contents of the object are revealed. Refer to Figure
2.42.
Aptech Limited 87
Figure 2.42: Image depicting the Layers panel and its buttons
Using the Layers panel, elements of the Illustrator design can be controlled by assigning separate layers to
each individual object. The layers are arranged in the ascending order, with the top-level layer as the first layer
in the stack. It is possible to create layers and sublayers (nested layers) within a top-level layer. The active layer
appears with a black triangle in the Layers panel. This triangle is seen in the upper right corner of the layer. You
can also apply and edit appearances using the circle icon on the right, which is the target. The object selection is
depicted through a small square that appears next to the target. You can also expand and collapse layer groups
using the arrowhead next to a layer. The various options available in the Layers panel are as follows:
 Show/Hide - This icon is used to show/hide the layer, sublayer, group, or object.
 Lock/Unlock - This icon is used to lock or unlock a layer, sublayer, group, or object.
 New Sublayer - This button is used to create a new sublayer in the active document.
 New Layer - This button is used to create a new layer in the active document.
 Delete Selection - This button is used to delete the active layer.
■ Creating new layers and sublayers

To create a new layer in the Layers panel, click the name of the layer on which you want to add a new layer.
Then, do any one of the following:
 To add a new layer above the selected layer, click the Create New Layer button in the Layers panel.
 To create a new sublayer inside the selected layer, click the Create New Sublayer button in the Layers
panel.
Figure 2.43: Image depicting layers and sublayers with objects in it

■ Creating a new top level layer or sublayer with options
88 Aptech Limited
To create a new top level layer or sublayer with options, click on the top level layer that you want the new layer to
appear above, or sublayer that you want the new sublayer to appear within. Then, keeping the Alt key pressed
on the keyboard, click the New Layer or New Sublayer button. The Layer Options dialog box appears. Enter
a name for the layer or sublayer in the space provided. Incase if you wish to change the color, select a color
from the Color list. Click OK to add a new layer to the Layer panel.
The Layer Options dialog box also provides the following options that can be used to customize new layers:
 Template – This option is selected when a template layer should not be edited.
 Show – This option reveals all the layers in the Layers panel.
 Preview – This option provides a view of the layers in the Preview mode.
 Lock – This option is used to lock the currently selected layer.
 Print – This option is used to print the selected layer. The layers that are not selected for printing purposes,
appear in italics in the Layers panel.
 Dim Images to 50% - This option is used to gray out images by the specified percentage.
■ Releasing objects to separate layers

The Release To Layers command redistributes all the objects in a layer into individual layers. It can also create
new objects in each layer based on the order in which the objects are stacked. This feature can also be used to
prepare files for Web animation. From the Layers panel, click the name of the layer or group. Then, to release
each object to a new layer, click Release to Layers (Sequence) from the Layers Panel menu. You can also
release objects into layers and duplicate the objects to create a cumulative sequence. To do so, click Release
to Layers (Build) from the Layers Panel menu. The bottommost object appears in all the new layers and the
topmost object appears only in the topmost layer. Refer to Figures 2.44 and 2.45.
Figure 2.44: Image depicting objects in a single layer
Aptech Limited 89
Figure 2.45: Image depicting objects in multiple layers
■ Merging layers
To consolidate objects that appear on multiple layers, the easiest option is to merge layers. To do so, from the
Layers panel, select the layers or sublayers that have to be merged. You can select multiple layers by keeping
the Ctrl key pressed on the keyboard. The layer into which you want to merge the selected layers, should be
selected last. Finally, from the Options menu, click the Merge Selected command to merge the layers.
Figure 2.46: Image displaying the selected layers
90 Aptech Limited
Figure 2.47: Image displaying the merged layers
■ Lock or unlock objects or layers

You cannot select or edit a locked object. By locking the parent layer, you can quickly lock multiple paths,
groups, and sublayers. To lock objects or layers, on the Layers panel, click the Edit Column button. To lock
multiple objects, drag the cursor across the Multiple Edit Column buttons. Alternatively, select the objects you
want to lock. From the Object menu, click the Lock command. Then, click Selection. Click the Lock icon to
unlock objects or layers on the Layers panel.
Note
The Lock menu is disabled when you are in the isolation mode.
■ Arranging objects and layers using the Arrange command

From the Layers panel, select a layer that you want to move. Then, from the Object menu, click Arrange. The
Arrange command provides you with the following options:
 Send to Current Layer - Using this option, you can move the selected object to the current selected
layer.
 Bring to Front - Using this option, you can bring the selected path in that layer to the top level.
 Bring Forward - Using this option, you can bring the selected path one level higher in that layer.
 Send Backward - Using this option, you can push the selected path one level lower in that layer.
 Send to Back - Using this option, you can push the selected path to the last level.
Aptech Limited 91
Refer to Figure 2.48 to view the available Arrange commands.
Figure 2.48: Image depicting the Arrange commands under the Object menu
2.3.3 Transparency Options

Transparency, as the name suggests, is like looking through an object. This option helps adjust the blending modes
for a variety of effects. The interaction of colors of an object with the objects lying beneath it, is referred to as
blending modes. This blend or transparency effect can be attained in Illustrator by applying the Transparency
settings from the Transparency panel. Refer to Figure 2.49.
Figure 2.49: Image depicting the Transparency panel

92 Aptech Limited
Incase if the Transparency panel does not appear while starting Illustrator, you can access it from the Window
menu. The Transparency panel has a variety of available options. To access the options, choose the Show Options
command from the upper right triangle that appears on the panel.
A preview of the selected object appears in the Preview pane that displays a thumbnail view of the current Opacity
setting applied to the selected object. Opacity defines the transparency of the object.
You can click and drag the Opacity slider to adjust the transparency. The slider can be accessed by clicking the
arrow on the side of the Opacity box.
 On applying no opacity, the object appears totally transparent.
 On applying any amount of opacity, the object becomes partially transparent.
 On applying an opacity value of 100%, it makes the object totally opaque, which means it is not
transparent.
Refer to Figure 2.50 to view the different opacity values applied to objects from the Transparency panel.
Figure 2.50: Image depicting the different opacity values applied on an object
■ Blending modes
There are various blending modes housed in the Transparency panel pop-up menu. Refer to Figure 2.51.
Aptech Limited 93
Figure 2.51: Image displaying the various blending modes available in the Transparency panel pop-up
menu
Refer to Table 2.1 to view a description of the various blending modes available in the Transparency panel.
Blending Modes Description

Normal This mode does not interact with the base color. It is only used to
achieve the blend color result.
Darken This mode translates the darker color as the resulting color.
Multiply This mode multiplies the base color with the blend color, creating a
darker color.
Color Burn This mode is used to make the base color darker.
Lighten This mode translates the lighter color as the resulting color.
Screen This mode creates a lighter color by multiplying the opposite of the
blend and base colors.
Color Dodge This mode lightens and brightens the base color.
Overlay Changes to this mode are dependent on the base color. This mode
either multiplies or screens colors. In this mode, the base color is
mixed with the blend color, resulting in the lightness or darkness of
the original color. With patterns or graphic styles, the highlights and
shadows of the base color are retained, and the blend color is mixed
to create lightness or darkness of the beginning color.
Soft Light This mode is used for shining a softened light on the object. Blends
that are less than 50% gray are pushed to a lighter side; whereas,
blends more than 50 % gray are darkened out.
Blending Modes Description
94 Aptech Limited
Hard Light This mode is similar to the Soft Light mode, with the difference that it
has a harsh light shining on the object. In this mode, if the blend color
is lighter than 50% gray, then the object becomes lightened. On the
contrary, if the blend color is darker than 50% gray, then the object
becomes darkened.
Difference This mode chooses the brighter color, either base or blend, and
subtracts it from the other color.
Exclusion This mode is similar to the Difference mode, but with a lower
contrast.
Hue This mode when applied creates a result of having the base color’s
saturation and the blend color’s hue.
Table 2.1: Description of the blending modes available in the Transparency panel
Refer to Figure 2.52 to view the overlapping objects with different blending modes applied to the selected
object.
Figure 2.52: Overlapping objects with different blending modes applied to the selected object
■ Transparency grid
Enabling the transparency grid option, allows you to view transparent objects. This grid is positioned behind all
other objects and has a gray-and-white checkered pattern. The Show Transparency Grid command from the
View menu displays the transparency grid. Alternatively, you can press the Ctrl+Shift+D keys on the keyboard.
Incase if you want to change the look of the grid, you can do so by selecting the Document Setup command
from the File menu. The Transparency section appears in the center of the dialog box as shown in Figures 2.53
and 2.54. Using these options you can not only define the size of the grid but also change the colors of the grid.
This dialog box also displays a preview of the grid next to the color selection boxes.
Aptech Limited 95
Figure 2.53: Image depicting the transparency grid options in the Document Setup dialog box
Figure 2.54: Image depicting opaque objects blocking the transparency grid, while the transparent object
allows it to be seen
96 Aptech Limited
Quick Test 2
1. The Lasso and Reshape tools perform the same function. (True/False)
2. The Path Eraser tool can be accessed from the Pathfinder panel. (True/False)
3. Blending modes are housed in the ____________ panel.
2.4 Working with Text
2.4.1 Type Tools

On a broad level, in Illustrator, the type tools are classified into the Horizontal Type tools and Vertical Type tools.
The Horizontal Type tools include:
 Type
 Area Type
 Type on a Path
The Vertical Type tools include:
 Vertical Type
 Vertical Area Type
 Vertical Type on a Path
The functionality of the two categories of Type tools are the same, with the difference that the direction of the type
differs. Refer to Figure 2.55.
Figure 2.55: The different type tools
To access the Type tool, from the Tools panel, click the Type tool slot. Then, click the arrow on the right of the Type
tool’s menu to create a detachable panel. Descriptions of the various available Type tools are as follows:
 Type - This tool creates a type that is not related to the path. It can be used to enter type along the edge of
an open path or inside a closed path. Refer to Figure 2.56.
Aptech Limited 97
Figure 2.56: Image depicting text written with a Type tool, text written along an open path, and text written
inside a closed path
 Area Type tool - This tool is used to create type inside an open or closed path. Refer to Figure 2.57.
Figure 2.57: Text written using the Area Type tool

 Type on a Path - This tool, like the Type tool, is used to create type either along the outer edge of an open
or closed path. Refer to Figure 2.58.
98 Aptech Limited
Figure 2.58: Image depicting text on a path using type on a Path tool
 Vertical Type - This tool, as the name suggests, creates vertical text. Its function is very similar to that of
the Type tool. The two tools - Type and Type Vertical - are used to create type, known as point type that
is not related with a path. Although this type is not associated with a path, these tools can be used to enter
type along the edge of an open path or inside a closed path. Refer to Figure 2.59.
Figure 2.59: Image depicting text written using the Vertical Type tool
 Vertical Area Type - Like the name, this tool is also used to create vertical type inside an open or closed
path. Refer to Figure 2.60.
Aptech Limited 99
Figure 2.60: Image depicting text written using the Vertical Area Type tool
 Vertical Type on a Path - Like the Vertical Area Type, this tool is used to create vertical type. The difference
being that this tool is used to create type along the outer edge of an open or closed path. To use this tool,
click a blank area of the artboard, and then type some text on it. Some Type tools also provide an option of
drawing a text box to customize the type as per your needs. Refer to Figure 2.61.
Figure 2.61: Image depicting text written using the Vertical Type on a Path tool
 Move Type on a Path - This tool, as the name suggests is used to move the type on a path. To do so, click
the Selection tool or the Direct Selection tool from the Tools panel. Then, click on the desired type. This
will activate the brackets on all corners of the type. You can adjust the position of the type on a path by
dragging the bracket. Refer to Figure 2.62. You can also perform the following actions using this tool:
● Swap Sides - Using this option, you can drag the center bracket to the other side to change the inner
or outer position of the type along the path.
● Left - Using this option, you can drag to position the left side (or starting point) of the type along the
path.
● Center - Using this option, you can drag left or right to position the type along the path.
● Right - Using this option, you can drag to position the right side (or ending point) of the type along the
path.
100 Aptech Limited

Figure 2.62: Image depicting text moved along a path
2.4.2 Working with Overflow Type

You can type text within an object using the Area Type tool. On using this option, when the text reaches the edge
of the object, it automatically wraps to accommodate within the object. You can use a rectangular area by selecting
the Horizontal or Vertical Type tool and dragging it in the work area.
While using the Area Type tool, on pasting or importing excess text into the placeholder, an overflow symbol
appears on the edge of the type object. This is depicted by a tiny red plus sign in a square. You can click and drag
the overflow symbol to either reshape the type object or create a thread (link) to another type object, which could
be either a new object or an existing object. To view the thread connection that you just built, click the Show Text
Threads command from the View menu. You can also unthread or disconnect the type objects. Although the two
terms, unthread and disconnect may sound familiar, their function differs. When you unthread type objects, the text
within the type object remains in the first type object and it could overflow. On the contrary, on disconnecting type
objects, the text in the type objects does not overflow, in other words, it remains as is.
To select the type object, from the Tools panel, select the Selection tool. Then, select the desired type object with
the Overflow type. Click the Out Port icon on the selected object. The pointer changes to a Loaded Text pointer.
Keeping the type object selected, you can:
 Create a new type object for the overflow text either by clicking a blank area or by dragging the cursor on
the blank area to create a type object.
 Use an existing type object by positioning the pointer over it, and then clicking the object’s path. On doing
so, a fill and stroke of None is applied to the path and overflow text from the first type object threads to the
second type object.
 Display text threads between the type objects by selecting a threaded type object. To do so, you can select
the Show Text Threads command from the View menu.
 Unthread type objects by selecting the threaded type object using the Selection tool from the Tools panel
and double-clicking the In Port or Out Port icon on the selected object.
Aptech Limited 101

Figure 2.63: Image depicting text overflow carried onto next object
2.4.3 Working with the Character Panel

Using the Character panel is the easiest way to change the attributes of a character. Refer to Figure 2.64.
Figure 2.64: The Character panel
Most changes in the Character panel are also available as options in the Type menu. However, if there is more than
one change then it is better to use the Character panel. Character attribute changes affect only the letters that are
selected, with the exception of leading. Here, leading refers to the spacing between lines.
Using the Character panel, you can:

 Change fonts and styles - The Character panel allows you to change fonts and styles using the Set the
font family field. A small triangle appears beside this field, which when clicked displays a list of available
fonts.
102 Aptech Limited

 Change type size - Below the Set the font style text field you find the Set the font size text field. Using
this field, you can change the type size of the selected characters. You can specify a range between 0.1
points to 1296 points, in increments of 0.001 point.
 Adjust the leading - Beside the Set the font size text field is the Set the leading text field. Using this
field, you can type a value for the leading, also known as the spacing between lines in a range between
0.1 points and 1296 points, in increments of 0.001 point. A small triangle appears to the right of the set the
leading text field, which when clicked displays the list of common leading values. This field, has the Auto
option that sets the leading to 120% of the point size. The Auto option is helpful when the type is 10 points
because the leading is 12 points. This is a common point size-to-leading relationship.
 Perform the kerning and tracking functions - Kerning refers to the amount of space between any specific
pair of letters. The kerning values can be changed only when the insertion point is seen blinking between
two characters. Tracking, refers to the amount of space between all the currently selected letters. For
example, on selecting the type area with the selection tool, tracking is the space among all the characters
in the entire type area. On the other hand, if you select characters with a type tool, tracking refers to the
space between the selected letters. Although kerning and tracking are related and appear to perform the
same function, the duo work independently of each other.
 Use the vertical and horizontal scales - Using the horizontal scale, you can control the width of the type
object. In other words, you can expand or condense it horizontally. On the contrary, using the vertical scale
you can control the height of the type object.
 Use the baseline shift - This option moves individual characters either upward or downward relative to
their baseline (from leading). On specifying positive numbers, the selected characters are moved up by
the amount specified; whereas, on specifying negative numbers, the characters are moved down by the
amount specified.
 Use character rotation - Using this option, you can tilt individual characters by rotating them relative to the
baseline without affecting the direction of the baseline.
 Use text underlining and strikethrough - Using this option, you can underline or strikethrough text. This
can be done by clicking the Underline or Strikethrough button at the bottom left of the Character panel.
2.4.4 Working with the Paragraph Panel

The Paragraph panel is used to change the paragraph attributes. You can change the paragraph attributes by
selecting a type area using the Selection tool. On doing so, changes affect every paragraph within the entire type
area. To access the Paragraph panel, click the Type command from the Window menu. From the submenu that
appears, click Paragraph. Alternatively, you can press the Alt+Ctrl+T keys on the keyboard.
Figure 2.65: The Paragraph panel
The following options are available in the Paragraph panel:
Aptech Limited 103

 Align left - This option aligns all the text to the left side of your page. This is the most common and
default setting and is often referred to as ragged right. This is because of the uneven right side of the text.
Alternatively, you can left align text by pressing the Ctrl+Shift+L keys on the keyboard.
 Align center - This option center aligns all lines of type in the paragraph either in relation to each other, or
to the point clicked. It can also be aligned to the location of the I-bar in type on a path. Alternatively, you can
center align text by pressing the Ctrl+Shift+C keys on the keyboard.
 Align right - This option is used to create a smooth and even right side. At the same time, this option
leaves an uneven left side. Alternatively, you can right align text by pressing the Ctrl+Shift+R keys on the
keyboard.
 Justify with last line aligned left - This option is used to make all the lines, except the last line appear
smooth and even, on the left and right sides. The last line remains left aligned.
 Justify with last line aligned center - This option is used to make all the lines, except the last line, appear
smooth and even on the left and right sides. The last line remains center aligned.
 Justify with last line aligned right - This option is used to make all the lines, except the last line, appear
smooth and even. The last line appears right aligned.
 Justify all lines - This option is used for stretching a single line of type across a certain width.
 Spacing before or after paragraphs - It is possible to place additional spaces between paragraphs by
typing a number in the space before or after the paragraph text field.
2.4.5 Working with the OpenType Panel

In addition to the characters available on the keyboard, typefaces have an array of characters. Some of the characters
that form part of this group are as follows:
 Ligatures
 Fractions
 Swashes
 Ornaments
 Ordinals
 Titling and stylistic alternates
 Superior and inferior characters
 Old-style figures
 Lining figures
Using the OpenType palette, you can specify when to use alternate characters in the OpenType fonts. Refer to
Figure 2.66.
Figure 2.66: Image depicting the OpenType panel
104 Aptech Limited

Note
Adobe and Microsoft together introduced the OpenType font. This option uses a
single font file for both Macintosh and Windows. This makes the fonts platform
independent and does away with issues of substitution.
2.4.6 Character Styles and Paragraph Styles

Group of format settings that can be used to create or modify the desired look is referred to as a style. It is possible
to customize the styles that you create. For example, while creating a new style you can specify if it should be
applied to paragraphs or characters. You can also name styles based on its purpose and for future use.
Paragraph and character styles are a group of format settings that is applied to text. However, their usage is slightly
different. Paragraph styles can be applied to the entire text within a paragraph; whereas, character styles can be
applied to any block of text, at the discretion of the user. You can modify a style by adjusting the formatting settings
of an existing style.
■ Character styles
Character styles can be applied to a selected range of text. Figure 2.67 displays the Character Styles panel.
Figure 2.67: Image depicting the Character Styles panel

To create a character style, from the Character Styles panel, click the Options button. Then, from the submenu,
click New Character Style. In the New Character Style Options dialog box that appears, type a name in the
Style Name text box and click OK. Select the newly created style from the Character Styles panel. Then, from
the Options submenu, choose Character Style Options. Alternatively, you can double-click the style name.
The Character Style Options dialog box appears. Refer to Figure 2.68. On the left side of the dialog box, you
can select the groups that you want to modify. Specify the desired formatting attributes for the style and click
OK.
Aptech Limited 105

Figure 2.68: Character Style Options panel
■ Paragraph styles
Character and paragraph formatting attributes form part of the paragraph styles. Unlike character styles,
paragraph styles can be applied to any number of selected paragraphs. Refer to Figure 2.69 to view the
Paragraph Styles palette.
To create a paragraph style, click the Options button on the Paragraph Styles palette. From the submenu,
choose New Paragraph Style. The New Paragraph Style Options dialog box appears. Type a name in the
Style Name box and click OK. Select the style from the Paragraph Styles palette. Then, from the Options
submenu, choose Paragraph Style Options. Alternatively, you can double-click on the style name. The
Paragraph Style Options dialog box appears. Refer to Figure 2.69. You can select the groups you want to
modify from the left side of the dialog box. Specify the desired formatting attributes for the style and click OK.
Figure 2.69: The Paragraph Style Options panel
2.4.7 Working with Glyphs

106 Aptech Limited
A glyph is a deviation from a particular style. It includes ligatures, ordinals, swashes, and fractions, for a given
character in an OpenType font. These fonts appear with an O next to the font name and is available on the Font
submenu. Although these fonts are platform independent and house an array of fonts, more character styles can
be added to extend the font format. For example, properly formatted fractions can be included in place of fractions
with numerals and slashes. You can also insert alternate glyphs with the OpenType panel or insert them manually
with the Glyphs panel to extend the font format.
To replace or insert glyphs, select any type tool and select a character to replace a glyph or click in text to insert a
glyph. From the Type menu, select the Glyphs panel. From the Window menu, select the Type command and click
Glyphs. Select a different font and font style. Click the Show List arrow and then select a glyphs category. Finally,
double-click the glyph that you want to replace or insert. Refer to Figure 2.70.
Figure 2.70: Image depicting the Glyphs panel
2.4.8 Wrapping Type Around an Object

While integrating artwork and graphics with your type, you can wrap text around objects to create the desired
results. You can wrap area type either around a path, or a placed graphic. You can also wrap area type around any
other type object. While performing this action, it is important to ensure that the wrapped object is in front of the area
type object. You should also ensure that the object is in the same top-level, sublayer, or group.
Before you begin wrapping types, arrange the object to be wrapped. While you arrange, ensure that the objects
are overlapping. From the Layers panel, select the object to be wrapped. From the Object menu, click Text Wrap.
From the submenu, click Make. To adjust the text wrap select the Text Wrap Options command from the Text
Wrap submenu. Select the Preview check box to view changes as you set options. Enter an Offset value to specify
the distance between the wrapped object and the type object. Then, click OK.
Aptech Limited 107

Figure 2.71: Image displaying the Text Wrap Options dialog box
Figure 2.72: Image before and after text wrap
2.4.9 Creating Type Outlines

The Create Outlines command converts characters in a type object into a separate object. It also defines a path.
Characters that have a shape within them, for example, characters like A or B, are referred to as counters. These
counters are converted into compound objects using this command.
To use the Create Outlines command, begin by selecting the Selection tool from the Tools panel. Select the type
object or select characters in the type. From the Type menu, click Create Outlines.
Incase if you wish to create separate objects from a compound object, you can do so by selecting the Compound
Path command from the Object menu. Then, click Release from the submenu.
108 Aptech Limited

Refer to Figure 2.73 to view the result of the Create Outlines command when applied to text.
Figure 2.73: Image depicting text with the Create Outlines command applied to it
New outlines that are created inherit the fill and stroke and other attributes of the type. Hence, it is best to preserve
a copy of the type layers before you can use the Create Outlines command.
Hands-on Project
Task 1:
Create a menu card for a restaurant having two pages. The cover page should have the name of the restaurant.
Use gradient backgrounds. Patterns can also be used to decorate the borders. The second page should have a list
of menu items. Use attractive text styles for the menu items and the rates.
Aptech Limited 109

2.5 Summary
In this session, Working with Gradients, Drawing tools, Layers, and Text, you learnt:
 A gradient is a smooth transition between two or more objects. You can either create gradients or apply
existing gradients from the gradient library.
 The Gradient tool gives a more 3D and realistic look to any object.
 The Gradient Mesh tool helps create gradient objects. You can customize the mesh objects by adding
color and transparency to the objects.
 Like any other application, Illustrator houses a variety of drawing tools that can be used to draw a variety of
shapes. These tools are not restricted to drawing alone, they are also used to slice, divide, split, and move
objects.
 Layers are a group of transparent sheet stacked one on top of each other.
 Illustrator provides a variety of options to work with text. It has the Horizontal and Vertical type tools that
define the direction of the type.
 Area Type is an option used to type text within an object. It can be used to create a new type, or use an
existing type. It can also be used to display threads or unthread objects.
 The Character Panel provides options to change the attributes of a character; whereas, the Paragraph
panel is used to change the attributes of a paragraph.
 A glyph is a style variation, for a given character in an OpenType font.
110 Aptech Limited

2.6 Exercise
1. The Gradient command is available under the ___________________________ menu
a. Edit
b. Tools
c. Swatch Libraries
d. Window
2. On keeping the Alt key pressed on the keyboard, the Pen tool converts into a temporary ______________
tool.
a. Convert anchor point
b. Add anchor point
c. Delete anchor point
d. Skew anchor point
3. The Angle Threshold option in the Simplify dialog box is used to __________________.
a. Display the original path behind the simplified path
b. Straighten the lines between the original anchor points of the object
c. Smoothen the corners of the object
d. Adjust the survey precision
4. The ShapeModifiers appear in the Pathfinder panel.

a. True
b. False
5. Identify the statement that best explains the term “kerning”.
a. The amount of space between any specific pairs of letters.

b. The amount of space between paragraphs
c. The amount of space between currently selected letters.
d. The amount of space between lines in a range

Quick Test 1
1. Radial, Linear
2. Gradient
3. Patch
Quick Test 2
1. False
Aptech Limited 111

2. False
3. Transparency
Answers to Exercise
1. c
2. a
3. c
4. a
5. a
112 Aptech Limited

Measuring, Painting, and Working with Effects
Measuring, Painting, and Working

3 with Effects
Learning Outcomes
 Measure and paint objects and also work with effects
3.1 Measuring Objects

Using Illustrator, you can measure objects, or distance between objects in various ways.
■ Changing the measuring unit

Using Illustrator, you can change the measurement unit of your object to any of the following units:
 Picas
 Inches
 Centimeters
 Millimeters
 Pixels
In Illustrator, you can change the measurement units in either of the following ways:
 Using the Preferences dialog box
 Using the Document Setup menu
 Using any dialog box
To change the unit of measurement using the Preferences dialog box, select the Preferences command
from the Edit menu. From the submenu that appears, select the Units & Display Performance command. A
dialog box appears. You can select the desired measurement unit from the General list box. This affects the
measurement unit of all dialog boxes in all new documents.
To change the unit of measurement using the Document Setup menu, select the Document Setup command
from the File menu. In the dialog box that appears, select the appropriate unit of measurement from the Units
list box. This affects the measurement unit of that particular document.
To change the unit of measurement in any dialog box that you access, enter the appropriate unit of measurement
in the space provided and press the Tab key on the keyboard. You will notice that illustrator converts the value
of the newly typed unit to the appropriate value of the unit specified in the Document Setup dialog box.
3.1.1 Using the Measure Tool

So far, you have learnt how to alter the units of measurement to suit your needs. You will now learn how to measure
an object in Illustrator. The Measure tool is another feature in Illustrator that helps you derive at the most accurate
measurements. The Measure tool can be accessed from the Tools panel. The Eye Dropper and Measure tool
form a group.
Aptech Limited 113

To access the Measure tool, click and hold the Eyedropper tool in the Tools panel. From the drop-down list that
appears, select the Measure tool.
Keeping the Measure tool selected, click on the portion of the object where you want to start measuring. The Info
panel of the Measure tool appears. Now, click on the portion of the object where you want to end your measurement.
The distance appears in the Info panel. Alternatively, to derive at the distance, you can also click and drag the
mouse pointer from the start to the end. Refer to Figure 3.1.
Figure 3.1: Info panel depicting the distance between the selection
The distance obtained using the Measure tool is useful for moving objects to the specified distance. After measuring
the distance of the object, the tool redirects this information to the Move dialog box.
To open the Move dialog box, select the Transform command from the Object menu. From the submenu that
appears, select Move. You can also double-click the Selection tool to open the Move dialog box. On opening the
Move dialog box, you will observe it holds values received from the Measure tool. Refer to Figure 3.2.
Figure 3.2: Image depicting the Move dialog box
114 Aptech Limited

3.1.2 Resizing Objects with the Transform Panel

The Transform panel in Illustrator is an excellent way to resize and track the position of the objects. Refer to Figure
3.3. Using the Transform panel, you can alter the size and position of the object to resize it. You can also keep track
of the position of the object through the X and Y values.
Figure 3.3: Image depicting the Transform panel
To access the Transform panel, select the Transform command from the View menu. The Transform panel has
the following options that can be used to modify the size and position of the objects. Refer to Table 3.1.
Options Description
X and Y This option defines the location of the object on the page that is
measured from the lower left corner of the page.
W This option defines the width of the selected object or the total
width of the group of selected objects.
H This option defines the height of the selected object or the total
height of the group of selected objects.
Rotate This option is used to rotate the object based on the value
specified in degrees. It is located at the bottom left of the panel.
Shear This option is used to slant the object on the horizontal or vertical
axis based on the specified value.
Table 3.1: Options available in the Transform panel along with their description
3.1.3 Rulers, Grids, and Guides
■ Rulers
Rulers, in this version of Illustrator, are also known as artboard rulers. These rulers are specific to the artboard.
In other words, multiple artboards have their own custom ruler. You can toggle between the visibility status of
the rulers by selecting the Show/Hide command from the View menu. Alternatively, you can also press Ctrl and
R keys on the keyboard to show or hide the rulers.
It is also possible to move the origin point of the rulers anywhere on the screen. In such instances, double-
clicking the origin box of the rulers resets its position.
Aptech Limited 115

■ Grids
Grids help in aligning and positioning images easily. The Snap to Grid feature in Illustrator helps in aligning
objects directly onto a grid. Grids usually originate from the lower-left corner of the artboard. To change the
position of the grid, you can click and drag the origin point at the Origin Marker to the new position. Double-
clicking the Origin Marker resets the position of the grid. Table 3.2 throws light on the various commands for
displaying the grid lines and the various Snap to Grid features available when the grid lines are displayed.
Snap to Grid Features Commands

Display grid lines – This feature displays the From the View menu, select the Show Grid command.
grid lines.
Alternatively, you can press the Ctrl and “ keys on the
keyboard.
Turn off grids – This feature hides the grid From the View menu, select the Hide Grid command.
lines.
Snap to Grid – This feature snaps the object From the View menu, select the Snap to Grid command.
to the nearest grid.
Alternatively, you can press the Ctrl, Shift, and “ keys on
the keyboard.
Snap to Point – This feature snaps the From the View menu, select the Snap to Point command.
dragged object to another object’s point. As
Alternatively, you can press the Ctrl, Alt, and “ keys on the
you drag the cursor, you will observe that the
keyboard.
cursor turns from black to white when you are
directly over another point.
Table 3.2: Snap to Grid Features and their commands
Refer to Figure 3.4 to view a document with the Grid Ruler function turned on.
Figure 3.4: Image depicting a document with the Grid Ruler function turned on
You can customize the look of the grid by changing the grid preferences. To do so, click the Preferences
command from the Edit menu. From the submenu that appears, select the Guides and Grids command. The
Guides and Grids section of the Preferences dialog box appears, where you can change the color, style, and
spacing of the grid. Refer to Figure 3.5 to view the Preferences dialog box.
116 Aptech Limited

Figure 3.5: Preferences dialog box
The Grid section of the Preferences dialog box comprises the following options:
 Color – This option allows you to choose a new color for the grid.
 Style – This option allows you to define a new style for the grid. For example, you can choose between
lines and dots for the grid style.
 Gridline every – This option allows you to change the space between the major gridlines by entering a
value in the Gridline every text field.
 Subdivisions – This option allows you to create smaller sections based on the value entered in the space
provided.
 Grids in Back – This option, when deselected, makes the gridlines appear in front of your artwork.
Note
Your grid need not have just horizontal and vertical lines. By changing the Constrain
Angle in the General section of the Preferences dialog box, you can rotate the grid
to the specified angle.
■ Guides
Guides:
● Are straight or dotted lines that extend from one end of the document to the other
● Line up your artwork
● Are saved with the document
● Do not print
● Can be created, locked, unlocked, and deleted to suit your requirements

 Create, lock, and unlock guides - To create guides, begin by making the rulers – both horizontal and
vertical – visible. Then, create guides that span the entire artboard by clicking either of the rulers and
dragging it out.
You can also change an existing path to a guide by selecting the Guides command from the View menu.
From the submenu that appears, you have the option to create, lock, unlock, and delete guides. Refer to
Figure 3.6.
Aptech Limited 117

Figure 3.6: Image depicting the Guides submenu

As depicted in the image, you can create guides by selecting the Make Guides command. You can lock and
unlock guides by selecting the Lock Guides command. A tick mark beside the command indicates that the
guide is locked. Selecting the command again, unlocks the guide. You can also delete guides by selecting
the Clear Guides command.
 Changing the guide preferences - Like the grid, it is also possible to change the guide preferences
through the Guides & Grids section of the Preferences dialog box. Using this option, you can change the
style and color of the guides. Refer to Figures 3.7 and 3.8.
Figure 3.7: Image depicting the Guide preferences in the Preferences dialog box
118 Aptech Limited

Figure 3.8: Image depicting a document with Illustrator’s Guide function turned on
 Using smart guides - Using smart guides you can align shapes, sizes, and selections as you draw. They
appear automatically as you draw and vanish after the shapes are drawn. Smart guides display alignment
and measurement information that helps align objects with ease. It also displays the distances between
objects and the angle of rotation. You will now learn how to use smart guides while aligning objects. Begin
by creating or opening a multi-layered document. Then, with the Selection tool or the Direct Selection tool
selected, drag the object. Incase if the smart guides do not appear, then you can turn it on by selecting the
Smart Guides command from the View menu. You will observe that the smart guides appear as you draw.
The smart guides disappear as soon as you release the mouse cursor. Refer to Figure 3.9.
Figure 3.9: Image depicting a document with the smart guides function turned on
Aptech Limited 119

3.2 Live Paint Tool and Live Paint Bucket Tool
3.2.1 Live Paint Groups

Live paint groups allow you to fill open or closed paths with different colors. You can use the Live Paint command
or the Live Paint Bucket tool to convert paths into a live paint group.
■ Creating live paint groups from a drawing
Begin by creating a drawing using any of the available drawing tools. Select the Live Paint command from the
Object menu. From the submenu that appears, click Make. You will observe that the paths are nested together
into a live paint group and appear in the Layers panel. Refer to Figure 3.10.
Figure 3.10: (A) Original drawing (B) Drawing converted to live paint groups
■ Placing graphics for use with live paint groups

Illustrator gives you the option of inserting artwork into a document using the Place command. Any new image
placed in the artwork is placed on a new layer, giving better control of the new image information.
The following file formats are supported in Illustrator:

 PSD
 BMP
 JPEG
 EPS
 PNG
■ Converting a traced object to a live paint group

Begin by placing a raster graphic in an Illustrator document. Select the graphic that has to be traced and click
the Live Trace button from the Control panel. Refer to Figure 3.11.
120 Aptech Limited

Figure 3.11: Live Trace option in the Control panel
After selecting all the paths, click the Live Paint button on the Control panel. Alternatively, you can select
the Live Paint command from the Object menu. Then, from the submenu that appears, click Make. You will
observe that the paths are nested together into a live paint group and appear in the Layers panel. Refer to
Figure 3.12.
Figure 3.12: (A) Raster graphic (B) Image converted into a live paint group
Note
In Illustrator, it is possible to create live paint groups from type. To do so, click the
Create Outlines command from the Type menu.
Aptech Limited 121

3.2.2 Live Paint Bucket tool and Live Paint Selection tool
Using the Live Paint Bucket tool, you can recolor fills and strokes in a live paint group. Defining the painting
options before using the Live Paint Bucket tool, makes it easier to color fills and strokes. To set the paint options,
double-click the Live Paint Bucket tool. The Live Paint Bucket Options dialog box appears. The Cursor Swatch
Preview lets you paint fills and strokes with ease. This option displays a color strip that comprises the current or last
color used along with two adjacent colors. This color strip appears above the Live Paint Bucket pointer. In addition
to this, you can also specify a highlight color that helps demarcate the fill and stroke areas. Refer to Figure 3.13.
Figure 3.13: (A) Live Paint Bucket tool in the Tools panel (B) Live Paint Bucket Options dialog box
The Live Paint Bucket tool recolors the fills and strokes formed by intersecting lines in a live paint group. It does
not color the entire patch. Using this tool, you can recolor each stroke with a different color. Refer to Figure 3.14.
Note
Fills and strokes are also referred to as faces and edges respectively.
122 Aptech Limited

Figure 3.14: Character colored using the Live Paint Bucket tool
■ Using the Live Paint Selection tool

The Live Paint Selection tool is used to select fills and strokes in a live paint group. Like the Live Paint Bucket
tool, defining the selection options before using this tool, makes it easier to select objects. You can define the
selection options using the Live Paint Selection Options dialog box that can be accessed by double-clicking
the tool from the Tools panel. In addition to customizing the options, you can also specify a highlight color for
the selection. Refer to Figure 3.15.
Note
By default, the Live Paint Bucket tool and the Live Paint Selection tool are set to the
same color.
Aptech Limited 123

Figure 3.15: (A) Live Paint Selection tool in the Tools panel (B) Live Paint Selection Options dialog box
After you select fills or edges using the Live Paint Selection tool, you can perform the following actions:
 Select a fill color, gradient, or pattern
 Select a stroke color, weight, or other attributes
 Hide stroke edges by selecting None
 Remove the selected fills or strokes by pressing the Backspace or Delete keys on the keyboard
3.3 Working with Brushes
3.3.1 Using the Brushes Panel

Using the Brushes panel, you can draw with different brush tips, and also create freestyle lines, shapes, patterns,
and textures. Following are the four main categories of brushes:
 Scatter
 Calligraphic
 Art
 Pattern
Note
By default, the Live Paint Bucket tool and the Live Paint Selection tool are set to the
same color.
The Brushes panel is housed in the Window menu. You can change the view of the Brushes panel from the panel
menu to any of the following views:
 Show Calligraphic brushes
124 Aptech Limited
 Show Scatter brushes
 Show Art brushes
 Show Pattern brushes
In addition to the other options, you can also view the brushes in the Thumbnail or List view.
To work with brushes, you need to begin by selecting the brush category. Click the Brush Libraries Menu button to
view the various categories of brushes. Then, click a brush from the brush library and add it to the Brushes panel.
Clicking a brush from the Brushes panel applies it to the selected path. Refer to Figure 3.16.
Tip
You can also drag a brush from the brushes panel to apply it to the selection.
Figure 3.16: (A) Brushes panel and Brush Libraries menu (B) Brush applied to the selected path
3.3.2 Using the Paintbrush tool

The Paintbrush tool is used to create brush strokes of a certain width anywhere in the document. A stroked path is
created once you finish drawing with this tool.
To create strokes using the Paintbrush tool, click the tool, and then select the desired brush from the brushes
panel. Then, start drawing. You will observe that free-form paths appear as you draw. The width of the paintbrush
stroke can vary from 0 points to 1296 points, where the default width is 9 points. Incase if you wish to change the
width of the paintbrush stroke, access the Stroke panel and then type a number in the Weight text field. Refer to
Figure 3.17.
Aptech Limited 125

Figure 3.17: Image depicting strokes created with the Paintbrush tool
Double-clicking the Paintbrush tool from the Tools panel, opens the Paintbrush Tool Options dialog box, as
depicted in Figure 3.18.
Figure 3.18: Image depicting the Paintbrush Tool Options dialog box
Tolerances and Options are the two categories available in the Paintbrush Tool Options dialog box. You can
change the tolerance of the stroke by modifying the Fidelity and Smoothness values.
 Fidelity - This option determines the distance to which the mouse should move before adding an anchor
point. A higher fidelity value, creates fewer anchor points and a smoother path; whereas, a lower fidelity
value creates lesser anchor points and a rough path.
 Smoothness - A higher smoothness value creates a smoother curve; whereas, a lower smoothness value
creates more bends.
In addition to changing the tolerance, you also have the following options:
 Fill New Brush Strokes - This option is used to fill new paths with the current fill color.
 Keep Selected - This option is used to keep the brush paths selected after you draw them.
 Edit Selected Paths - This option is used to change an existing path with the Paintbrush tool. The changes
are made within the specified pixel range, which is between 2 and 20 pixels.
126 Aptech Limited

At any point of time, if you wish to revert to the default settings, you can always do so by clicking Reset.
Tip
You can use the Alt key on the keyboard to create a closed path. Click and drag to
draw a path. Then, keeping the Alt key pressed on the keyboard, drag to close the
path.
3.3.3 Types of Brushes

On a macro level, the following types of brushes are available in Illustrator:
 Calligraphic
 Scatter
 Art
 Bristle
 Pattern
As mentioned earlier, you can also create a new brush by choosing the New Brush command from the Brushes
panel. Refer to Figure 3.19.
Figure 3.19: (A) New Brush option (B) New Brush Selection box
■ Scatter brushes
As the name suggests, scatter brushes scatter objects along a specified path. For example, these brushes can
be used to crowd the sky with stars or to create a flower bed with similar looking flowers. Scatter brushes can
be created either from a path, or a compound path. These brushes can also be created from a type character
or a type outline.
The procedure to create scatter, calligraphic, art, and pattern brushes are the same. You will now learn how to
create scatter brushes using the Brushes panel.
Begin by selecting one or more objects from your artboard. To create a new brush, click the New Brush button
from the Brushes panel. Click the Scatter Brush option and then click OK. Finally, enter a name for the brush
in the space provided.
In addition to creating brushes, you also have the option of editing brushes in Illustrator. To do so, deselect the
brushes, then double-click a scatter brush. If the brush is in use, an alert may appear indicating the same. At this
Aptech Limited 127
stage, you have the option of applying changes to the existing strokes by clicking the Apply to Strokes button
or applying changes to new strokes by clicking the Leave Strokes button. Refer to Figures 3.20 and 3.21.
Figure 3.20: Scatter Brush Options dialog box
Figure 3.21: Image depicting an illustration created using the scatter brush
■ Calligraphic brushes
Calligraphic brushes are used to create text that give a look of hand-scribed calligraphy. The calligraphic brush
when used, is applied to the center of the path. Using the Calligraphic Brush Options dialog box, you can
define the various options including angle, roundness, and diameter. Refer to Figure 3.22.
128 Aptech Limited

Figure 3.22: Image depicting the Calligraphic Brush Options dialog box
■ Art brushes
Art brushes, as the name suggests, creates artistic strokes on your artboard. On using an art brush, the brush
shape or object shape is stretched evenly along the center of the path. Using the Art Brush Options dialog box
you can define the following options:
 Width
 Direction
 Colorization
 Scale and stretch
 Direction of the flip - flip along or flip across
 Overlap
Figure 3.23: Image depicting the Art Brush Options dialog box
Aptech Limited 129

■ Pattern brushes
Pattern brushes, as the name suggests, are used to paint with a pattern. The working of pattern brushes is very
similar to that of scatter brushes, with the difference that pattern brushes follow the path exactly, which is not the
case with scatter brushes. Using the Pattern Brush Options dialog box you can modify the following options
of the pattern brushes:
 Scale
 Spacing
 Tile
 Buttons
 Flip - along or across
 Fit
Figure 3.24: Image depicting the Pattern Brush Options dialog box
■ Bristle brushes
The working and usage of bristle brushes are different as compared to other brushes. These brushes replicate
the effects of painting with a natural brush, like watercolors and oils. Bristle brushes paint with vectors. This
gives a natural look to the paintings. To work with Bristle brushes, you can either create a new brush or use an
existing brush. To create a new brush, click the New Brush button from the Brushes panel. Click the Bristle
Brush option and then click OK. Enter a name for the brush in the space provided.
Deselect any of the selected brushes and then double-click a bristle brush. Then, define the shape of the brush
from the list of shapes available under the Shape list. The following shapes are available in the Shape list:
 Flat Point
 Flat Angle
 Round Blunt
 Round Fan
In addition to defining the shape, you can also set the following options using the Bristle Brush Options dialog
box:
 Size: This option defines the diameter of the brush, which is measured at the point where the bristles meet
130 Aptech Limited
the handle. The diameter of the brush can range between 1mm to 10mm.
 Bristle Length: This option defines the length of the bristle that ranges between 25% and 300%.
 Bristle Thickness: This option defines the thickness of the bristle from fine to coarse.
 Paint Opacity: This option specifies the opacity value of the paint that ranges between 1% and 100%,
where 1% is translucent and 100% is the maximum opacity value used in the brush.
 Stiffness: This option defines a range between 1% to 100% for the rigidness of the bristle. A lower value
creates flexible bristles; whereas, a higher value creates stiffer bristles.
 Bristle Density: This defines the number of bristles in a specific area of the brush neck.
Figure 3.25: Image depicting the Bristle Brush Options dialog box
3.3.4 Liquify Tools

Liquify is a group of tools that allow you to distort a path with the click of a mouse. The following tools form part of
this group:
 Warp
 Twirl
 Pucker
 Bloat
 Scallop
 Crystallize
 Wrinkle
All of these tools can be used to apply a different distortion effect. The working of each tool can be changed to
suit your preferences using the specific tools’ Options dialog box. For example, you can change the settings of
the Warp tool using the Warp Tool Options dialog box. All the tools in the Liquify tools group work with a brush
interface, where the options of the brush and the individual tool can be altered. Refer to Figure 3.26.
Aptech Limited 131

Figure 3.26: Image depicting the Warp Tool Options dialog box
The Global Brush Dimensions section is common for all brush types. It includes the width, height, angle, and
intensity settings of the brushes.
Listed below are features of the various tools available in the Liquify tools group:
 Warp: Using this tool you can stretch, drag, or pull areas of an object. You can also apply dents to an
object.
 Twirl: Using this tool you can create a spiralled effect to the object. You can also create various distortions
like swirl and ripple.
 Pucker: Using this tool you can apply a pinched or pulled-in look with spikes.
 Bloat: Using this tool you can create a bulged or puffed out effect on an object.
 Scallop: Using this tool you can randomly create arc shapes along the area you move your brush.
 Crystallize: Using this tool, you can apply arcs and spikes on an object. This tool can be applied even
without selecting the object; you simply have to drag the brush over the top of the object that has to be
crystallized.
 Wrinkle: Using this tool you can apply a roughened edge to your artwork. The effect obtained on using this
tool is very similar to that of the roughened effect, with the exception that it is applied in a brush fashion.
Refer to Figure 3.27 to view the effect of the Liquify tools on an object.
132 Aptech Limited

Figure 3.27: Image depicting the effect of the Liquify tools on an object
Quick Test 1
1. The Measure tool and the ______________ tool form a group in the Tools panel.
2. Fills and strokes are also referred to as _____ and _________.
3. Name the brush that is used to create artistic strokes in your artwork.
3.4 Adding Effects

There are a variety of effects in Illustrator that help change the appearance of the object. These effects once applied
can be edited and changed without affecting the object. However, there are some effects that are rasterized and do
not allow changing the effects without affecting the object. An effect once applied reflects in the Appearance panel.
Incase if you make changes to an effect to a targeted layer, sublayer, or group, the effect is automatically applied
to the connected targets.
■ Applying effects from the Effect menu

After selecting the Layers panel, select the target circle for a layer, sublayer, group, or object. Select the
Illustrator Effects command from the Effects menu. From the submenu that appears, select the desired effect.
In the dialog box that appears, select the appropriate options. You can also select the Preview check box to
preview an effect on your document as you apply it.
Aptech Limited 133

Note
Clicking the Stroke or Fill option from the Appearance panel applies an effect to a
part of an object.
3.4.1 Applying the Convert to Shape effect

Using the Convert to Shape effect, you can change an objects outline to any of the following shapes, without
affecting the underlying path. The following options are available under the Convert To Shape submenu:
 Rectangle
 Rounded rectangle
 Ellipse
You can also define the width and height of the custom shape in the Shape Options dialog box. Based on the
original object, you can define the size as absolute or relative. Refer to Figure 3.28.
Figure 3.28: (A) Selection (B) Shape options (C) Converted results
As depicted in the image, you can define the absolute or relative values by selecting the respective option button,
following which you can define the height and width of the object. Enter a Corner Radius value incase if you have
chosen a Rounded Rectangle shape.
Note
For the Relative option, enter positive or negative values if you want the shape to be
larger or smaller respectively.
3.4.2 Scribble
The scribble effect gives a feeling as though an object is drawn with a pen or pencil. The Scribble Effect command
is available in the Stylize submenu, which is housed in the Effects menu. There are various presets available in the
134 Aptech Limited

Scribble Options dialog box. These presets can be used to adjust the individual settings to customize the scribble
effect. Refer to Figure 3.29.
Figure 3.29: (A) Original object (B) Scribble Options dialog box (C) The scribble effect applied on an ob-
ject
In addition to the presets, you can also change the following options in the Scribble Options dialog box:
 Settings - The Settings list houses the presets that can be used for the scribble effect
 Angle - Using this option you can change the angle of the sketched lines.
 Path Overlap - Using the Path Overlap slider you can either extend the line beyond the path or draw it
towards the inside along with the degree of random variation.
 Line Options - Using this option, you can change the stroke width, curviness, and spacing for the lines.
3.4.3 Inner and Outer Glow

The Inner and Outer glow command is housed in the Stylize submenu, which in turn is available in the Effect
menu. Using this option you can apply special effects to an object. The inner glow effect spreads a color from the
edge of an object inward; whereas, the outer glow effect spreads a color from the edge of the object outward. Refer
to Figure 3.30.
Figure 3.30: Image depicting (A) Original object (B) Outer Glow Options dialog box (C) Outer glow applied
to an object
The following settings can also be changed using the Outer Glow Options dialog box:
 Color - Using this option, you can define a glow color.
 Blend Mode - Using this option you can define the blending mode for the glow color.
 Opacity - Using this option you can define the transparency of the glow.
 Blur - Using this option you can define the distance to which the glow extends - either inward or outward.
Aptech Limited 135
3.4.4 Drop Shadow
Using the Drop Shadow effect in Illustrator, you can apply soft, natural shadows to an object. The Drop Shadow
effect can be accessed from the Stylize submenu. The following options can be modified in the Drop Shadow
Options dialog box:
 Blend Mode - Using this option you can define a blending mode for the shadow colors.
 Opacity - Using this option you can define the transparency of the shadow.
 X and Y Offset - Using this option you can define the distance of the shadow.
 Blur - Using this option you can define how far the shadow extends inward or outward.
 Color - Using this option you can specify the color; you can also define the darkness of the color.
Figure 3.31: (A) Drop Shadow Options dialog box (B) Drop Shadow effect applied to an object
3.4.5 Convert Vector Objects to Bitmap Images

Illustrator provides you the option of rasterizing objects. It also allows you to customize it using the options available
in the Rasterize dialog box.
From the Object menu, select the Rasterize command. You can modify the following options that are available in
the Rasterize dialog box.
 Color Mode - Using this option you can set the color mode to either CMYK, RGB, Grayscale, or Bitmap.
 Resolution - Using this option you can define the size of the screen in points per inch (ppi). Description of
the available resolutions are as follows:
● Screen - This option is used for Web or video output.
● Medium - This resolution is used for desktop printers.
● High - This resolution is used for commercial printing.
● Use Document Raster Effects Resolution - This applies the global resolution of the document.
● Background - Using this option you can set the background as transparent or white.
 Anti-alias - This option is used to soften the shape or type edges. This option comprises the following
options:
● ArtOptimized (Super Sampling) - This options is used to soften the shape edges.
● TypeOptimized (Hinted) - This option is used to soften the type edges.
● None - This option is used to retain the jagged edges.
136 Aptech Limited

Figure 3.32: (A) Vector graphic (B) Image converted to raster
3.4.6 Effect Gallery

The Effect Gallery dialog box helps you monitor the effect that is being applied to an object. This dialog box has
three sections - Image Preview, Effect Selection, and Effect Controls. Using this dialog box, you can not only
preview the image but also remap the pixel information within an image. The Effect Gallery command can be
accessed from the Effect menu. On selecting the Effect Gallery command the Effect Gallery dialog box appears.
Figure 3.33: Image depicting the Effect Gallery in Illustrator
Using the Effect Gallery dialog box, you can change the image preview either by clicking the zoom buttons or by
choosing from the preset zoom sizes.
Clicking the Expand Triangle, lists the various effect categories available for use, which are as follows:
 Artistic
 Brush strokes
 Distort
 Sketch
Aptech Limited 137

 Stylize
 Texture
On selecting an effect, its default settings affect the image on the artboard. It is possible to modify the results using
the effect controls present in the gallery. Refer to Figure 3.34.
Note
You can temporarily hide the effects section by clicking the Show/Hide Effect
thumbnails button.
Figure 3.34: Image depicting the outcome of the Dry Brush Effect added to an artwork
3.4.7 Gaussian Blur effect

The Gaussian Blur effect is another technique that is not only used to blur an image but also add depth to an
image. For example, to create a hazy, out-of-focus effect on the image or selection, you can focus on the foreground
image and blur the background image.
To apply the Gaussian Blur effect, select a layer and then choose the Blur command from the Effect menu. From
the submenu that appears, select Gaussian Blur. You can increase or decrease the amount of blur applied to an
image either by dragging the slider or by entering the desired pixel values. Refer to Figure 3.35.
138 Aptech Limited

Figure 3.35: (A) Gaussian Blur dialog box (B) Result of the blur
■ Controlling effects using selections

Typically, when you apply an effect in Illustrator, the effect is applied to the entire image, Illustrator provides you
with the option of applying an effect to a particular selection. To do so, select the layer on which the effect has
to be applied. Then, using the Direct Selection tool from the Tools panel, make a selection in the document
window. Next, to apply effects to the selection, from the Effects menu, select the desired effect. The chosen
effect will be applied to the selection.
3.4.8 Unsharp Mask

The Unsharp Mask effect is used to create an illusion of sharpness. On applying this effect to the selection, the
bordering pixels get lighter and the darker pixels get darker. Refer to Figure 3.36.
Figure 3.36: Image depicting the Unsharp Mask dialog box
You can modify values to the following fields in the Unsharp Mask dialog box:
 Amount - This option indicates the increase in the contrast of pixels.
 Radius - This option determines the number of pixels that surround the edge and affect the sharpening.
Aptech Limited 139
 Threshold - This value determines how much the sharp pixels must differ from the surrounding areas.
Figure 3.37: Image depicting the Unsharp Mask filter applied to an image
3.5 Compound Paths

A compound path is a combination of two or more objects. Compound paths remove the overlapping spaces and
display attributes of the objects placed at the backmost level. Compound paths can be released at any time, It is
also possible to add, rearrange, or delete objects from a compound path. All this is possible on using the Make
command.
■ Making a compound path

While making a compound path, arrange your objects in such a manner that the frontmost object will cut out to
reveal the attributes of the backmost object. Select the desired objects. Then, from the Object menu choose
the Compound Path command. From the submenu that appears, click Make. Incase if you wish to add another
object to the compound path, arrange the object in the specified order and select the desired objects. Then,
from the Object menu click the Compound Path command. Finally, click Make.
■ Releasing a compound path

To release a compound path, from the submenu that appears on clicking the Compound Path command,
select Release. Refer to Figure 3.38.
140 Aptech Limited

Figure 3.38: (A) Selected artwork (B) Resulting compound path
3.6 Clipping Mask

A clipping mask, also referred to as a clipping path, is an object whose shape masks out everything leaving only
the contents that are behind that particular shape. A clipping set is a combination of the clipping mask (vector only)
and the masked objects (any artwork). Clipping sets can be created either from a selection of two or more objects
or from all objects in a group or layer. The clipping mask object has to be placed above the object that has to be
masked in the Layers panel or group. On moving or transforming a masked object, Illustrator displays only the
masked area.
■ Creating a clipping mask

To create a clipping mask, position the object that has to be masked above all the other objects in the Layers
panel. Select the clipping mask object along with the objects that have to be masked. Then, from the Object
menu, select the Clipping Mask command. From the submenu that appears, click Make. Refer to Figure
3.39.
Aptech Limited 141

Figure 3.39: Image depicting the result of the clipping mask applied to an image
■ Editing a clipping set

It is possible to edit clipping masks or paths placed within a clipping set. To do so, select and target the clipping
path in the Layers panel. Select the clipping set. Then, from the Object menu, select the Clipping Mask
command. From the submenu that appears, click Edit Mask. On choosing the Edit Mask command, you can
edit a clipping set in either of the following ways:
 Select the Direct Selection tool and then drag the object’s center reference point to move it.
 Select the Direct Selection tool and then reshape the clipping path.
You can also add or remove the artwork from the masked artwork. You can do so by dragging the object into or
out of the group or layer that contains the clipping path.
Hands-on Project
Task 1
Consider the outer portion of a match box that is split open (unwrapped) to form five rectangles. The dimensions
of the 5 rectangles are as follows:
 Two bigger rectangles - width: 5 cms; height: 4 cms
 Two smaller rectangles - width: 1.5 cms; height: 4 cms
 Fifth smaller rectangle - width: 0.5 cms; height: 4 cms
Prepare a flat layout of the match box using grids and guides for layouting. You can use the length and width
dimensions of your own. The center portion of the match box rectangle should have any design logo of the match
box company made using brushes or pencil tool also the name of the company. Apply a drop shadow effect to the
logo.
142 Aptech Limited

3.7 Summary
This completes the session on Measuring, Painting, and Working with Effects. In this session, you learnt:
 Illustrator provides you the option of measuring objects or the distance between objects in various ways.
You also have the flexibility of changing the measurement units to suit your needs. All this and more can
be done using the Measure tool.
 In addition to measuring objects in Illustrator, you can also transform objects using the Transform tool.
 Rulers, grids, and guides prove useful in measuring, aligning, and drawing objects respectively.
 Live paint groups allow you to fill open or closed paths with different colors. The Live Paint Bucket tool
recolors fills and strokes; whereas, the Live Paint Selection tool is used to select fills and strokes in a live
paint group.
 On a broad level, Calligraphic, Scatter, Art, Bristle, and Pattern are the categories of brushes available in
the Brushes panel. Each of these brushes can be customized to suit your needs.
 Liquify is a group of tools that allow you to distort a path with the click of a mouse. Warp, twirl, pucker, bloat,
scallop, crystallize, and wrinkle are the tools that form this group.
 It is also possible to apply various effects to a selection or an entire image using the effect gallery.
 A compound path is a combination of two or more objects. Compound paths remove the overlapping
spaces and display attributes of the objects placed at the backmost level. Compound paths can be released
at any time, It is also possible to add, rearrange, or delete objects from a compound path. All this is possible
on using the Make command.
 A clipping mask, is an object whose shape masks out everything except the contents behind that particular
shape.
Aptech Limited 143

3.8 Exercise
1. The Document Setup command appears in the _________.
a. File menu
b. Edit menu
c. Window menu
d. Object menu
2. Clicking at the beginning of the object and dragging the mouse pointer to the end of the object displays the
distance between the two ends in the Info panel.
a. True
b. False
3. Using the ____________ option in the Transform panel, you can slant objects based on the specified values.
a. X and Y
b. Rotate
c. X
d. Shear
4. Identify the statements that are not true for guides.

a. By default, guides appear when printed
b. Guides can be locked and edited
c. Guides are lines that appear from one end of the document to the other
d. Guides display the gridlines
5. A lower fidelity value creates a smoother path.

a. True
b. False
6. Flat point, round blunt, flat angle, and round fan are patterns available for _______________ brushes.
a. Art
b. Pattern
c. Calligraphic
d. Bristle
7. The ____________________ effect creates an illusion of sharpness.

a. Gaussian blur
b. Unsharp mask
c. Stylize
d. Texture
144 Aptech Limited


Quick Test 1
1. Eyedropper
2. Faces, edges
3. Art brushes
Answers to Exercise
1. a
2. a
3. d
4. a, d
5. b
6. d
7. b
Aptech Limited 145

Working with Graphics, Symbols, and 3D
4 Working with Graphics, Symbols,

and 3D
Learning Outcomes
 Work with graphics, symbols, and 3D
4.1 Tracing Raster Graphics

Illustrator supports a variety of file formats. It also supports raster images. It is possible to convert these raster
images into the vector format by using the available tracing options housed in the Live Trace command. This
command detects colors and shadings and traces the same to convert file formats from raster to vector. There are
a variety of presets and other tracing options that can be used for tracing images in the Tracing Options dialog
box. Tracing options can be applied at any time, either while using or after using the Live Trace command. In other
words, these options are live. When these options are applied on a traced object, the traced object is referred to as
a live trace object.
■ Tracing a live object

To trace a raster graphic, begin by selecting the image to be traced in a document. Select a tracing preset from
the Tracing Presets and Options drop-down arrow, which is housed in the Control panel. Refer to Figure
4.1.
Figure 4.1: Tracing options available in the Control panel

Next you will select the tracing options. To do so, click the Tracing Presets and Options drop-down arrow once
again and select the Tracing Options command. A dialog box as shown in Figure 4.2 appears.
Aptech Limited 147
Figure 4.2: Tracing Options dialog box
Although you have selected your options, you can always change your preset settings at this juncture. Once
you have defined your options and presets, you can preview it by selecting the Preview check box.
The following options are available while tracing your image:

 Adjustments - You can alter the adjustments with regard to the color mode, blur value, and resampling.
Blur reduces the noise and other marks in the image and resample changes the resolution of the graphic.
 Trace - You can change the trace settings by selecting the Fill and/or Stroke check boxes. You can also
change the related options that appear.
 View - You can toggle between the raster and vector views. The raster view displays the original graphic;
whereas, the vector view displays the traced view of the graphic.
Tip
The Tracing Options can also be accessed from the Live Trace submenu that ap-
pears under the Object menu.
Note
A traced graphic can be restored to its original state. To do so, from the Object
menu, click the Live Trace command. Then, select the Release command from the
submenu that appears.
148 Aptech Limited

4.2 Converting Tracing to Paths

Once you have created a live trace object, you can convert it to a path using the Expand command on the Control
panel. On expanding the live trace object, it changes to a standard path that can be reshaped and recolored.
To convert a live trace object, begin by selecting the object and then click the Expand command on the Control
panel. On choosing this command, the application creates a number of paths. You can view these paths from the
Layers panel. Refer to Figure 4.3.
Figure 4.3: (a) Live Trace object (b) Expand button in the Control panel, (C) Graphic converted into paths,
(d) Layers panel showing the resulting paths
4.3 Graphic Styles

Graphic styles are a group of attributes that can be applied to an individual layer or a sublayer. It can also be applied
to any object.
4.3.1 Applying Graphic Styles

To apply graphic styles, begin by selecting the Graphic Styles panel that hosts an array of graphic styles libraries.
Select a library from the Graphic Styles Libraries menu. Click a graphic style thumbnail to add it to the Graphic
Styles panel. Before you apply the style to the selected object, you can preview it. To do so, click the Use Square
for Preview or Use Text for Preview command from the Options menu. After you have previewed the styles, you
can apply it to the selected objects by selecting the graphic styles thumbnail from the Graphic Styles panel or from
the Graphic Styles Library. Refer to Figures 4.4 and 4.5.
Aptech Limited 149

Note
You can view the graphic styles in the Graphic Styles panel either in the thumbnail
view, or as a Small List view. You can also view the styles as a Large List view.
Figure 4.4: Graphic Styles panel option and the Library menu
Figure 4.5: Image depicting the Graphic Styles library with the selected graphic style applied to a selected
object
4.3.2 Creating Graphic Styles

Illustrator also gives you the option of creating graphic styles. You can do so, by using the New Graphic Style
button on the Graphic Styles panel after selecting an object. After accessing the Graphic Styles panel, keep the
Alt key pressed on the keyboard and click the New Graphic Style button. You will be prompted to enter a name for
the new style. Enter a name in the space provided and click OK. Refer to Figure 4.6.
150 Aptech Limited

Figure 4.6: (a) Selected graphic for conversion, (b) Graphic Styles Options window (c) Newly created
graphic style in the Graphic Styles panel
4.3.3 Editing Graphic Styles

After you have created a graphic style, you have the option of editing the styles to match your requirement. To do
so, after selecting the object, select the Graphic Styles panel. Apply the desired graphic style. You can view and
modify the attributes of the selected object, from the Appearance panel that is housed in the Window menu. You
can modify the appearance of the styles by selecting the Redefine Graphic Style command from the Options
menu. Refer to Figure 4.7.
Figure 4.7: (a) Graphic style applied to selected object (b) Modifying graphic style in the Appearance
panel (c) Modified graphic style updated in the Graphic Styles panel
4.4 Applying Appearance Attributes

You can apply and manage the appearance of attributes of an object using the Appearance panel. To name a few,
you can apply fills, strokes, blending modes, and other effects to the objects, layers, or styles. Using this panel,
you can not only apply and edit styles but also restack, duplicate, and remove attributes. You can view attributes by
clicking the available links, or even hide attributes to reduce clutter.
■ Apply and change appearance attributes
Aptech Limited 151

To apply or change the appearance settings, begin by selecting the object or by selecting the target circle of
the individual layer. Then, select the Appearance panel. The targeted layer appears boldfaced and displays a
type name at the top. Specify the desired Fill, Stroke, and Opacity values and options that you want to apply
on the object. You can use the Add New Fill or Add New Stroke buttons on the panel to apply multiple fill or
stroke attributes. You can also toggle between the visibility status of each attribute by selecting or deselecting
the visibility column. Refer to Figure 4.8.
Figure 4.8: Appearance panel attributes changed for a selected object
■ Remove appearance attributes

You can remove appearance attributes for the selected objects by performing the following operations:
 Delete - It removes the applied appearance of the attribute, except for the stroke and fill, on clicking the
Delete Selected Item button.
 Clear Except Stroke and Fill - Removes all the applied appearance attributes, except for the stroke and
fill, on clicking the Reduce to Basic Appearance command. This command is available in the Options
menu.
 Clear - Removes all the applied appearance attributes, including the stroke and fill attributes, and changes
it to None on clicking the Clear Appearance command. This command is available in the Options menu.
Figure 4.9: Appearance panel showing options for removing appearance attributes
152 Aptech Limited

4.5 Symbols
4.5.1 Creating and Editing Symbols
Symbols are an easy way to store objects that are used in more than one place in a document. The Symbols
panel is used to store symbols. Using symbols and its instances not only helps in speeding up the printing but also
contributes in reducing the file size.
■ Creating a symbol
To create a symbol, begin by creating an object that has to be used as a symbol. From the Symbol Options
menu, click the New Symbol command. Enter a name for the new symbol in the space provided in the Symbol
Options dialog box and click OK. Refer to Figure 4.10.
Figure 4.10: (a) Selected object and the Symbols panel, (b) Symbol Options dialog box (c) Selected object
added as a symbol
■ Editing a symbol
To edit a symbol, begin by dragging instances of the created symbols onto the artboard from the Symbols
panel. Before you edit the instance, you need to enter into the Isolation mode. To do so, double-click any of the
desired symbol instances using the Selection tool. Then, edit the symbol with the Direct Selection tool. After
making the required changes, click the Exit Isolation Mode button that appears as an arrow at the bottom of
the Control panel to save the changes. Refer to Figure 4.11.
Aptech Limited 153

Figure 4.11: (a) Instances of a symbol from the Symbols panel, (b) Editing in Isolation mode (c) Original
symbol updated in the Symbols panel
■ Breaking symbol links

Creating instances of symbols, links the instances to the original symbol. It is possible to convert instances into
normal objects by breaking the links between the instances and the symbols. Links are generally broken when
a symbol need not be updated any longer. You can break the link by selecting the instance and clicking the
Break Link button on the Control panel. Refer to Figure 4.12.
Figure 4.12: Break Link button on the Control panel
4.5.2 Using Symbols Libraries

In addition to creating symbols, you can also use the existing symbols from the Symbols Library. There are more
than 30 different symbol libraries to choose from. Selecting a library symbol adds it to the Symbols panel.
To use symbols, from the Symbols panel, click the Symbol Libraries Menu button. Then, click a symbol in the
library panel and add it to the Symbols panel. Next, you will place the symbol on the artboard, by selecting the
symbol from the Symbols panel and clicking the Place Symbol Instance button. Refer to Figures 4.13, 4.14, and
4.15.
154 Aptech Limited

Figure 4.13: Symbol libraries menu
Figure 4.14: Symbol Library
Aptech Limited 155

Figure 4.15: Symbol added to the artboard using Symbols panel
4.5.3 Symbolism Tools

The eight symbolism tools available in Illustrator are as follows:
 Symbol Sprayer
 Symbol Shifter
 Symbol Scruncher
 Symbol Sizer
 Symbol Spinner
 Symbol Stainer
 Symbol Screener
 Symbol Styler
Each of the tool has a defined role to play. Refer to Figure 4.16.
156 Aptech Limited

Figure 4.16: Symbolism tools found in the Tools panel
You can define the Symbolism Tools options using the Symbolism Tools Options dialog box. To access the
dialog box, double-click the desired tool. Define the following values for the symbols:
 Diameter - Enter a value between 1-999 points to define the default size for the symbols.
 Intensity - Assign a value between 1-10 to define the rate at which symbols are created or edited. Lower
the intensity value, slower the action.
 Symbol Set Density - Enter a value between 1-10 to define the distance between symbols. Higher the
density, closer the instance.
 Show Brush Size and Intensity - Selecting this option displays the current diameter settings. It appears
like a ring around the tool pointer.
Figure 4.17: Symbolism Tools Options dialog box
Aptech Limited 157

■ Using the Symbol Sprayer tool
The Symbol Sprayer tool helps create a symbol set, which is created by spraying multiple instances of a
symbol. The symbol set appears on the artboard with all the instances inside a bounding box.
To create multiple instances of a symbol using this tool, select the tool. Then, select the desired symbol from
the Symbols panel. Clicking on the screen creates a single instance of the symbol; to create multiple instances,
click and drag the mouse cursor on the screen.
Tip
Keep the Ctrl key pressed on the keyboard and click in a blank area outside the
bounding box. Then, click and drag to create a new instance set. To delete instanc-
es, keep the Alt key pressed on the keyboard and click the instance that has to be
deleted.
Figure 4.18: Image depicting instances of a symbol on the artboard using Symbol Sprayer tool
Illustrator provides a lot of ways to edit symbols after spraying them on the artboard.
Refer to Table 4.1 to view a description of the available tools.
158 Aptech Limited

Name of the Tool Description

Symbol Shifter tool This tool moves the symbol in the direction it is dragged. You can
also change the stacking order with this tool. To bring a symbol
forward, keep the Shift key pressed on the keyboard and click
the symbol; to send a symbol backward, keep the Alt+Shift key
pressed on the keyboard and click the symbol.
Symbol Scruncher tool This tool changes the location and density distribution of the
sprayed symbols.
Symbol Sizer tool This tool is used to increase the size of the symbols.
Symbol Spinner tool This tool when dragged along with the symbol changes the
orientation of individual instances in the symbol set.
Symbol Stainer tool This tool is used to change the color of the symbols based on the
Fill swatch.
Symbol Screener tool This tool changes the transparency of the symbol.
Symbol Styler tool This tool is used to apply styles to a symbol.
Table 4.1: Symbolism tools and their descriptions
Figure 4.19: Image depicting the different symbolism tool effects applied to a symbol set
■ Scaling symbols
Scaling refers to changing the height and width of the symbols in equal proportions without distorting it. 9-slice
scaling is the method used in Illustrator for scaling symbols. This method when opted, divides the image into 9
parts with dotted lines across the symbol. This grid is available only in the isolation mode. In this method, each
area of the grid, except for the corners, is scaled separately. By default, the slide guides are set at 25% of the
height and width of the symbol. It is best to turn on this option before scaling symbols. This technique works
best for scaling symbols that have complex transformation.
To scale objects you need to select an existing symbol from the Symbols panel and click the New Symbol
button in the Tools panel. Refer to Figure 4.20.
Aptech Limited 159

Figure 4.20: The Symbol Options dialog box
In the dialog box that appears, enter a name for the symbol in the space provided. Then, select the type of
graphic by selecting either Graphic or Movie Clip from the Type drop-down arrow. Enable the 9-slice option by
selecting the Enable Guides for 9- Slice Scaling check box. Click OK. Refer to Figure 4.21.
Figure 4.21: New Symbol generated with 9-Slice Scaling enabled
Double-click the newly generated symbol in the Symbols panel. Then, position the pointer over any of the four
guides and then drag the guide to move it. This step will scale the symbols. After scaling the symbols, exit the
isolation mode by clicking the Exit Isolated Group button. Refer to Figure 4.22.
160 Aptech Limited

Figure 4.22: Image depicting the artboard displaying the 9-slice scaling guides
Quick Test 1
1. The Raster view displays the traced view of the graphic. (True/False)
2. The Clear Appearance command and the Delete Selected Item button perform the
function of deleting the stroke and fill attributes. (True/False)
4.6 Working with Three Dimensions in Illustrator
4.6.1 Extrude, Bevel, and Revolve objects

Illustrator comprises a variety of 3D effects that can convert 2D objects into 3D objects. The 3D effects available in
Illustrator are as follows:
 Extrude & Bevel
 Revolve and Rotate
Every 3D object has more than one surface. For example, front, back, and sides. The appearance of each 3D object
with regard to the position, rotation, surface, lighting and shading can be changed using these effects.
■ Extrude & Bevel

To apply the Extrude & Bevel effect, select an artwork onto which you want to apply this effect. Then, from the
Effect menu, select the 3D command. From the submenu that appears, click Extrude & Bevel. A dialog box
appears as shown in Figure 4.23.
Aptech Limited 161

Figure 4.23: The 3D Extrude & Bevel Options dialog box
The options available in the Extrude & Bevel Options dialog box are broadly classified into the following
headings:
 Position
 Extrude & Bevel
 Surface
Position defines the object’s perspective and rotation angle from the center (0) using the X, Y, and Z indicators,
which are indicated as red, green, and blue respectively in the Extrude & Bevel Options dialog box.
The value of X determines the horizontal location of the object. When:

 Value > 0 – Object is positioned to the right of the center
 Value < 0 or negative – Object is positioned to the left of the center
The value of Y determines the vertical location of the object. When:

 Value > 0 - Object is positioned above the center
 Value < 0 or negative - Object is positioned below the center
The value of Z determines the depth of the object. In simpler terms, it indicates the forward or backward
distance of the object from the center. When:
 Value > 0 – Object is in front of the center
 Value < 0 or negative - Object is behind the center
Extrude & Bevel defines the extent of object depth and bevel. You can define the depth, bevel, and height by
modifying the available options.
Surface, controls the look of the exterior of the 3D object. You can change the appearance of the 3D objects
162 Aptech Limited

either by defining an outline, or by applying various shading effects. The following options can be modified to
change the appearance of 3D objects.
 Wireframe - This option traces the curves of the object and applies no fill to the object. Lighting options do
not form part of this option.
 No Shading - This option is used to fill the same color as seen in the original 2D object. Lighting options
do not form part of this option.
 Diffuse Shading - This option is used to add a soft diffused light source on the surface of the object.
 Plastic Shading - This option is used to add a bright, shiny light to make the object appear as plastic.
■ Lighting options
The 3D Extrude & Bevel Options dialog box provides a variety of lighting options that can be applied to
your 3D object. You can change the lighting effects from back of the object, or apply a new light or delete a
light through the options placed below the lighting preview sphere. You also have some additional options for
Diffuse Shading and Plastic Shading.
 Light Intensity - This option controls the appearance of lights. Values between 0 and 100 can be specified
for this option.
 Ambient Light - This option changes the brightness of all the surfaces of an object. Values between 0 and
100 can be specified for this option.
 Blend Steps - This option adjusts the smoothness of the shading on the object. Entering a lesser value
creates a matte look; whereas, entering a higher value creates a glossy, shiny look.
 Highlight Intensity - This option controls the reflecting light. Entering a lesser value creates a matte look;
whereas, entering a higher value creates a glossy, shiny look.
 Highlight Size - This option is used to control the size of the highlight of the object 0 (none) to 100 (all).
In addition to the lighting options, there are options for shading. Black is the default color. Colors can be
changed and customized to suit your needs. Refer to Figure 4.24.
Figure 4.24: Image depicting 3D Extrude & Bevel Options applied to selected artwork
■ Revolve
Revolving, also referred to as lathing, is another technique of converting a 2D object into a 3D object. This
technique involves spinning a 2D object around an axis at a specified number of degrees, to create a 3D
object.
To apply the Revolve effect, begin by selecting the artwork. Then, from the Effect menu, select the 3D command.
From the submenu that appears, select the Revolve command. The Revolve dialog box appears. By default,
Aptech Limited 163

the Revolve option is set to 360 degrees. However, you can define a value between 1 and 360 for the revolve
action to take place. Refer to Figure 4.25 to view the effect of the 3D revolve option applied on a selected
artwork.
Figure 4.25: Image depicting the effect of the 3D revolve option applied on a selected artwork
4.6.2 Mapping 2D Art to 3D Surfaces

Illustrator has the ability to wrap 2D objects around 3D surfaces. The mapping feature is a great way to add a label
to any type of package design. Every 3D object has different surfaces and each surface is mapped to a separate
artwork. The purpose of mapping a 2D object to a 3D object is to make a map out of the 2D object that you want to
use and then convert it into a symbol. Any of Illustrator’s symbols can be mapped onto 3D objects.
To create a 3D map out of a 2D object, begin by creating the text or object that you want to map onto a 3D art.
Then, make a symbol by dragging and placing the object into the Symbols panel. Define the path that you want to
turn into 3D. From the Effect menu, choose 3D and then click Extrude & Bevel to display the 3D Extrude & Bevel
Options dialog box. Refer to Figure 4.26.
Figure 4.26: 3D Extrude & Bevel Options dialog box along with the 3D path
Click Map Art to display the Map Art dialog box. In this dialog box, you can see the number of surfaces on the
object, starting with surface 1. Choose the surface that you want to map and then choose a symbol from the
Symbol menu. The symbol you created will appear in this list. Refer to Figure 4.27.
164 Aptech Limited

Figure 4.27: Image depicting the Map Art dialog box with the created symbol listed
After you choose the art for the surface, click OK to exit the Map Art dialog box. When you choose a symbol in the
Map Art dialog box to map, the symbol appears in the center of the screen with a bounding box around it. Using
this box, you can stretch, rotate, or move the object to accommodate the area you want. You can also preview the
object mapped onto the shape by selecting the Preview check box, in the Map Art dialog box.
4.7 Perspective Grids

Using the Perspective Grid tool you can display a perspective grid. This perspective grid can be used to draw
shapes and create scenes with different perspectives.
The perspective grid comprises the one-point, two-point, and three-point perspective using which you can change
the viewing angle and distance along with the widgets. You can also control the vanishing points, height of the
horizon, point of origin, and ground level.
■ Drawing perspective objects

Using the Perspective Grid tool, you can:
 Draw perspective objects using the Line tool or Rectangle tool
 Attach normal objects using the Attach to Active Plane command from the Object menu
 Release perspective objects using the Release with Perspective command from the Object menu
 Move plane to match objects using the Move Plane to Match Object from the Object menu
Aptech Limited 165

Figure 4.28: Drawn perspective object
■ Adjusting the perspective grid

You can use the Perspective Grid tool, to adjust the perspective grid. Select the grid and then click the
Perspective Grid tool on the Tools panel. To select the active grid plane, from the Plane Switching Widget,
click a plane in the cube either right, left, or horizontal. To deselect the plane, click the area outside the cube.
You can adjust the perspective grid, with regard to the following points by dragging the left or right controls on
the grid.
 Ground Level - Moves the perspective grid to the ground level
 Vanishing Points - Adjusts the perspective in or out
 Horizon Height - Adjusts the horizon line either upward or downward
 Extend the Grid - Extends or shortens the perspective grid
 Grid Plane Controls - Adjusts the left, right, or horizontal controls
 Grid Cell Size - Increases or decreases the size of the cell in the grid
 Origin - Adjusts the X and Y coordinates of the grid plane
Figure 4.29: Image depicting the adjustments options for the perspective grid
■ The Perspective Selection tool

Using the Perspective Selection tool, you can select, move, scale, copy, and transform objects in perspective.
166 Aptech Limited

Using this tool, it is also possible to add normal objects, text, and symbols to the perspective grid. On moving
or changing a normal object to the perspective grid, the appearance and scale of the object changes to suit the
grid. Clicking individual objects or dragging a selection marquee, using the Perspective Selection tool, selects
objects in the grid.
4.8 Actions
Actions are like recording information on a tape and can be played back at any point of time. Actions record
Illustrator commands and can be applied to any number of images.
4.8.1 Actions Panel

Using the Actions panel, you can create, save, modify, and store all your actions. On beginning an action, the
panel records each step in the process. Then, it saves each step and lets you play them on another image. Actions
are best suited for tasks you plan to do very often. It is not a good idea to create actions for one-time use.
■ Using default actions from the Actions panel

The Actions panel can be accessed from the Window drop-down menu. This panel has a box on the far-left
corner that can be used to toggle an item off or on. Another box that is beside it toggles the dialog box off or on.
On deactivating the Toggle On\Off button, Illustrator does not display the dialog boxes of the individual action.
To apply a default action, select the action from the Actions panel and click the Play Current Selection button
at the bottom of the panel after selecting an object as shown in Figure 4.30.
Figure 4.30: Actions panel with a selected action applied to a selected object on the artboard
The following buttons are accessible at the bottom of the Actions panel to enable recording of your actions:
 Stop - Stops recording and saves the action
 Record - Records an action
 Play - Executes the selected action
 Create New Set - Creates a new action set
 Sets - Used to store individual actions and function like file folders
Aptech Limited 167

 Create New Action - Commences the process of creating a new action
 Delete - Deletes the selected action or set
Figure 4.31: Image depicting the Action panel buttons
■ Creating a new action from the Actions panel

Click the Set list drop-down arrow to select the set where the action has to be saved. From the Actions panel,
click the Create New Action button. Enter a name for the action in the space provided in the New Action dialog
box. Refer to Figure 4.32.
Figure 4.32: (a) New Set dialog box, (b) New Action dialog box
You can click the Color list arrow, and then select from the available colors. Figure 4.33 shows a new set and
a new action incorporated into the Actions panel.
168 Aptech Limited

Figure 4.33: Image depicting the New Set and a New Action incorporated into the Actions panel
Click Record to begin creating the action. After you finish the recording, click Stop. The recorded action can be
played back to be applied to a number of objects on the artboard.
Note
Click the Function Key list arrow in the New Action dialog box. Then, select a
Function Key from the Function Key list. You can select the Shift or Control check
boxes to enable pressing the Shift or Ctrl key in conjunction with the function key.
Hands-on Project
Task 1
Prepare the 3D view of the outer portion of a matches box using 3D options available in illustrator.
The rectangle used should have a width of 5cm and a height of 1.5 cm.
Prepare the company logo illustration and company name. You can use symbols and graphic styles to prepare the
logo. Then map it to the top portion of the matches box using mapping options.
Prepare a checker pattern using brown and white squares and map it to the left hand side of the box.
Aptech Limited 169

4.9 Summary
In this session, Working with Graphics, Symbols, and 3D, you learnt:
 Illustrator provides the option of tracing objects using the Live Trace command. Raster objects traced using
this command are referred to as live trace objects.
 While tracing images, you can change the adjustments, fill or stroke, and view of the images. Traced
objects can be converted to paths.
 There are a variety of graphic styles that can be applied to a group of layers, an individual layer, or a
sublayer. You can also create and edit a variety of graphic styles.
 The appearance of the attributes can be controlled using the Appearance panel that houses a variety of
options.
 Symbols are an excellent way to store commonly used objects in one place. Symbols and its instances not
only help in speeding up the printing process but also reduce the file size. The Symbols library houses a
variety of symbols that can be used for various purposes. In addition to the various options, Illustrator also
provides the symbolism tools.
 Illustrator provides the option of working in a 3D environment. The 3D effects available in Illustrator include
Extrude & Bevel and Revolve and Rotate.
 Illustrator also provides you with the option of mapping 2D objects to 3D objects using the Extrude & Bevel
Options dialog box.
 The Perspective Grid tool helps create objects in perspective. It comprises the one-point, two-point, and
three-point perspective options, using which you can modify the viewing angle and distance along with the
widgets.
170 Aptech Limited

4.10 Exercise
1. Using the _______________ command, you can convert traced objects into an editable path.
a. Expand
b. Fill
c. Stroke
d. Tracing options
2. The Redefine Graphic Style command is available in the _______________ menu of the Appearance panel.
a. Tools
b. Control
c. Window
d. Options
3. Symbols contribute in ____________________.

a. Decreasing the number of layers in a file
b. Reducing the file size and increasing the printing speed
c. Increasing the file size and increasing the printing speed
d. Creating symbolism tools
4. The __________________ tool is used to change the location and density distribution of the sprayed
symbols.
a. Symbol sizer
b. Symbol stainer
c. Symbol scruncher
d. Symbol spinner
5. The 9-slice scaling technique divides the image into ____ parts.
a. 5
b. 4
c. 3
d. 9

Quick Test 1
1. False
2. False
3. Instances
Aptech Limited 171

Answers to Exercise
1. a
2. d
3. b
4. c
5. d
172 Aptech Limited

Exporting, Creating Web Graphics, and Printing
Exporting, Creating Web Graphics,

5
and Printing
Learning Outcomes
 Work with various elements in the Illustrator interface
5.1 Exporting Files
5.1.1 Exporting Documents

You can export and save documents created in Illustrator in various other file formats. These file formats retain the
originality of the Illustrator document even though they are opened using other applications or programs.
Any file created in Illustrator can be saved in following five file formats:
 AI (Adobe Illustrator)
 PDF (Portable Document Format)
 EPS (Encapsulated PostScript)
 FXG (Adobe Flex)
 SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics)
Every time you save a file in any other format, you need to export the file to the changed format. Using Illustrator,
you can export the file in 13 different file formats, which includes Flash, Photoshop, BMP (Bitmap), JPEG (Joint
Photographic Experts Group), and PNG (Portable Network Graphics). When you export the file to a different format,
the file contents is altered to match the technicalities of the new format using the Options dialog box.
Note
Incase if you have multiple artboards in a document, you need to choose from the file
formats that preserve the artboards or create multiple page documents.
■ Exporting a document
To export a document, from the File menu, select the Export command. Type a name in the File Name text box.
From the Save As Type drop-down list choose the desired file format. After selecting the appropriate format,
browse to the folder where you want to save the file. Now, for safety sake, you can preserve your artboards by
selecting the Use Artboards check box. You can define the number of artboards to be preserved by selecting
the All option button or by defining a range in the Range text box. Finally, click Save. Refer to Figure 5.1.
Aptech Limited 173

Figure 5.1: Export dialog box
5.1.2 Export File Formats

Refer to Table 5.1 to view the various file formats that support documents created in Illustrator.
File Formats Description

BMP Uses the BMP format. This is the standard image
format on the Windows platform.
Targa Uses the Targa format for high-end image editing
on the Windows platform.
PNG Uses the PNG format. This format is used for
saving images to the Web; it supports up to 16
million colors and 256 levels of transparency.
AutoCAD Drawing Uses the DWG (Drawing) format. This format
creates a file used for 2 dimensional and 3
dimensional design data.
AutoCAD Interchange Uses the DXF (Drawing Interchange Format,
or Drawing Exchange Format) format. This File
File
format creates a CAD (Computer Aided-Design)
data file.
Enhanced Metafile Uses the EMF format. This drawing format (32-
bit) uses metafile commands to create simple
artwork.
Flash Uses the SWF (Shockwave format) movie format.
This format creates a movie for use on the Web
using the Flash player.
174 Aptech Limited

File Formats Description

JPEG Uses the JPG or JPEG format. This format uses a
compression method to reduce the size of image
files primarily for the Web.
Macintosh PICT Uses the PICT or PICT Resource format. This
is the standard image format on the Macintosh
platform.
Photoshop Uses the PSD (Photoshop) format (the default),
which saves layers, channels, notes, and color
profiles.
TIFF Uses the TIFF (Tagged-Image File Format)
format. These files can be opened by almost
any image-editing or layout program. TIFF is a
common format for printing and saving flattened
images without losing quality.
Text Format Uses the TXT (Text) format. This format creates a
plain text document.
Windows Metafile Uses the WMF (Windows Metafile) format. This
drawing format (16-bit) uses metafile commands
to create simple artwork.
Table 5.1: Illustrator supported file formats and their descriptions
5.1.3 Saving as a template

Templates come handy when you tend to use a similar kind of document repeatedly. It comprises often-reused
materials in a particular order. The file format for a template is different in Illustrator. Unlike normal documents,
which are saved in the AI format, templates are saved in the AIT format.
■ Save a document as a template

To save any document, either existing or new, from the File menu click the Save As Template command.
In the Templates folder that appears, type a name for the new template in the Name text box. Then, select the
Illustrator Template (*.AIT) file format from the Save As Type list box. Click OK. The document is now saved
as a template. Refer to Figure 5.2.
Aptech Limited 175

Figure 5.2: Save As dialog box
Quick Test 1
1. When you save a file in any other format, you need to __________ the file.
2. Illustrator templates are saved with the _________ extension.
5.2 Illustrator for the Web

Some of the document formats that Illustrator uses to save images for the Web are as follows:
 JPEG
 GIF
 PNG
 SWF
 SVG
 WBMP
Each of these formats is used for specific purposes. Hence, before using any of these formats it is essential to
understand its technical aspects. For example, images are saved in JPEG to compress photographic images;
whereas, images are saved in the GIF format to compress clip art and text. Using the formats appropriately helps
in designing a quick loading dynamic Web page.
Illustrator comprises a number of features that optimizes your work for screen delivery in Web production. Before
learning how to export files and saving them for use on the Web, it is essential to understand the basics of the Web,
which are as follows:
 Pixel Preview: It is likely that the vector work in Illustrator will eventually be rasterized for use on the Web.
Pixel Preview gives an accurate view of your work in a browser. In Pixel Preview, objects automatically line
176 Aptech Limited
up with the nearest pixel edge in the document.
 Path Simplification: To simplify paths, Illustrator automatically removes extra anchor points from the path
without affecting the shape of the path. During the simplification process, curve precision value and angle
threshold value have to be specified. The range for the curve precision value and the angle threshold value
can be anything between 0% to 100% and 0 degrees to 180 degrees respectively. Specifying these values
results in a simple and smooth path with a reduction in overall file size.
 Web Colors: Illustrator provides the option of saving Web documents using Web colors. You can do so
by selecting the Web Safe RGB option from the Color panel. This option provides you with the R, G, and
B sliders. As you drag the sliders, you will observe that Illustrator snaps to the closest Web Safe color
match.
Figure 5.3: Color panel showing the Web Safe RGB option
5.3 Slices
As you are aware, the Internet packages and handles data in small packets. In Illustrator, you can create Web-
friendly images not only by saving the images in Web-friendly formats but also by slicing images. Slicing, as the
name suggests, refers to cutting the images into various pieces for making the entire graphic load faster and
improve the speed.
■ The Slice tool

Using the Slice tool, you can slice documents and images. On slicing images, the individual image size is
compressed, which in turn contributes in loading the Web document at a faster speed.
Using the Slice tool, you can:

 Create a user-defined slice by drawing directly on an image
 Compress the slices, which in turn helps in reducing the image size
 Use the Slice Select tool from the Tools panel to move, resize, and/or delete slices
The Slice tool is available in the Tools panel. Incase if you wish to constrain the slice to a square, you can do
so by selecting the Slice tool and dragging the mouse cursor on the screen while keeping the Shift key pressed
on the keyboard. Solid blue lines depict this category of user-category slices.
On creating slices in Illustrator, the spaces other than the user-defined slices are occupied by automatic slices.
Aptech Limited 177

There are two types of automatic slices in Illustrator. They are:
 Auto slices - These slices appear automatically. Dotted red lines depict these slices. These slices are
numbered from left to right and top to bottom.
 Subslices – These are user-defined slices that overlap.
Auto slices cannot be edited. Changes if any, have to be made to the user-defined slices. Any change made to
the user-defined slices, for example, editing or moving the layer contents, updates the arrangement of the auto
slices automatically. Refer to Figure 5.4.
Figure 5.4: Image depicting slicing done with the Slice tool and selected with the Slice Select tool
■ Slicing using the Object menu

You can make slices using the Slice command from the Object menu. After selecting the Slice command, click
Make. The result is, slices that match the dimensions of the boundary of the element in your artwork. On moving
or modifying the element, you will observe that the slice area adjusts itself automatically to accommodate the
new artwork. Refer to Figure 5.5.
Figure 5.5: Image depicting slicing done for an artwork with the Make command
178 Aptech Limited
■ Setting Slice Options

The Slice Options command is available from the Slice submenu. This command activates the Slice
Options.
■ Setting Slice Option to No Image

To preview text written inside the Text Displayed in Cell window in any Internet browser, you can set the Slice
Type option to No Image.
You will now learn how it is done. Begin by creating slices using the Slice tool on a blank document. Select a
slice and open the Slice Options dialog box. In the Slice Options dialog box, set the Slice Type option to No
Image. In the Text Displayed in Cell window, type the text and align it as per your requirement. Click OK.
Repeat the series of steps for the remaining slices. After you have set the Slice Type option for all the slices,
save the file onto your computer using the Save for Web & Devices command from the File menu.
Preview your file in any browser available in your computer. Refer to Figure 5.6.
Figure 5.6: (a) Slice Options dialog box with No Image option selected; (b) Browser preview
■ Setting the Slice Type Option to Image

In addition to previewing the text that is displayed within the Text Displayed in Cell window, you can also view
the sliced image on the artboard in any browser. You can also open a linked file with the click of a mouse.
All this is possible by setting the Slice Type option to Image. You will now learn how it is done.
Place an image in the artboard using the Place command and create as many slices using the Slice tool. After
you have created the slices, select a slice using the Slice Select tool. Open the Slice Options dialog box. Then,
set the Slice Type option to Image. Enter the address where the linked file is stored in the URL text box. Select
from the available target options and click OK. Finally, save the file onto your computer using the Save for Web
& Devices command from the File menu. Preview your file in any browser available in your computer.
The following target options are available in the Slice Options dialog box:
 Blank – This option opens the linked file in a blank window.
Aptech Limited 179

 Self – This option opens the linked file in the same frame as the original file.
 Parent – This option opens the linked file in its own original parent frameset.
 Top – This option removes all the current frames and replaces the entire browser window with the linked
file.
Figure 5.7: Slice Options dialog box with image option selected
Figure 5.8: Browser preview
5.4 Save for the Web

Using Illustrator you can save images for the Internet using the Save for Web & Devices command. This command
converts any image into a Web-friendly format using the GIF, JPEG, PNG, SWF, SVG, or WBMP formats.
This command provides various optimization settings pertaining to the size and download time of the file. You can
also do a comparative study of the optimizations using the 2-Up and 4-Up panes.
The following tools are available in the Save for Web & Devices dialog box:
 Hand Tool – This tool is used to change the view of the document by dragging inside the image.
 Slice Select Tool - Using this tool, you can select an already defined image slice.
180 Aptech Limited
 Zoom Tool – Using this tool, you can expand the view size of the image by clicking on it.
 Eyedropper Tool – Using this tool, you can do a sampling of the colors by dragging within the image.
■ Using the Save for Web & Devices dialog box

Open a document. Then, from the File menu, choose the Save for Web & Devices command. You can navigate
through the different layouts using the Original, Optimized, 2-Up, or 4-Up tabs. In this case, you will select the
2-Up tab. This view displays two images, the first original and a sample image in the second tab.
The original image cannot be changed. Only the sample image can be changed. Click the sample image to
edit its default format. Then, click on a slice using the Slice Select tool. Each slice can be optimized using
the options available in the Preset list. Select the desired option from the Preset list and click OK to save the
changes.
Incase if you like to preview your sample images after making the desired changes in the Save for Web &
Devices dialog box, you can do so by accessing the menu that appears below the images on the lower right
corner of the dialog box. You also have the option of changing the download rate by accessing the toggle arrow
in the upper right corner of the dialog box. Refer to Figure 5.9.
Figure 5.9: The Save for Web & Devices dialog box
5.5 Scalable Vector Graphics

SVG is an open standard format based on XML. Illustrator not only supports files with the SVG format but also allows
files to be saved in this format. To save files in the SVG format, click the Save command from the File menu. In the
Save As dialog box that appears, select SVG from the Save As Type drop-down list. Click OK. Alternatively, you
can save files in the SVG format from the Save for Web & Devices dialog box. Refer to Figures 5.10 and 5.11.
Aptech Limited 181

Note
In the current scenario, plug-ins are required to view SVG files in the Web Browser.
However, this may not be the case in the future as browsers will be self-contained to
support all sorts of file formats.
Figure 5.10: Saving in SVG Format using Save As dialog box
Figure 5.11: SVG Options dialog box
182 Aptech Limited

You are provided with some additional options while saving SVG files. While saving files in this format, you have the
option of embedding fonts, or including them as separate links. Better still, you also have the option of embedding
files and including them within the SVG file. The mentioned actions can be performed using the SVG Options dialog
box. Refer to Table 5.2.
Options Descriptions
Preserve Illustrator Editing Selecting this option converts this file back to Illustrator without
capabilities losing out on any information. The drawback with this option is
that it adds data into the file in a format specific to Illustrator, in
turn increasing the file size. Hence, it is advisable to deselect this
option if the file need not be edited later.
More/Less option button Selecting this option allows you to specify more details about
your SVG files. This option also allows you to specify the
CSS Properties settings and define how precisely vectors are
calculated. You can also choose the text-encoding formats. In
addition to all this, you can optimize for Adobe SVG Viewer that
comes along with Illustrator and allows you to take advantage
of certain features that only the Adobe SVG Viewer plug-in can
offer. Include Slicing Data includes Web-slice data in the file.
SVG Effects These attributes can be applied to your art in real time while they
display in your Web browser. They are housed in the Effect drop-
down menu and appear as SVG filters. For example, you can
apply a drop shadow effect to a text that is live on your Web
browser using this command. Zooming in on the vector graphics
each time enlarges the SVG text as much as you want. Refer to
Table 5.2: Description of the options available in the SVG Options dialog box
Figure 5.12: Image depicting drop shadow SVG Filter added to text
Aptech Limited 183

Figure 5.13: Image depicting the drop shadow effect when previewed in the browser
Some of the effects applied to a file can be previewed only in the browser. These effects cannot be viewed in
Illustrator.
After an effect is applied, it gets listed in the Appearance panel. You can preview the effects applied to a file using
this panel. You can do so by selecting SVG Filter effect in the Appearance panel. This will display all the SVG filters
applied to a file.
You can also edit the applied filter by clicking the Edit SVG Filter button. Refer to Figure 5.14.
Figure 5.14: (a) SVG Filter applied (b) Appearance panel showing SVG options (c) Apply SVG Filter dialog
box
Quick Test 2
1. ______________ are user-defined slices that overlap.
2. The expanded form of SVG is ____________ ______________ _______________.
184 Aptech Limited

5.6 Data-driven Graphics and Variables

In Illustrator, you can define variables to drive objects in a template document. Using these data driven objects, you
can create multiple versions of an object quickly and easily. For example, if you were to create Web banners with
the same template, you can do so by using data-driven objects. Instead of creating one banner at a time, you can
generate multiple banners at one go using these objects.
Variables when grouped together along with their data are referred to as data sets. It is possible to switch between
data sets and upload different data into your template using the Variable panel. The Variable panel is housed in
the Window menu. The Variable panel has two columns – the left panel and right panel. The name of the variable
appears in the left panel; whereas, the name of the bound object, which is the same name that is seen in the Layers
panel appears in the right panel. It is possible to create and delete variables. You can create a variable by clicking
the New Variable button. To delete a variable, click the Delete Variable button. Refer to Figure 5.15.
Figure 5.15: Variable panel and its options
Refer to Table 5.3 to view a description of the options available in the Variables panel.
Variable Description
Visibility This option is used to reveal or hide objects as per your discretion.
You can do so by selecting the object that you want to reveal or
hide and then click the Make Visibility Dynamic button.
Text String This option is used to create dynamic text. You create dynamic
text by selecting the text object and then clicking the Make Object
Dynamic button.
Linked File This option is used to create a linked object that is dynamic. You
can do so by selecting the linked file and clicking the Make Object
Dynamic button.
Graph Data This option is used to create a dynamic graph object. You can do
so by selecting the graph object and clicking the Make Object
Dynamic button.
Variable This option is used to create a new variable. Using this option you
can bind the variable to an object or make it dynamic. You can
also toggle between its visibility state.
Table 5.3: Description of the options available in the Variable panel
Aptech Limited 185

5.7 Version Cue

Adobe Version Cue is a feature in the Adobe Creative Suite that integrates various suite applications into one
design.
Note
Adobe Version Cue is available with the Adobe Creative Suite and is compatible with
the Adobe CS applications.
Adobe Version Cue allows you to share files, create file versions, and also manage files irrespective of whether you
are working as a team or as an individual. It provides a workspace to organize files in such a manner that you can
allow or restrict other team members from accessing your files.
■ File versioning with Version Cues

On creating a workspace using Version Cues, it maintains master copies of the files in the Version Cue projects.
These files include other data such as comments, dates, versions, and user ID. When any user works on a
Version Cue project, the master file is protected and the user works only on a copy of the file. This protects the
original master copy and also allows more than one user to work on a particular file simultaneously.
■ Features of the Version Cue

 Manages files using innovative workspace
 Easy and project centered file versioning system
 Collaborates in a version controlled file storing environment
 Allows file tracking, sharing, archiving, and transparent collaboration on projects with others
 Multi-user access makes files available to designers, compositors and others, while preventing files from
being manipulated
Note
When you install Adobe CS completely, the Version Cue workspace is automatically
installed in your computer. On the contrary, if you install Adobe Illustrator separately,
without the whole creative suite, then you will not be able to create a workspace. You
can use an existing workspace available in the network with the permission of the
owner of Adobe CS.
5.8 Printing
In addition to creating and saving documents, it is also essential to have an understanding of printing Illustrator
documents. Like any other application, you can print illustrator documents as well, using the Print dialog box. The
Print dialog box can be accessed from the Print command under the File menu. The Print dialog box comes with
an array of options that are designed and organized to help you guide through the printing process. Refer to Figure
5.16.
186 Aptech Limited

Figure 5.16: Print dialog box
To print your artwork using the Print dialog box, select the Print command from the File menu. Make the necessary
settings in the Print dialog box and click OK. While printing, you can change the presets and also choose from the
available printers. The Print dialog box also has the option of a PostScript Printer Description (PPD). PPD is a
printer driver, used by various types of printers for defining an output device.
On a macro level, the options available in the Print Options dialog box can be classified under five categories,
namely:
 General - This category allows you to set the page size and orientation.
 Media - This category defines the dimensions of the page.
 Options - This category defines the alignment of the page.
 Marks and bleed - This category allows you to create the printer’s mark and also create a bleed. Printer
marks are seen at the end of the printable page and can be used by commercial and other printers. Printer
marks are used by commercial printers to trim paper. Commercial printers also make use of registration
marks and color bars to align printing plates and to print colors respectively. Refer to Table 5.4 to view the
options available in the Print Options dialog box.
Aptech Limited 187

Category Options Description

General Copies Defines the number of copies that have to be printed
Collate Prints artboards in a collated order
All or Range Prints the specified range of artboards
Reverse Order Prints artboards in the reverse order
Ignore Artboards Prints chosen artwork from the artboards on a single page
Skip Blank Artboards Filters out blank artboard pages before printing
Media Size Defines the size of the page
Transverse Rotates the printed artwork to 90 degrees and is available only
when the PPD supports it
Width and Height Defines the width and height of a custom page
Auto Rotate Rotates artboards automatically to print the media size and
appears selected by default
Options Placement Aligns the starting point of the artwork to the page
Do not scale Avoids scaling of artboards during printing
Fit to Page Scales artboards to the page while printing
Custom Scale Customizes the width and height of the artboards while printing
Tile Tiles artwork on multiple pages.
Print layers Prints artboards on visible layers, or visible and printable layers,
or all layers
Marks and All Printer’s Marks Defines the trim marks, registration marks, color bars, and page
Bleed information
Trim Marks Adds trim lines to cut the page
Registration Marks Adds small targets for aligning color separations
Color Bars Sends color information to the printer
Trim Mark Weight Specifies the thickness for trim marks
Offset Defines the distance between the trim marks and the bounding
box
Use Document Bleed Defines bleed settings in the New Document dialog box
Settings
Graphics Flatness Controls the appearance of the documents on a PostScript printer;
it is recommended to set the flatness setting to automatic
Compatible Gradient Solves problems pertaining to printing gradients or gradient
and Gradient Mesh meshes
Printing
Table 5.4: Options available in the Print Options dialog box
Hands-on Project
Task 1:
Import a raster image into Illustrator using the Place command and embed it using the Embed option in the
Control panel. Divide the image into six slices using the Slice tool. Use any one slice to link any file or image saved
previously on your local drive. Save the image for the Web using the Save for Web & Devices command. Optimize
any of the three slices to GIF and rest of the slices to JPEG formats.
Test the linked file using any of Internet browser. The linked file should open when the particular slice is clicked.
188 Aptech Limited

5.9 Summary
In this session, Exporting, Creating Web Graphics, and Printing, you learnt:
 Illustrator supports a variety of formats. Files can be saved in multiple formats. To save a file in any other
format it is essential to export the file.
 Templates are handy when a similar kind of document has to be used repeatedly. Saving a document as a
template cuts down on the time and effort. Illustrator templates are saved with the .AIT extension.
 Illustrator has a variety of options to save documents for the Web. It also has a lot of features that optimizes
your work for screen delivery in Web production.
 Slicing refers to cutting a big image into smaller images. It proves useful when using images for the Web.
 Autoslices and subslices are the two categories of automatic slices.
 Illustrator provides the Save for Web & Devices command that allows you save images in a Web-friendly
format.
 SVG is an open standard file saving format that supports most file formats and also displays a preview on
the Web.
 Data-driven graphics help create multiple versions of an object quickly and easily.
 Version cues integrate various suite applications. It helps in creating, sharing, and managing files irrespective
of whether you are working as a team or an individual.
 In Illustrator you can customize and print your artwork using the Print Options dialog box.
Aptech Limited 189

5.10 Exercise
1. Which is the file format that stores information on layers, channels, notes, and color profiles?
a. TXT
b. PSD
c. SWF
d. EMF
2. Path simplification refers to ____________________.

a. Providing an accurate view of your artwork in the browser.
b. Removing extra anchor points from the shape of the path without making changes to the original path.
c. Creating a Web-safe color match.
d. Slicing images
3. SVG effects that cannot be viewed in the illustrator window can be viewed in the ____________.
a. Appearance panel
b. Web browser
c. Data set
d. Print dialog box
4. A PPD is ______________ used to define an output device.

a. File format
b. File extension
c. Printer driver
d. The name of a document to be printed

Quick Test 1
1. Export
2. .AIT
Quick Test 2
1. Subslices
2. Scalable vector graphics
Answers to Exercise
1. b
2. b
3. b
4. c
190 Aptech Limited

Glossary
Glossary
A
Active document
The document that appears in front of the other documents is referred to as the active document.
Artboards
Regions of a document that contain printable artwork.
B
Bleed
It is extra space along the edges of the document beyond the page edge.
C
Clipping path
It is an invisible outline in a graphic that masks certain parts of a graphic and reveal other parts. Alternatively, it is
also referred to as a clipping mask.
Color profile
This attribute defines the usage of colors in any document.
CMYK
This color mode is made up of Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black colors. It is used for commercial printing
projects.
Color ramp
A horizontal bar inside the Color panel that comprises various combinations available for a particular color mode.
Character styles
Set of styles that can be applied to a selected range of text.
Compound paths
Displays attributes of the objects that removes overlapping spaces and displays objects placed at the extreme
back.
Clipping set
A clipping set is a combination of the clipping mask (vector only) and the masked objects (any artwork).
D
Document window
Aptech Limited 191

It acts as a container for your document that includes elements such as page, pasteboard, page navigation button,
zoom in or zoom out view of the document, and a ruler.
Document color mode
This attribute defines whether the document is in CMYK or RGB.
F
Fidelity
The Fidelity setting defines how distant the curves can appear from the original dotted line.
G
Grid
It is a network of horizontal and vertical lines that helps in aligning and positioning images easily.
Guides
Straight or dotted lines that are saved with the document and extend from one end of the document to the other.
Graphic styles
A group of attributes that can be applied to any layer.
L
Layers
A group of transparent sheets stacked one on top of the other.
Live paint groups
A feature in Illustrator that allows you to fill open or closed paths with different colors.
Live Paint Bucket tool
The tool used to recolor fills and strokes in a Live Paint group.
Live Paint Selection tool
The tool used to select fills and strokes in a Live Paint group.
Lathing
A technique used to convert a 2D object into a 3D object by spinning a 2D object around an axis at a specified
number of degrees.
M
Menus
Commands available in Illustrator that are used to accomplish certain tasks.
Mesh object
A type of gradient that not only allows colors to flow in different directions but also transitions colors from one point
to the other.
192 Aptech Limited

Glossary
N
9-Slice Scaling
The technique of changing the height and width of symbols in equal proportions, without distorting it.
O
Orientation
The appearance of a page - either landscape or portrait.
P
Panels
Panels are windows that resemble a dialog box. These windows can be collapsed, expanded, and grouped with
other panels.
Paragraph styles
Character and paragraph formatting attributes that can be applied to any number of selected paragraphs.
R
Raster graphic
Digital images represented in the form of pixels.
S
Symbols
A technique to store objects that are used in more than one place in a document.
Symbols library
A common place where symbols are stored.
Slicing
The technique that makes use of the Slice tool to cut images into smaller pieces in turn reducing the file size and
helping the file load faster.
T
Type tools
Tools in Illustrator used to type text either horizontally, vertically or on a path.
Transparency grid
A grid that is positioned behind all other objects and allows you to view transparent objects.
Tolerance
This setting controls how far away you can be from an object or path in order to select it. It is measured in screen
pixels.
Aptech Limited 193

V
Version Cues
A feature in the Adobe Creative Suite that helps you to create, share, and manage files easily.
Vector graphics
Computer images stored and displayed in terms of vectors rather than pixels and does not degrade in quality when
scaled.
194 Aptech Limited

Bibliography
The Adobe Illustrator CS5 Wow! Book
- Sharon Steuer
Adobe Illustrator CS5 Revealed

- Chris Botello
Adobe Illustrator CS5 Classroom in a Book

- Adobe Creative Team
Session Name Rating
Excellent Very Good Good Average Poor
Working with Gradients, Drawing Tools,

Layers, and Text
Measuring, Painting, and Working with
Effects
Exporting, Creating Web Graphics, and

Printing
Overall Feedback: ___________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Suggestions if any: _________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________

Student Name: __________________________________________ Batch Code:_____________________
Center: ___________________________________________________________________
Region:___________________________________________________________________

Creating Illustrations I - D

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

You might also like

Creating Illustrations I - D

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Creating Illustrations I - D

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

© 2011 Aptech Limited

All rights reserved.

All trademarks acknowledged.

Mumbai - 400 093, India.

Edition: April 2011

ARENA Design Team

Aptech Limited iii

Working with Adobe Illustrator CS5................................................................................................................ 1

Working with Gradients, Drawing Tools, Layers, and Text.......................................................................... 61

Measuring, Painting, and Working with Effects......................................................................................... 113

Working with Graphics, Symbols, and 3D.................................................................................................. 147

: Quick Test Questions

: Hints for the Hands-on

: Answers to Quick Tests

Aptech Limited vii

1 Working with Adobe Illustrator

 Work with the various elements in the Illustrator interface

Windows Operating System

1.1 Illustrator Workspace Environment

1.1.1 Welcome Screen

● Mobile and device documents

● Video and film documents

Figure 1.1: Welcome Screen

1.1.2 The Illustrator Window

Figure 1.2: The Illustrator window

1.1.3 Customizing the Workspace

■ Linking together and tearing apart panels

Figure 1.5: Panels stacked together

Figure 1.6: Docked panels

1.1.4 Working with Panels and Menus

Figure 1.7: View menu

Figure 1.8: Graphics Styles panel menu

■ Using the Tools and Control panel

● Painting or shape tools

● Slicing and sampling tools

Figure 1.9: Various tools in the Tools panel (a)

Figure 1.10: Various tools in the Tools panel (b)

■ Using the Control panel

● Graphic style panel

● Select similar objects

● Align left button

● Align right button

● Align center button

1.2 Creating and Navigating through Documents

1.2.1 Opening Existing Documents

Figure 1.11: Open dialog box

1.2.2 Navigating through a Document

■ Navigating using the Zoom Level display

■ Navigating using the Navigator panel

Figure 1.12: Navigator panel

Figure 1.13: Screen display modes

Figure 1.14: Normal screen mode

Figure 1.15: Full screen mode with menu bar

Figure 1.16: Full screen mode

■ Changing the View with the Zoom Tool

Figure 1.17: Zoom tool