Learn Illustrator With Exnihiloo

Learn
Illustrator
with
Exnihiloo
01 - Introduction to Adobe Illustrator
02 - Working with Artboards
03 - Understanding Illustrator’s Interface
04 - Basic Shape Creation
05 - Working with Paths and the Pen Tool
06 - Color and Swatches
07 - Applying Gradients and Patterns
08 - Understanding Layers
09 - Working with Text
10 - Introduction to Drawing Tools
11- Using the Shape Builder Tool
12 - Working with Images
13 - Understanding Object Transformation
15 - Creating and Editing Symbols
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1
Illustrator 01
Introduction to
Illustrator
• Overview of Illustrator and its applications.

• Understanding vector graphics and their advantages
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Overview of Illustrator
and its Applications
Adobe Illustrator provides a wide range of tools and features
that enable users to create intricate and visually appealing
designs. Some of the key features include:
Artboards: Illustrator allows you to work with multiple artboards,

which are like separate canvas areas where you can create
different designs or variations within the same document.
Pen Tool: The Pen tool is one of the most essential tools in
Illustrator. It allows you to draw precise paths and shapes,
which form the basis of vector graphics.
Shape Tools: Illustrator offers a variety of shape tools like

Rectangle, Ellipse, Polygon, and more to create basic shapes
quickly.
Typography: With extensive typographic capabilities, you can

create and manipulate text to achieve various effects and
styles.
Layers: Just like in other Adobe applications, Illustrator uses

layers to organize elements within your artwork. This allows for
easier editing and management.
Brushes: Illustrator offers an array of customizable brushes

that can be used to create diverse artistic effects.
Effects and Filters: You can apply various effects and filters to
your artwork to enhance and stylize it.

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Understanding Vector
Graphics and Their
Advantages
Vector graphics are digital images created using mathematical
formulas that define geometric shapes, lines, and curves.
These graphics are resolution-independent, meaning they
can be scaled up or down without any loss of quality. The key
advantages of vector graphics are:
Scalability: Vector graphics can be resized to any dimension

without pixelation or loss of clarity. This makes them suitable
for a wide range of applications, from small icons to large
banners or billboards.

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Editability: Since vector graphics are made up of individual
objects and paths, you can easily edit and modify them. You
can change colors, shapes, and other properties without losing
the original quality.
Small File Sizes: Compared to raster graphics (such as JPEG or

PNG), vector files tend to have smaller file sizes, making them
more manageable and efficient for storage and sharing.
Precision: Vector graphics are perfect for precise and detailed

designs because the mathematical formulas ensure smooth
lines and curves.
Printing: Vector graphics are commonly used in print media, as

they maintain their quality when printed at various resolutions.
Transparency and Overlapping: Vector graphics support

transparency and layering, allowing for complex compositions
and overlapping elements.
In conclusion, Adobe Illustrator is a versatile tool for creating

vector graphics, and its advantages lie in its ability to produce
scalable, editable, and high-quality designs suitable for various
purposes across both print and digital media. Whether you’re
a beginner or an experienced designer, mastering Illustrator
can significantly enhance your creative capabilities.
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Illustrator 02
Working with Artboards
• Creating, managing, and organizing artboards.

• Setting up documents for print and web.
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Creating a New
Artboard
To create a new artboard in Illustrator, you have several options:
a. Method 1: Click on the “Artboard” tool in the toolbar on the

left (usually located with the Slice and Slice Selection tools) and then
click on the canvas to create a new artboard.
b. Method 2: Go to “File” > “New” to create a new document.

In the New Document dialog box, you can specify the number
of artboards, their size, orientation, and spacing.
c. Method 3: Duplicate an existing artboard by selecting it

and then clicking “Duplicate Artboard” in the Artboards
panel (Window > Artboards). You can then modify the duplicated
artboard as needed.

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Managing and
Organizing Artboards
Once you have multiple artboards, you can manage and
organize them efficiently:
a. To select an artboard, click on it with the Selection Tool (V) or

choose it from the Artboards panel.
b. To move an artboard, select the Artboard tool, then click

and drag the artboard to a new position.
c. To resize an artboard, select the Artboard tool, click and drag

the handles at the edges or corners of the artboard.
d. To delete an artboard, select it and click the “Delete” button

in the Artboards panel.
e. To reorder artboards, click and drag an artboard to the

desired position in the Artboards panel.

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Setting up Documents
for Print and Web
When setting up a new document in Illustrator, it’s essential
to choose the appropriate settings based on your intended
output, whether it’s for print or web:
a. For Print: – Go to “File” > “New.” – In the New Document

dialog box, set the ˆª to “Print.” – Specify the “Number
of Artboards” and their sizes based on your print requirements
(e.g., letter size, poster size). – Set the color mode to CMYK (Cyan,
Magenta, Yellow, Black) for print documents.
b. For Web: – Go to “File” > “New.” – In the New Document

dialog box, set the “Profile” to “Web.” – Specify the “Number
of Artboards” and their sizes based on your web design
requirements (e.g., desktop, mobile, tablet). – Set the color mode
to RGB (Red, Green, Blue) for web documents.
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Saving and Exporting
Artboards
After you’ve created and organized your artboards, it’s time to
save or export your Illustrator file:
a. To save the entire Illustrator file with all artboards intact,

simply go to “File” > “Save” or “Save As” and choose the
location where you want to save the file.
b. To export individual artboards as separate files, go to “File” >

“Export” > “Export for Screens.” In the Export for Screens dialog
box, select the artboards you want to export and choose the
desired file format (e.g., PNG, JPEG, SVG) and settings.
Working with artboards in Adobe Illustrator offers great flexibility

and organization, allowing you to efficiently manage multiple
designs within a single document. By properly setting up your
document for print or web, you ensure that your designs will
be optimized for their intended output.
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Illustrator 03
Understanding
Illustrator’s Interface
• Navigating the workspace: tools, panels, and menus.

• Customizing the workspace to suit your needs.
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Workspace
When you open Adobe Illustrator, you’ll see the workspace,
which consists of the canvas (artboard) where you create your
designs. The workspace includes various tools, panels, and
menus that you can use to work with your artwork efficiently.
Tools
The Tools panel is located on the left side of the workspace
and contains various tools for creating and editing vector
graphics. Some essential tools include the Selection Tool (V),
Direct Selection Tool (A), Pen Tool (P), Type Tool (T), and Shape
Tools (Rectangle, Ellipse, etc.).

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Panels
Panels in Illustrator provide access to different functions and
settings. You can open or close panels from the Window menu
at the top of the workspace. Common panels include Layers,
Color, Brushes, Swatches, and Align.

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Menus
The top menu bar contains various menus that provide access
to different features and functions.
Some important menus include File (for opening, saving, and
exporting files), Edit (for editing and modifying elements), Object (for
working with objects and shapes), and Window (for opening and
managing panels).
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Control Bar
The Control Bar is located at the top of the workspace and
displays context-sensitive options based on the selected tool
or object. It provides quick access to frequently used options,
such as stroke and fill colors, alignment, and text properties.
Artboards
Artboards are the individual canvas areas where you create
your designs. You can work with multiple artboards within a
single Illustrator document. The Artboard Tool (Shift + O) in the
Tools panel allows you to create, select, and modify artboards.
Customizing the
Workspace
Illustrator allows you to customize the workspace to suit your
preferences and workflow. Here’s how you can do it:
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Moving Panels: You can rearrange panels by clicking and
dragging their tabs to a new position within the workspace.
Grouping Panels: To keep related panels together, you can

create panel groups. Drag a panel’s tab onto another panel’s
tab to group them together.
Docking and Undocking Panels: Panels can be docked

(attached) or undocked (floating) within the workspace. Drag a
panel away from its docked position to undock it, or drag it to
the edge of the workspace to dock it.
Saving and Loading Workspaces: Once you’ve customized

the workspace, you can save it as a custom workspace. Go
to “Window” > “Workspace” > “Save Workspace” and give
it a name. To load a saved workspace or switch to a default
workspace, go to “Window” > “Workspace” and choose the
desired workspace.

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Resetting the
Workspace
If you want to revert to the default workspace layout, you can
go to “Window” > “Workspace” > “Reset [Workspace Name].”
Customizing the Illustrator workspace helps you streamline

your workflow, keep essential tools and panels readily
accessible, and work more efficiently with your vector graphics
projects. Feel free to experiment with different arrangements
and configurations until you find the setup that best suits your
needs.

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Illustrator 04
Basic Shape Creation
• Using shape tools (Rectangle, Ellipse, Polygon, etc.).

• Combining, resizing, and rotating shapes.
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Creating Basic Shapes
a. Rectangle Tool (M) Select the Rectangle Tool from the Tools
panel (shortcut: M). Click and drag on the canvas to draw a
rectangle. Hold the Shift key while dragging to create a perfect
square.
b. Ellipse Tool (L) Select the Ellipse Tool from the Tools panel
(shortcut: L) Click and drag on the canvas to draw an ellipse.
Hold the Shift key while dragging to create a perfect circle.
c. Polygon Tool: Click and hold the Rectangle Tool in the Tools
panel to reveal a fly-out menu. Choose the Polygon Tool from
the menu. Click on the canvas and specify the number of sides
for the polygon in the dialog box. Drag to draw the shape.

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Combining Shapes
a. Union (Shape Mode): Create two or more overlapping shapes.
Select all the shapes you want to combine using the Selection
Tool (shortcut: V). Go to “Object” > “Path” > “Unite” or use the
“Unite” option in the Pathfinder panel (Window > Pathfinder).
b. Minus Front (Shape Mode): Create two overlapping shapes.

Select both shapes and ensure the shape you want to use
as the subtracting shape is on top. Go to “Object” > “Path” >
“Minus Front” or use the “Minus Front” option in the Pathfinder
panel.
c. Intersect (Shape Mode): Create two overlapping shapes.

Select both shapes. Go to “Object” > “Path” > “Intersect” or
use the “Intersect” option in the Pathfinder panel.
d. Divide (Shape Mode): Create two overlapping shapes. Select

both shapes. Go to “Object” > “Path” > “Divide” or use the
“Divide” option in the Pathfinder panel. This divides the
overlapping areas into separate shapes.
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Resizing Shapes
Select the shape you want to rotate using the Selection Tool
(V). Move the cursor outside the shape until the Rotate icon
appears. Click and drag to rotate the shape to the desired
angle. Hold the Shift key to constrain rotation to 45-degree
increments.
Remember to experiment with these shape creation,

combining, resizing, and rotating techniques to create more
complex designs and illustrations in Adobe Illustrator. The
versatile shape tools give you the foundation to build various
artwork and designs with precision and creativity.

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Illustrator 05
Working with Paths and
the Pen Tool
• Understanding anchor points and paths.

• Creating and editing paths with the Pen Tool
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Understanding Anchor
Points and Paths
Anchor Points: Anchor points are the points that define the shape
of a path. They are like anchors that hold the path in place. Each
anchor point has two control handles (direction lines) that control
the curvature of the path segments connected to it.
Paths: Paths are the lines or curves that connect anchor points.
A path can be a straight line segment or a smooth curve,
depending on the position and direction of the anchor points
and their control handles.
Creating Paths with

the Pen Tool
Select the Pen Tool (shortcut: P) from the Tools panel. Click on the
canvas to create the first anchor point of your path. Click and
drag to create a straight line segment. Release the mouse button
to add the second anchor point.
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To create a curved path, click and drag to create the first anchor
point, then drag the mouse while holding it to adjust the direction
of the control handles. Release the mouse button to add the
second anchor point, and the curve will follow the path of the
control handles.
Continue clicking and dragging to add more anchor points and

create complex paths.
Editing Paths with the

Pen Tool
To edit an existing path, select the Pen Tool (P) and click on an
anchor point to select it. Selected anchor points will display as
filled circles. To move an anchor point, click and drag it to a new
position.

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To adjust the curvature of a path segment, click and drag the
control handles of the anchor point. Hold the Shift key while
dragging to maintain the angle of the control handles.
To add a new anchor point to an existing path, position the Pen

Tool over the path segment and click.
To delete an anchor point, select it with the Pen Tool and press the
“Delete” or “Backspace” key.
Converting Anchor
Points
To close an open path and create a shape, position the Pen Tool
over the first anchor point (the starting point) until a small circle
appears next to the Pen Tool icon. Click to close the path
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Working with the Direct
Selection Tool
The Direct Selection Tool (shortcut: A) allows you to select and
modify individual anchor points and path segments. With the
Direct Selection Tool, you can click and drag anchor points or their
control handles to reshape paths.
Remember that mastering the Pen Tool in Adobe Illustrator may

take some practice, but it is a versatile tool that allows you to
create intricate and precise shapes and paths for your designs.
As you become more familiar with anchor points and paths, you’ll
have greater control over your vector artwork.

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Illustrator 06
Color and Swatches
• Using the Color panel to apply fill and stroke colors.

• Creating and managing swatches for easy color
access
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Using the Color Panel
for Fill and Stroke
Colors
The Color panel in Illustrator allows you to apply colors to the fill
and stroke of objects. To access the Color panel, go to “Window”
> “Color” or press “F6” on your keyboard.
To apply a color to the fill of an object, make sure the object is

selected, and then click on the desired color in the Color panel.
To apply a color to the stroke of an object, make sure the object is

selected, and then click on the small stroke icon at the bottom of
the Color panel. Choose the desired color. You can also adjust the
color using sliders for CMYK, RGB, HSB, or Grayscale values, or by
entering specific color values in the respective fields.

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Creating and
Managing Swatches
Swatches are pre-defined color samples that you can save
and reuse throughout your Illustrator document. To create a
new swatch:
a. Select the object with the color you want to save as a swatch.
b. Open the Swatches panel by going to “Window” > “Swatches.”
c. Click the small icon at the bottom of the Swatches panel
(Create New Swatch). The color will be added as a new swatch.
To apply a swatch to an object, select the object, and then
click on the swatch in the Swatches panel. To delete a swatch,
select it in the Swatches panel and click the trash bin icon at
the bottom of the panel.
To organize swatches, you can
create swatch groups by clicking
the “New Color Group” icon at the
bottom of the Swatches panel.
You can then drag swatches into
the group.
To save your custom swatches as

a swatch library for future use, go
to “Swatch Libraries Menu” in the
Swatches panel and choose “Save
Swatches.” Choose a location and
name for your swatch library file.
To load a saved swatch library, go

to “Swatch Libraries Menu” and
choose “Other Library.” Locate
and open the swatch library file.

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Illustrator 07
Applying Gradients
and Patterns
• Adding gradients to shapes and objects.

• Applying and creating seamless patterns
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Applying a Linear
Gradient
Create a shape using any shape tool (e.g., Rectangle, Ellipse) or select
an existing object. Open the Gradient panel by going to “Window”
> “Gradient” or press “Ctrl + F9” (Windows) or “Cmd + F9” (Mac).
By default, the Fill color will be set to “Solid.” To apply a gradient,

click on the gradient slider in the Gradient panel. To add a color
point to the gradient slider, click below the slider. You can add
multiple color points to create a multi-color gradient. Adjust the
color of each color point by double-clicking on it, or use the Color
panel to choose a new color. To adjust the position of a color point,
click and drag it along the slider. To change the angle or direction
of the gradient, use the Gradient Tool (shortcut: G) to click and drag
within the shape.
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Applying a Radial
Gradient
Follow the same steps as above to create or select a shape and
open the Gradient panel. Click on the “Radial Gradient” button
at the top of the Gradient panel. The center of the shape will be
the starting point of the gradient, and the outer edge will be the
endpoint. Add color points to the gradient slider and adjust their
colors and positions as desired. Use the Gradient Tool to click and
drag from the center outward to adjust the size and position of
the gradient.
Applying and Creating

Seamless Patterns
Patterns can add visual interest and texture to your designs.
Illustrator allows you to apply existing patterns or create your own
seamless patterns. Here’s how to do it:
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Applying an Existing
Pattern
Open or create a shape that you want to fill with a pattern. Go to
“Window” > “Swatches” to open the Swatches panel. Click on the
“Patterns” button at the bottom of the Swatches panel to access
the pattern swatches. Choose a pattern swatch from the library
by clicking on it. The selected shape will be filled with the pattern.
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Creating a Seamless
Pattern
Design or draw the artwork you want to use as a pattern. It should
be a square or rectangular shape. Select the artwork and go to
“Object” > “Pattern” > “Make” or use the “Object” > “Pattern” >
“Make Pattern” option. The Pattern Options panel will appear.
Adjust the settings like Tile Type (Grid, Brick by Row, etc.), Width, Height,
and any other options. Click “Done” to create the seamless
pattern. The pattern will be added to the Swatches panel, and
you can now fill any shape with the seamless pattern.
By applying gradients and patterns in Adobe Illustrator, you can

bring depth and texture to your designs, making them more
visually engaging. Experiment with different color combinations
and pattern designs to create unique and captivating artwork.

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Illustrator 08
Understanding Layers
• Working with layers to organize artwork.

• Arranging, grouping, and locking objects
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Creating and
Managing Layers
To create a new layer, go to “Window” > “Layers” to open the
Layers panel. Click on the “New Layer” button at the bottom of
the panel. By default, new layers are named “Layer 1,” “Layer 2,”
etc. You can rename layers by double-clicking on the layer name
and typing a new name. To delete a layer, select it in the Layers
panel and click on the trash bin icon at the bottom of the panel.
You can reorder layers by dragging and dropping them within

the Layers panel. The topmost layer is the frontmost, and the
bottommost layer is the backmost. To make a layer invisible, click
on the eye icon next to the layer in the Layers panel. This hides the
content on that layer but does not delete it.
Arranging Objects
Within Layers
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To move an object to a different layer, select the object, and then
drag it onto the desired layer in the Layers panel.
To change the stacking order of objects within a layer, use the

“Arrange” options under the “Object” menu. You can bring
an object to the front, send it to the back, or move it forward or
backward within the layer.
Grouping Objects
Grouping objects allows you to treat multiple objects as a single
unit. This is useful when you want to move or transform several
objects together. To group objects, select the objects you want to
include in the group, and then go to “Object” > “Group” or press
“Ctrl + G” (Windows) or “Cmd + G” (Mac).
To ungroup objects, select the grouped object, and then go to

“Object” > “Ungroup” or press “Shift + Ctrl + G” (Windows) or “Shift
+ Cmd + G” (Mac).
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Locking and Unlocking
Objects and Layers
Locking objects or layers
prevents them from being
accidentally selected or
modified. To lock an object,
select it and click on the lock
icon next to the object’s name
in the Layers panel. To lock a
layer, click on the lock icon
next to the layer’s name in the
Layers panel. To unlock objects
or layers, simply click on the
lock icon again to remove the
lock.

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Illustrator 09
Working with Text
• Creating and formatting text in Illustrator.

• Applying text effects and working with text on a path
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Creating and
Formatting Text
To add text to your artwork, select the Type Tool (shortcut: T) from
the Tools panel.
Click and drag on the canvas to create a text box. Alternatively,

click once on the canvas to create a point text box, which
automatically adjusts its width based on the text content. Start
typing your text. You can also paste text from an external source.
To change the font, font size, and other text attributes, use the
options in the Character panel (Window > Type > Character). To resize
the text box, click and drag any of its handles.
Applying Text Effects

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To apply text effects, select the text, and then go to the Appearance
panel (Window > Appearance).
Use the options in the Appearance panel to add effects such as

fills, strokes, shadows, and more to the selected text. You can also
apply multiple effects to the same text by clicking on the “Add
New Effect” button in the Appearance panel.
Working with Text

on a Path
To create text on a path, draw a path using the Pen Tool or any
other shape tool. Select the Type Tool and move the cursor over
the path until the cursor changes to a wavy line. Click on the path
to start typing text along the path. The text will flow along the shape
of the path. To adjust the position of the text on the path, use the
Type on a Path Options panel, which appears when the text is
selected. You can also use the Direct Selection Tool (shortcut: A)
to click and drag the text along the path or adjust the position of
individual characters.
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Text Formatting Tips
To align text within the text box or along a path, use the alignment
options in the Control Bar at the top of the workspace.
To create bulleted or numbered lists, select the text and use the
Bulleted List or Numbered List options in the Character panel.
To convert text to outlines (vector shapes), select the text, and go

to “Type” > “Create Outlines.” This is useful for creating custom
lettering or applying complex effects.
To wrap text inside

a shape or along a
closed path, use the
“Type” > “Area Type
Options” or “Type”
> “Type on a Path”
options.
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Illustrator 10
Introduction to
Drawing Tools
• Using the Pencil and Brush tools to draw freehand.

• Creating custom brushes for artistic effects
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Using the Pencil Tool
The Pencil Tool (shortcut: N) in Illustrator is great for freehand
drawing. It allows you to create smooth paths by automatically
smoothing and adjusting your strokes.
Select the Pencil Tool from the Tools panel.
Click and drag on the canvas to draw freehand lines or shapes.

The Pencil Tool will automatically adjust the paths to make them
smoother.
To adjust the smoothness of the paths, you can double-click on

the Pencil Tool icon in the Tools panel or use the Smoothness slider
in the Control Bar at the top of the workspace.
To close a shape created with the Pencil Tool, double-click the

endpoint, or hover over the starting point, and a small circle will
appear to indicate closing the path.
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Using the Brush Tool
The Brush Tool (shortcut: B) in Illustrator allows you to create artistic
strokes with various brush presets.
Select the Brush Tool from the Tools panel.
Choose a brush from the Brushes panel (Window > Brushes). Illustrator
comes with a variety of pre-installed brush libraries.
Click and drag on the canvas to draw with the selected brush.
You can adjust the stroke width using the Stroke Weight option in
the Control Bar.
To change the color of the stroke, use the Color panel or the
Swatches panel.

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Creating Custom
Brushes
Illustrator allows you to create custom brushes to add unique
and artistic effects to your artwork. Draw the artwork or shape you
want to use as a brush using any drawing tool or create a vector
shape.
Select the artwork, and then go to “Window” > “Brushes” to open

the Brushes panel.
Click on the “New Brush” button at the bottom of the Brushes

panel. Choose the type of brush you want to create: Scatter Brush,
Art Brush, or Pattern Brush. In the dialog box that appears, adjust
the settings for the custom brush, such as size, spacing, rotation,
and colorization.
Click “OK” to create the custom brush. It will now be added to the
Brushes panel and can be applied to any path or shape using the
Brush Tool.
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Editing Custom
Brushes
To edit a custom brush, double-click on its thumbnail in the Brushes
panel. You can adjust the settings and preview the changes in
the dialog box that appears.
Click “OK” to apply the changes to the custom brush.
By using the Pencil and Brush tools in Adobe Illustrator, along with
creating custom brushes, you can add hand-drawn and artistic
elements to your designs. Experiment with different brush presets
and create unique custom brushes to achieve various effects
and styles.

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Illustrator 11
Using the Shape
Builder Tool
• Combining and subtracting shapes using the

Shape Builder tool.
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Selecting the Shape
Builder Tool
The Shape Builder Tool (shortcut: Shift + M) is located in the Tools
panel, typically grouped with the Live Paint Bucket and Live Paint
Selection tools.
Combining Shapes
To subtract shapes using the Shape Builder Tool, ensure that the
shapes you want to subtract overlap, with one shape entirely or
partially covering the other.
Select the Shape Builder Tool and hold down the “Alt” (Option on
Mac) key. Click and drag over the areas you want to subtract. As
you drag, the selected areas will be highlighted with a minus (-)
sign, indicating subtraction.

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Release the mouse button, and the
selected areas will be subtracted
from the overlapping shape. You
can continue to click and drag over
additional areas to subtract them
from the same shape.
Non-Destructive
Editing
The Shape Builder Tool allows for non-destructive editing. That
means the original shapes are not permanently altered; they are
only visually combined or subtracted.
If you need to edit the original shapes or modify the combined

shape, you can simply use the Direct Selection Tool (shortcut: A) to
select and adjust the anchor points and paths.
Cleaning Up the Result

After using the Shape Builder Tool to combine or subtract shapes,
you may notice overlapping or unnecessary anchor points.
To clean up the result, use the Delete Anchor Point Tool (Shift + D)
to remove any unwanted anchor points and optimize the path.
The Shape Builder Tool in Adobe Illustrator is an efficient way to

create complex shapes by combining and subtracting basic
shapes. It provides a flexible and non-destructive workflow,
allowing you to easily refine your artwork and achieve precise
results.
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Illustrator 12
Working with Images
• Placing and embedding raster images in Illustrator.

• Tracing images with the Image Trace feature
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Placing and
Embedding Raster
Images
To place a raster image in Illustrator, go to “File” > “Place” or use
the shortcut “Ctrl + Shift + P” (Windows) or “Cmd + Shift + P” (Mac).
Select the image file you want to place and click “Place.”
The cursor will turn into a loaded image icon. Click anywhere
on the canvas to place the image. By default, the image will be
linked to the original file. If you want to embed the image into the
Illustrator file, select the image and go to “Object” > “Embed.”
Embedded images become part of the Illustrator document, and
you don’t need to keep the original image file linked. To access the
image options, you can double-click on the image or right-click
and choose “Image Options.” Here, you can adjust the image’s
opacity, dimensions, and other properties.

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Tracing Images
with the Image
Trace Feature
The Image Trace feature in Illustrator allows you to convert raster
images into vector artwork. Select the placed image you want to
trace.
Go to the “Image Trace” panel (Window > Image Trace). The panel
will show several preset options to choose from, such as “Black
and White,” “Color,” “High Fidelity Photo,” etc.
Select the desired preset, or you can also click on the “Expand”
button to apply the default settings. After expanding, the traced
image will be converted into editable vector paths. If needed,
you can further adjust the tracing result using the “Image Trace”
options at the top of the workspace. To access more advanced
tracing options, click on the “Advanced” button in the “Image
Trace” panel. Experiment with different presets and options to
achieve the desired tracing result. Keep in mind that complex
images with a lot of detail may not trace perfectly, and manual
adjustments may be needed.
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Editing Traced Images
Once an image is traced, the resulting vector paths can be
edited using Illustrator’s standard editing tools, such as the Direct
Selection Tool (shortcut: A) and the Pen Tool (shortcut: P).
Adjust anchor points and paths as needed to fine-tune the traced

artwork. Tracing images provides a great way to convert hand-
drawn sketches or raster images into editable vector graphics,
allowing for more flexibility and scalability in your designs.
Working with images in Adobe Illustrator gives you the flexibility to

combine raster and vector elements in your artwork and unleash
your creativity with the Image Trace feature for converting raster
images into vector graphics.

54
Illustrator 13
Understanding Object
Transformation
• Scaling, rotating, and reflecting objects.

• Using the Transform panel for precise transformations.
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Scaling Objects
To scale an object, select it with the Selection Tool (shortcut: V).
Click and drag any corner handle of the bounding box to scale
the object proportionally. To scale non-proportionally, hold the
“Shift” key while dragging a corner handle.
To scale from the center

of the object, hold the
“Alt” (Option on Mac) key
while dragging a corner
handle. For more precise
scaling, you can use the
Transform panel (Window
> Transform).
Enter specific values for

width and height in the
Transform panel and
press “Enter” to apply the
transformation.
Rotating Objects
To rotate an object, select it with the Selection Tool. Move the
cursor outside the bounding box until it changes into a curved
arrow. Click and drag to rotate the object. Hold the “Shift” key to
constrain rotation to 45-degree increments.
For more precise rotation, you can use the Transform panel.
Enter a specific value for rotation angle in the Transform panel
and press “Enter” to apply the rotation.

56
¯Æ´
To reflect an object, select it with the Selection Tool. Go to “Object”
–˙Æª–¯ª or right-click and choose “Transform”
–¯¡ª
In the Reflect dialog box, choose the desired axis (Vertical or

Horizontal) and click “OK.” The object will be reflected accordingly.
For more precise reflection, you can use the Reflect tool (shortcut:
O) or the Transform panel. In the Transform panel, enter a specific
value for reflection angle and press “Enter” to apply the reflection.
57
Transforming
Multiple Objects
To transform multiple objects simultaneously, select all the objects
you want to transform with the Selection Tool.
Apply scaling, rotation, or reflection using any of the methods

mentioned above, and all selected objects will be transformed
together. To scale and rotate around a specific point, first, group
the objects (Object > Group or Ctrl/Cmd + G), and then perform the
transformation.

58
Illustrator 14
Using the
ˆÆˆÆ
• Combining and dividing shapes with

Pathfinder operations
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Opening the
ˆÆˆÆ
To open the Pathfinder panel, go to ˚ÆŒª–ˆÆ¡ª
Combining Shapes
ŒˆÆ
Operations
Select the shapes you want to combine using the Selection
Tool (shortcut: V). In the Pathfinder panel, you’ll find several shape
operation icons.

60
Union (Shape Mode):
Click the first icon (Unite) in the Pathfinder panel. This operation
combines selected shapes into a single shape by removing
overlapping areas.
Minus Front (Shape Mode):

Select one shape that you want to use as a subtracting shape
and position it in front of the other shape. Select both shapes
and click the second icon (Minus Front) in the Pathfinder panel. This
operation subtracts the front shape from the back shape, leaving
the result as a single shape.
Intersect (Shape Mode):

Select two or more overlapping shapes. Click the third icon
(Intersect) in the Pathfinder panel. This operation creates a new
shape only in the areas where the selected shapes overlap.
Exclude (Shape Mode):

Select two or more overlapping shapes. Click the fourth icon
(Exclude) in the Pathfinder panel. This operation combines shapes
while excluding the areas where the shapes overlap.
Divide (Shape Mode):

Select two or more overlapping shapes. Click the fifth icon (Divide)
in the Pathfinder panel. This operation divides the overlapping
areas into separate shapes.
61
Dividing Shapes with
ˆÆ´ªÆ
Dividing shapes is useful when you want to split objects into
separate pieces or sections. Draw a shape that you want to use
as a dividing shape. This shape should intersect with the object
you want to divide.
Select both the dividing shape and the object to be divided. Click
the fifth icon (Divide) in the Pathfinder panel.
The object will be divided into separate pieces wherever the

dividing shape intersects it. Ungroup the divided pieces (Object >
Ungroup or Shift + Ctrl/Cmd + G) to work with them individually.
The Pathfinder panel in Illustrator offers a wide range of possibilities

for creating custom shapes and complex designs by combining
and dividing shapes. Experiment with different operations to
achieve the desired results and explore creative ways to use the
Pathfinder tool to enhance your artwork.
62
Illustrator 15
Creating and Editing
Symbols
• Understanding symbols and their benefits.

• Editing and using symbol instances.
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Creating Symbols
To create a symbol, first, draw or select the artwork that you want
to turn into a symbol.
Select the artwork, and then go to “Window” > “Symbol” or use the
shortcut “Shift + Ctrl + F11” (Windows) or “Shift + Cmd + F11” (Mac)
to open the Symbols panel. Click on the “New Symbol” button at
the bottom of the Symbols panel. In the Symbol Options dialog
box, you can name the symbol, set its registration point (the point
around which the symbol will rotate and scale), and choose whether
to include the symbol for the current or all artboards. Click “OK”
to create the symbol. The symbol will be added to the Symbols
panel, and the original artwork will become an instance of the
symbol.
Editing Symbols
To edit a symbol, double-click on its thumbnail in the Symbols
panel. This will enter symbol-editing mode.

64
When in symbol-editing mode, any
changes made to the artwork will be
reflected in all instances of the symbol
throughout the document. You can
add or modify elements, change
colors, apply effects, or make any other
adjustments to the artwork within the
symbol. To exit symbol-editing mode,
click outside the symbol artwork on
the canvas or press “Esc.”
Using Symbol
Instances
Once you have created a symbol, you can use instances of it in
your artwork.
To place an instance of a symbol, select the Symbol Sprayer Tool

(shortcut: Shift + S) from the Tools panel. Click and drag the Symbol
Sprayer Tool on the canvas to create instances of the symbol.
You can adjust the size and density of instances using the options
in the Control Bar.
To convert existing artwork into a symbol instance, select the

artwork and click on the desired symbol in the Symbols panel.
Instances of the symbol are linked to the original symbol, so
any changes made to the symbol will automatically update all
instances in the document.
Advantages of Using
Symbols
65
Symbols help reduce file size by reusing artwork instead of
duplicating it. Editing a symbol automatically updates all instances
of the symbol, making it easy to maintain consistency in your
artwork. Symbols improve workflow efficiency by allowing you to
manage and make changes to repeated elements quickly.
Using symbols in Adobe Illustrator streamlines your design

process and allows for easy management of repeated elements.
By creating and editing symbols, you can maintain a consistent
and organized artwork while reducing the file size and optimizing
performance.

66
Illustrator 16
Exporting and Saving
• Exporting illustrations for print and web.

• Saving in different formats (AI, EPS, PDF, SVG).
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Exporting Illustrations
for Print
To export an illustration for print, go to “File” > “Export” or use the
shortcut “Ctrl + Shift + E” (Windows) or “Cmd + Shift + E” (Mac).
Choose a format suitable for print, such as PDF or EPS. In the

export dialog box, select the appropriate settings for your print
requirements, such as color space, resolution, and compression.
Click “Export” to save the file in the selected format. PDF and EPS
are common print formats that preserve vector data and are
widely accepted by print service providers.
Exporting Illustrations
for Web
To export an illustration for web use, go to “File” > “Export” > “Export
for Screens” or use the shortcut “Alt + Ctrl + E” (Windows) or
“Option + Cmd + E” (Mac).
68
In the “Export for Screens” dialog box, you can choose the desired
format, such as PNG, JPEG, or SVG. Select the artboards you want
to export or choose “All” if you want to export all artboards.
Adjust the export settings like resolution and quality as per your
web requirements. Click “Export Artboard” to save the file in the
selected format. PNG and JPEG are raster formats suitable for web
graphics, while SVG is a vector format that is ideal for scalable
web graphics.
Saving in Different
Formats
To save your Illustrator file, go to “File” > “Save” or use the shortcut
“Ctrl + S” (Windows) or “Cmd + S” (Mac). Illustrator files are saved in
the .ai format, which preserves all vector data, layers, and editable
elements.

69
To save your file in other formats, go to “File” > “Save As” and choose
the desired format from the list.
AI format: .ai (native Illustrator format for preserving vector data).
EPS format: .eps (suitable for print and compatibility with other software).
PDF format: .pdf (suitable for both print and electronic distribution).
SVG format: .svg (ideal for scalable web graphics).
You can also save a copy of your artwork in a different format

without replacing the original .ai file.
Remember to consider the specific requirements of your print or

web project when exporting or saving your illustrations. Choosing
the appropriate file format ensures that your artwork looks its best
and is compatible with the intended use.

70
Read Online Links
01 - Introduction to Illustrator
02 - Working with Artboards
03 - Understanding Interface
04 - Basic Shape Creation
05 - Working with Paths and the Pen Tool
06 - Color and Swatches
07 - Applying Gradients and Patterns
08 - Understanding Layers
09 - Working with Text
10 - Introduction to Drawing Tools
11 - Using the Shape Builder Tool
12 - Working with Images
13 - Understanding Object Transformation
15 - Creating and Editing Symbols

16 - Exporting and Saving

71

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15 - Creating and Editing Symbols

Powered Free by 16 - Exporting and Savingl

• Overview of Illustrator and its applications.

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Artboards: Illustrator allows you to work with multiple artboards,

Shape Tools: Illustrator offers a variety of shape tools like

Typography: With extensive typographic capabilities, you can

Layers: Just like in other Adobe applications, Illustrator uses

Brushes: Illustrator offers an array of customizable brushes

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Scalability: Vector graphics can be resized to any dimension

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Small File Sizes: Compared to raster graphics (such as JPEG or

Precision: Vector graphics are perfect for precise and detailed

Printing: Vector graphics are commonly used in print media, as

Transparency and Overlapping: Vector graphics support

In conclusion, Adobe Illustrator is a versatile tool for creating

• Creating, managing, and organizing artboards.

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a. Method 1: Click on the “Artboard” tool in the toolbar on the

b. Method 2: Go to “File” > “New” to create a new document.

c. Method 3: Duplicate an existing artboard by selecting it

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a. To select an artboard, click on it with the Selection Tool (V) or

b. To move an artboard, select the Artboard tool, then click

c. To resize an artboard, select the Artboard tool, click and drag

d. To delete an artboard, select it and click the “Delete” button

e. To reorder artboards, click and drag an artboard to the

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a. For Print: – Go to “File” > “New.” – In the New Document

b. For Web: – Go to “File” > “New.” – In the New Document

a. To save the entire Illustrator file with all artboards intact,

b. To export individual artboards as separate files, go to “File” >

Working with artboards in Adobe Illustrator offers great flexibility

• Navigating the workspace: tools, panels, and menus.

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Grouping Panels: To keep related panels together, you can

Docking and Undocking Panels: Panels can be docked

Saving and Loading Workspaces: Once you’ve customized

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Customizing the Illustrator workspace helps you streamline

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• Using shape tools (Rectangle, Ellipse, Polygon, etc.).

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b. Minus Front (Shape Mode): Create two overlapping shapes.

c. Intersect (Shape Mode): Create two overlapping shapes.

d. Divide (Shape Mode): Create two overlapping shapes. Select

Remember to experiment with these shape creation,

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• Understanding anchor points and paths.

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Creating Paths with

Continue clicking and dragging to add more anchor points and

Editing Paths with the