Adobe Illustrator CS5 – Illustrated

Unit C: Going Beyond the Basics

Objectives

Upon completion of this unit, you should be able to: Use the Transform Each command Select within groups and make guides Modify objects with the Direct Selection

tool Work with the stacking order Create interlocking objects

Objectives

Create concentric circles Use the Unite shape mode Add visual complexity with the stacking

order

Using the Transform Each Command

Offers the option to transform multiple objects simultaneously, but individually Great for making a complex pattern from

a simple illustration

Transform Each dialog box One of nine reference points can be

selected • Indicates which point the selected object will

transform from

Using the Transform Each Command

Point of origin Chosen the from in the dialog box

Default point of origin Center reference point selected

Using the Transform Each Command

FIGURE C-1: Transform Each dialog box

Using the Transform Each Command

FIGURE C-2: Squares are scaled 70%

FIGURE C-3: Pattern created with the Transform Each command

Selecting Within Groups and Making Guides

Selection tool Used to select all objects in a group

Direct Selection tool Used to select individual objects within a

group

Make Guides command Used to convert Illustrator objects into

guides (i.e., object guides)

Selecting Within Groups and Making Guides

FIGURE C-4: Converting the rectangle to an object guide

Selecting Within Groups and Making Guides

FIGURE C-5: Viewing two object guides

Modifying Objects with the Direct Selection Tool

Direct Selection tool Also used to select individual

components of a single vector object• Select individual paths and anchor points on

vector objects Anchor points appear white or hollow

• Hollow anchor points can be selected individually

• When you apply the Add Anchor Points command, the entire object becomes selected

Modifying Objects with the Direct Selection Tool

FIGURE C-6: Repositioning the 4" x 4" square

Modifying Objects with the Direct Selection Tool

FIGURE C-7: Moving a single anchor point

Modifying Objects with the Direct Selection Tool

FIGURE C-8: Recreating the starburst

Working with the Stacking Order

Stacking order Order of how objects are arranged in

front of and behind other objects on the artboard• Objects are created in front of the existing

objects Arrange commands on the Object menu

• Allows you to manipulate stacking order Draw Behind drawing mode

• Allows objects to be created behind a object or at the bottom of the stacking order

Working with the Stacking Order

FIGURE C-9: Red rectangle sent to the back of the stacking order

FIGURE C-10: Moving the blue oval forward in the stacking order

Working with the Stacking Order

FIGURE C-11: The new red circle behind the purple rectangle

Creating Interlocking Objects

Line segments Selected when you click a path with the

Direct Selection tool Fall within each set of two anchor points

Interlocking objects Created using the Paste In Front

command

Creating Interlocking Objects

FIGURE C-12: Identifying the orange path to select

FIGURE C-13: A copy of the orange path is in front of all objects

Creating Interlocking Objects

FIGURE C-14: Identifying the green path to select

FIGURE C-15: Identifying the purple path to select

Creating Interlocking Objects

FIGURE C-16: Identifying the two anchor points to select

FIGURE C-17: The completed effect—it’s all an illusion

Creating Concentric Circles

Circles that have a common center Created using the Offset Path command

Offsetting a path Negative input value creates a smaller

path inside the original Positive input value creates a larger path

outside the original

Creating Concentric Circles

FIGURE C-18: Concentric and evenly space circles

FIGURE C-19: Each new circle is .25" outside its original

Using the Unite Shape Mode

Pathfinder panel Contains pre-programmed actions to

perform basic functions on selected objects

Shape modes and pathfinders: allow new shapes to be created from overlapping objects• Shape modes: first row• Pathfinders: second row

Using the Unite Shape Mode

Unite shape mode Unites multiple paths as a single object

FIGURE C-20: Uniting all the paths

Using the Unite Shape Mode

FIGURE C-21: Odd “holes” remain where paths didn’t overlap

Using the Unite Shape Mode

FIGURE C-22: Drawing rectangles over holes

Adding Visual Complexity with the Stacking Order

Stacking order Manages which objects are in front of or

behind other objects Can be used to add visual complexity to

an illustration• Pasting new objects in front of or behind

existing objects can add a sense of dimension, layering, and depth

Adding Visual Complexity with the Stacking Order

FIGURE C-23: Bringing the paths to the front

FIGURE C-24: Pasted path with dark blue fill

Adding Visual Complexity with the Stacking Order

FIGURE C-25: Final illustration