Illustrator

By: Amesha Alexander

What is Illustrator?

•Brand of software used to create professional quality vector graphics.•First developed for Mac computers in 1976, now available for both Mac and Windows.•Companion of Photoshop

•Provides results in the typesetting and logo graphic areas of design.•Released in 1988.•Available in more than 20 different languages.

Examples of typesetting and logo graphics done with Adobe Illustrator

•Create web graphics•Create Posters•Import text•Format text•Create Backgrounds •Create Borders

Used to:

Above: Poster created by IllustratorTop right: Typesetting created by IllustratorBottom right: Graphics made in Illustrator

Tool Bar:

Selection tool: Lets you select entire objects, resize delete, & move them.Text tool: Allows you to create and edit text.Pen tool: Lets you draw straight and curved lines.

Rectangle tool: Lets you create rectangles, which are good for borders and backgrounds.Hand tool: Lets you navigate around on the page.Zoom tool: Allows you to zoom in and out of the page.

Examples of toolboxes

Shortcuts

Selecting and Moving:•Option-make a copy while dragging•Shift-add a selectionPath Editing:•Spacebar-moves anchor point while dragging with pen toolViewing and Guides:•Tab-hide/show all tools and palettes•Shift tab-hide/show all toolbox except palettesType:•Option arrow up/down-decrease/increase leading•Option arrow left/right-decrease/increase kerning/tracking•Shift option arrow down/up-decrease/increase baseline shift

References

http://www.videosymphony.com/working.php?pg=fc_whatisadobeillustrator

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adobe_Illustrator

http://desktoppublishing.com/reviews/illustrator_8-2.html

http://www.webdesignerwall.com/tutorials/adobe-illustrator-shortcuts/

The End