BYU Office of IT TrainingVersion 091021

http://it.byu.eduit-training@byu.edu1

Adobe Illustrator CS4

The Tools PanelUse the Tools panel to select, draw, edit, and view images. A small triangle on an icon indicates additional tools may be accessed by clicking and holding the mouse button. The Control panel (lo-cated above right of the Tools panel) shows selected tool options.

Common ToolsSelection - Select or move objects.Direct Selection - Select specific parts of a path.Magic Wand - Select similar content.Lasso - Select an area.Pen - Create paths.Type - Add text. Line Segment - Create a line path.Rectangle - Create basic shapes.Brush - Apply brush-like paths to the image with soft edge.Pencil - Draw freehand paths. Smooth - Smooth paths.Blob Brush - Create freehand shapes.Eraser - Erase paths.Rotate - Rotate an object.Scale - Scale an object.Warp - Warp paths.Free Transform - Transform objects.Symbol - Add symbols from Symbol panel.Graph - Create graphs.Mesh - Create custom gradients.Gradient - Create gradients.Eyedropper tool - Sample a color and click to specify fill color. Hold Alt and click to specify stroke color.Blend - Blend objects.Artboard - Change the artboard.Slice - Define boundaries of web ele-ments in artwork.Scissors - Cut paths.Knife - Cut element in two parts.Hand - Move the Artboard (the docu-ment window) without using scroll bars.Zoom - Magnify an image.Swap Fill/Stroke Color - Toggle the background/foreground color.Default Fill/Stroke Color - Return the fill and stroke colors to default (black and white).Fill/Stroke Color Boxes - Double-click to set fill or stroke colors.

FundamentalsTask-based WorkspacesThe Workspace Switcher is located at the top right of the program window. Click this menu to change your Illustrator work-space to match your project. Or, customize your workspace by choosing your panel options in the Window menu. The panels and tools can be moved around or resized to best suit your needs.

Vector GraphicsIllustrator specializes in vector graph-ics, mathematically generated geometric shapes. Resizing vector images does not cause them to pixilate.

Raster Images Raster images are stored as a pixel grid. Resizing raster graphics can cause image distortion. Photoshop is better for working with raster images.

File FormatsGIF - 256 colors; supports transparency; ideal for logos, clip art, and simple pictures.JPG - unlimited colors; no transparency; ideal for photographs.

PNG - unlimited colors; good for web graphics; transparency not supported in all browsers. TIFF - uncompressed; great for profes-sional printing; large file size.

Color ModesRGB - Defines image pixels as a combina-tion of red, green, and blue. Each com-ponent is measured on a scale of 0–255. Standard for monitor/projector displays.CMYK - Defines image pixels as cyan, magenta, yellow, and black on a scale of 0–100. Each corresponds to an ink color. Better for high-end printers and profes-sional print jobs.

Using the Shape Tools1. Select a shape tool.2. Click and drag in the Artboard . For additional effects, hold down the follow-ing keys while you draw:Shift: Rectangle/Ellipse tools: creates propor-tional shapes. Star/Polygon tools: restricts shapes from rotating.Alt: Create a shape from its center.Spacebar: Temporarily repositions the shape on the Artboard as you draw.

Quick Reference

Menu Toolbar

Tool

s Pan

el

Control Panel Workspace Switcher

Panels

Artboard

BYU Office of IT TrainingVersion 091021

http://it.byu.eduit-training@byu.edu2

ObjectsSelect an Object1. Choose the Selection tool. 2. Click on an object in the Artboard.or� Click an object in the Artboard and

press Shift. Then click other shapes.or� Create a marquee by dragging around

all or part of the shape(s).Scale Objects with Selection Tool1. With the Selection tool, select an object

in the Artboard to make its bounding box visible.

2. Move cursor to a handle on the bound-ing box until it changes to a double-headed arrow.

3. Click and drag to scale the shape. Hold Shift to maintain proportion.

Scale Objects with Scale Tool1. With the Selection tool, select an object

in the Artboard.2. Choose Scale in the Tools panel.3. Click and drag the object in any direc-

tion to scale it from the center out. Rotate Objects with Selection Tool1. With the Selection tool, select an object

in the Artboard to make its bounding box visible.

2. Put your cursor just outside a handle until it changes to a curve with arrow-heads at both ends.

3. Click and drag in a circular motion to rotate the shape. Press Shift as you drag to restrict the rotation to increments of 45 degrees.

Rotate Objects with Rotate Tool1. Choose the Selection tool.2. Select an object in the Artboard.3. Choose Rotate in the Tools panel.4. Click and drag to rotate the object. or� Double-click Rotate in the Tools panel

to open the Rotate dialog box. Enter a specific angle of rotation.

Reflect Object with Free Transform1. Select the object to transform.2. Choose Free Transform in the Tools

panel.3. Click and drag a bounding box handle

past the opposite box edge.4. Hold down Shift to maintain object

proportions.

PanelsColor F61. Select an object in the Artboard.2. Double click Fill or Stroke .3. Select a color from the Color Picker.or� Use the Color panel and drag the color

sliders or enter values in the percentage boxes.

SwatchesUse Swatches to quickly access common colors. To create a new swatch1. Create a color in the Color panel.2. Click and drag the color from the Color

panel to the Swatches panel.or�1. In the Swatches panel, click the sticky

note.2. Define a new color and select the box

next to “Global” to update the color to all Illustrator files.

Gradient Ctrl+F9Create and edit gradients.1. Select an object in the Artboard.2. Select the Gradient Fill swatch in the

Gradient panel. 3. Drag a color to the color stop from the

Color Guide, Color panel, or Swatches panel.

4. Repeat step three to define a second color for the gradient.

5. Select gradient type (Linear or Radial) from the Type drop-down menu.

Layers F7This panel lists all the layers in a document starting with the foremost layer. Use layers to keep graphical data separate.

Transparency Shift+Ctrl+F10Set object opacity along a continuum from transparent to opaque. 1. Select an object in the Artboard. (The

object selected must have a fill applied.)2. In the Transparency panel, click the ar-

row to the right of the Opacity box.3. Drag the Opacity slider. or� Enter a value in the Opacity box to

specify opacity level.Stroke Ctrl+F10Format stroke for shapes and paths. 1. Select an object in the Artboard.2. Adjust stroke weight in the Stroke panel

by either entering a value for the stroke weight, selecting a value from the drop-down menu, or clicking the arrows on the left side of the Weight box.

3. Select a cap to determine open path ends.

4. Select a join to determine path segment corners.

5. Set stroke alignment in Align Stroke .

Character Ctrl+T1. Choose Type in the Tools panel.2. Click anywhere in the Artboard and

begin typing.

3. Adjust text options such as font size, style, spacing or leading in the Charac-ter panel.

Paragraph Alt+Ctrl+T1. Select a text box on the Artboard.2. Adjust paragraph options such as align-

ment and indentation in the Paragraph panel.

TextPosition Type on a Path1. Choose Paintbrush, Pencil, or Pen.2. Click and draw a path.3. Select Type on a Path or Vertical Type

on a Path from the Tools panel. (The pointer changes to a vertical I-beam with a curved line.)

4. Click the path where the text will start. The paint attributes of the line will disappear. A blinking cursor will appear on the path.

5. Enter text. The characters will appear stacked with verti-cally on the path.

Convert Type to OutlinesTo graphically modify text characters, convert the type to outlines.1. Select a text object on the Artboard.2. Select Type → Create Outlines to

convert the characters into modifiable shapes.

Converting type to outlines prohibits text or font editing.

PathsCreate a Closed Path1. Choose Pencil, Paintbrush, or Pen in

the Tools panel.2. Click and drag to create a path. 3. Drag back to the starting point of the

path and press Alt.4. Release the mouse button. The end point will join the start point auto-matically.

Reshape a Path1. Select a path.2. Choose Pencil in the Tools panel.3. Redraw directly over the selected path

to reshape it. Connect New Path with Existing Path 1. Select the existing path.2. Choose Pencil in the Tools panel.3. Click and drag to create new path; then

press Ctrl to connect to an existing path end point.

4. Release the mouse button.Both paths must be selected to connect.

BYU Office of IT TrainingVersion 091021

http://it.byu.eduit-training@byu.edu3

Draw Straight Segments with Pen1. Choose Pen in the Tools panel.2. Click to create an anchor point.3. Click again in another location to place

a second anchor point.4. Continue adding segments this way. 5. Press Ctrl and click a blank area of the

Artboard to deselect the path.Hold down Shift to constrain the direction points to 45 degrees.

Close a Path with Pen Tool1. Choose Pen in the Tools panel.2. Click or click and drag to create a path.3. Hover cursor over the first anchor point

on the path until the cursor changes to show a pen icon with an “o” next to it.

4. Click on the anchor point.The “o” indicates that the path will close when you click.

Draw Curved Segments with Pen1. Choose Pen in the Tools panel.2. Click and drag the mouse in the direc-

tion the first segment will curve. (Two direction points appear. The first affects the angle that the path will leave that an-chor. The other point will affect the angle that the path will enter that anchor.)

3. Release the mouse button.4. Select a new point to create the next

anchor; click and drag. 5. Release the mouse button.6. To continue adding segments to the

path, point to where the next segment will end. Drag or click to create the new anchor point.

7. To complete the path, press Ctrl and click a blank area of the Artboard or select a different tool in the Tools panel.

Hold down Shift to constrain the direction points to 45 degrees.

Move an Anchor Point1. Select a path.2. Choose the Direct Selection tool. 3. Click and drag the anchor point to a

new location.Adjust the Segment Curvature1. Select a path.2. Choose the Direct Selection tool. 3. Double click the segment or its anchor

point so the associated direction points appear.

4. Drag a direction point to adjust the line.

Add Anchor Points to a Path 1. Select a path.2. Choose Add Anchor Point located

under the pen tool in the Tools panel.3. Click anywhere on the path.or� Select the Pen tool from the tools panel

and hover over a blank section of the path. Click when “+” shows next to the cursor.

Delete Anchor Points from a Path1. Select a path.2. Choose Delete Anchor Point located

under the pen tool in the Tools panel. 3. Click any existing anchor point on a

path to delete it. or� Select the Pen tool from the tools panel

and hover over an anchor on the path. Click when “-” shows up next to the cursor.

Remove Direction Points 1. Choose Convert Anchor Point located

under the Pen tool in the Tools panel.2. Click and drag from an anchor point to

create a smooth point. or� Click and drag the direction points to

create a corner point.

Join Endpoints Ctrl+J1. Choose the Direct Selection tool in the

Tools panel.2. Select two endpoints of the same path

or two different paths to connect by holding down Shift.

3. Choose Object → Path → Join.or� Right-click and select Join.If the endpoints are a distance from each other, a straight segment is created automati-cally, connecting the two endpoints. If the anchor points overlap, they combine as a single anchor point.

Cut Paths with Scissors1. Choose Scissors (click and hold the

Eraser tool to find the scissors). 2. Click any part of the path to cut.

Remove Part of a Closed Shape1. Choose Scissors (click and hold the

Eraser tool to find the scissors). 2. Click a start and end point of the part

of the path to remove. 3. Take the Direct Selection tool and

select the path between to the cuts to remove that section.

Split an Object with the Knife1. Choose Knife (click and hold the Eraser

tool to find the scissors). 2. Click and drag across the shape. The Knife tool works only on closed shapes or paths with fills applied, and the resulting paths are closed shapes.

Adjust Image/Object Order1. Choose the Selection tool.2. Select an object on the Artboard.3. Use one of the following shortcuts:

Bring Forward: Ctrl+]Send Backward: Ctrl+[Send to Front: Shift+Ctrl+]Send to Back: Shift+Ctrl+[

What’s a path? A path shows a drawn object’s “skeleton”. Modify the path to change the object’s general structure. Altering paths can smooth out curves or change line direction.

Object (teal)

Path (blue)

{

BYU Office of IT TrainingVersion 091021

http://it.byu.eduit-training@byu.edu4

Keyboard ShortcutsHelp

Illustrator Help F1File

New Ctrl+NNew from Template Shift+Ctrl+NOpen Ctrl+OBrowse Alt+Ctrl+OClose Ctrl+WSave Ctrl+SSave As Shift+Ctrl+SSave a Copy Alt+Ctrl+SSave for Web & Devices Alt+Shift+Ctrl+SRevert F12Other Script Ctrl+F12Document Setup Alt+Ctrl+PFile Info Alt+Shift+Ctrl+IPrint Ctrl+PExit Ctrl+QSwitch Units Alt+Shift+Ctrl+UNew File (No Dialog) Alt+Ctrl+NClose All Alt+Ctrl+WDebug Panel Alt+Shift+Ctrl+F12

EditUndo Ctrl+ZRedo Shift+Ctrl+ZCut Ctrl+XCopy Ctrl+CPaste Ctrl+VPaste in Front Ctrl+FPaste in Back Ctrl+BCheck Spelling Ctrl+IColor Settings Shift+Ctrl+KKeyboard Shortcuts Alt+Shift+Ctrl+KGeneral Preferences Ctrl+K

ObjectTransform Again Ctrl+DMove Shift+Ctrl+MTransform Each Alt+Shift+Ctrl+DBring to Front Shift+Ctrl+]Bring Forward Ctrl+]Send Backward Ctrl+[Send to Back Shift+Ctrl+[Group Ctrl+GUngroup Shift+Ctrl+GLock Selection Ctrl+2Unlock All Alt+Ctrl+2Hide Selection Ctrl+3Show All Alt+Ctrl+3Join Ctrl+JAverage Alt+Ctrl+JMake Blend Alt+Ctrl+BRelease Blend Alt+Shift+Ctrl+BMake Live Paint Alt+Ctrl+XMake Clipping Mask Ctrl+7Release Clipping Mask Alt+Ctrl+7Make Compound Path Ctrl+8Release Compound Path Alt+Shift+Ctrl+8Lock Others Alt+Shift+Ctrl+2Hide Others Alt+Shift+Ctrl+3Repeat Pathfinder Ctrl+4Average & Join Alt+Shift+Ctrl+J

TypeCreate Outlines Shift+Ctrl+OShow Hidden Characters Alt+Ctrl+IInsert Hyphen Shift+Ctrl+-Point Size Up Shift+Ctrl+.Point Size Down Shift+Ctrl+,Font Size Step Up Alt+Shift+Ctrl+.Font Size Step Down Alt+Shift+Ctrl+,Kern Looser Shift+Ctrl+]Kern Tighter Shift+Ctrl+[Tracking Alt+Ctrl+KClear Tracking Alt+Ctrl+QSpacing Alt+Shift+Ctrl+OUniform Type Shift+Ctrl+XHighlight Font Alt+Shift+Ctrl+FLeft Align Text Shift+Ctrl+LCenter Text Shift+Ctrl+CRight Align Text Shift+Ctrl+RJustify Text Left Shift+Ctrl+JJustify All Lines Shift+Ctrl+FToggle Auto Hyphenation Alt+Shift+Ctrl+HToggle Line Composer Alt+Shift+Ctrl+C

SelectAll Ctrl+ADeselect Shift+Ctrl+AReselect Ctrl+6Next Object Above Alt+Ctrl+]Next Object Below Alt+Ctrl+[Apply Last Filter Ctrl+ELast Filter Alt+Ctrl+ESwitch Selection Tools Alt+Ctrl+Tab

EffectApply Last Effect Shift+Ctrl+ELast Effect Alt+Shift+Ctrl+E

ViewPreview Ctrl+YOverprint Preview Alt+Shift+Ctrl+YPixel Preview Alt+Ctrl+YZoom In Ctrl+SpacebarZoom Out Ctrl+Alt+SpcbrFit in Window Ctrl+0Actual Size Ctrl+1Hide Edges Ctrl+HShow Template Shift+Ctrl+WShow Rulers Ctrl+RHide Bounding Box Shift+Ctrl+BShow Transparency Grid Shift+Ctrl+DShow Text Threads Shift+Ctrl+YHide Guides Ctrl+;Lock Guides Alt+Ctrl+;Make Guides Ctrl+5Release Guides Alt+Ctrl+5Smart Guides Ctrl+UShow Grid Ctrl+’Snap to Grid Shift+Ctrl+’Snap to Point Alt+Ctrl+’Hide Panels Tab

Panel ToolsAdd New Fill Ctrl+/Add New Stroke Alt+Ctrl+/New Layer Ctrl+LNew Layer with Dialog Alt+Ctrl+L

WindowAlign Shift+F7Appearance Shift+F6Attributes Ctrl+F11Brushes F5Color F6Color Guide Shift+F3Gradient Ctrl+F9Graphic Styles Shift+F5Info Ctrl+F8Layers F7Pathfinder Shift+Ctrl+F9Stroke Ctrl+F10Symbols Shift+Ctrl+F11Transform Shift+F8Transparency Shift+Ctrl+F10Character Panel Ctrl+TOpenType Alt+Shift+Ctrl+TParagraph Panel Alt+Ctrl+TTabs Shift+Ctrl+T

Switch to Other ToolsSelection VDirect Selection AMagic Wand YLasso QPen PAdd Anchor Point =Delete Anchor Point - Convert Anchor Point Shift+CType TLine Segment \Rectangle MEllipse LPaintbrush BBlob Brush Shift+BPencil NRotate RReflect OScale SWarp Shift+RFree Transform ESymbol Sprayer Shift+SMesh UGradient GEyedropper IBlend WLive Paint Bucket KLive Paint Selection Shift+LCrop Area Shift+OSlice Shift+K Eraser Shift+EScissors CHand HZoom ZToggle Fill/Stroke XDefault DSwap Fill/Stroke Shift+XColor ,Gradient .Toggle Screen Mode FShow/Hide All Panel TabShow/Hide All But Tools Panel Shift+TabIncrease Diameter ]Decrease Diameter [

Questions?Go to http://train.byu.edu/illustrator to find more Adobe Illustrator resources. Schedule your next Illustrator class at http://it.byu.edu/training.