Adobe Illustrator Intermediate (2023): Design Tools

Name: Adobe Illustrator Intermediate (2023): Design Tools
Author: Stephen Steinbach

Learn to use the different shape building tools in Adobe Illustrator 2023

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Course: On-Demand

Hello, my name is Stephen Steinbach. In these lessons, we're going to look at the design tools intermediate level for Adobe Illustrator 2023. So to begin, let's go to workspace, Essentials Classic, and Reset Essentials Classic. So the first tool we're going to look at is a shape builder tool, and that's just left of the perspective grid. Just as a refresher, you have to select the objects first before you can use this tool. So, for example, here with a black arrow tool, we'll select these two shapes, and by default, if you just left click and drag, you will merge, or if you click the Alt key, you'll subtract. To get to the shape builder tool options, you double click on the shape builder tool, and let's hit Reset. The first one is Gap Detection. And we can do this, just select large from this example, and press OK. So we have these three shapes here, and if I just select these with Gap Detection on, with the shape builder tool, you can see that it actually detects that gap. So here, if I click and drag there, you can see here that it changed colors, and that changed colors to whatever the swatch is. So, if I switch this to a green color, for example, when I merge that, it will turn green, and I'll do these three as well. Okay, let's look at some more options here. So, let's double click on here. And this one here is in merge mode, clicking Stroke splits the path. So, if you want to split this apart, you can use a shape builder tool. So, with a black arrow tool, I'm going to select this shape, and then let's double click to make sure that that is in merge mode, click, is checked, and press OK. So, when you do that, if you cover over a stroke, it'll turn red, and that's where it's going to cut. So, if I cut this one here, and I cut this one here, I'm going to cut that as well. So, this is broken apart now. So, if I look at this now and select this shape, you can see that it split it apart into different shapes. So, the shape builder tool is not only good for merging things, but also for combining. So, if I brought this back for whatever reason, I could basically merge those back together again. So, the next one is by color. And if I double click on the shape builder tool options, it's the pick color from artwork. So, what that does is if I start with the blue, and I merge this way, this will turn blue. And to illustrate that, I'll select these three shapes. And with this selected as artwork, you can see here, if I merge this way, it turns blue. And if I go this way, it's blue. But if I go this way, it'll turn red. So, here's two shapes, and one does not have a stroke. And if you want to merge these two, you can still do that by clicking here. Consider open fill pass as closed. So, it considers this as a closed shape. All this is a closed shape here. And press OK. And now with these both selected here, if I use the shape builder tool and go between there, it closed it off. In the next lesson, we're going to look at the line weight tool. Thanks for watching.

Intermediate Provider : Stephen Steinbach 6 Lessons · 22m in English

Course Description

In this course on Adobe Illustrator Intermediate 2023, you will explore the different design tools the program has to offer. You will export tools such as the shape builder tool, line width tool, and drop shadow effects. By the end of this course, you will be able to create more complex shapes and effects. Learning how to use the design tools is an essential skill for a graphic designer, which is why in this course you will explore advanced functions like the shape builder tool. Using these tools, you will be able to manipulate simple shapes into complex shapes through techniques professionals use in the modern day. Techniques such as line width or textures will set your designs apart, and allow you to add your own unique customization needs. By using these tools, you will be able to create custom vector graphics for any design needs you or your customers may have.

What You'll Learn

Explore advanced design tool options in Adobe Illustrator 2023
Use the Shape Builder Tool to manipulate simple shapes into complex shapes
Apply the Line Width Tool and Twirl Tool to customize your designs
Create a texture using the Symbol Sprayer
Modify a drop shadow effect to add custom effects
Create custom vector graphics for any design needs

Key Takeaways

Learning to use the design tools is an essential skill for a graphic designer.
The Shape Builder Tool lets you manipulate simple shapes into more complex shapes using techniques professionals use today.
Techniques such as line width or textures set designs apart and allow you to add your own unique customization.
Using these design tools, you can create custom vector graphics for any design needs you or your customers may have.

Frequently Asked Questions

What will I learn in this course?

You will explore Adobe Illustrator's design tools, including the shape builder tool, line width tool, and drop shadow effects, and by the end you will be able to create more complex shapes and effects.

Who is this course for?

It is aimed at graphic designers, since learning how to use the design tools is described as an essential skill for a graphic designer.

Which tools and effects does the course cover?

The course covers the Shape Builder Tool options, Line Width Tool, Twirl Tool, Tools and Effects, Symbol Sprayer, and Drop Shadow.

What skills will I gain?

You will build skills in Adobe Illustrator, Design Software, Design Tools, and work toward Adobe Illustrator Certification.

What can I create after completing this course?

Using these tools you will be able to create custom vector graphics for any design needs you or your customers may have.