How to find stuff


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rotate artboard document size
 

    select artboard tool (viert unterstes)
    dann oben in menubar, click landscape/portrait icon
    press enter to change size!




reset preferences star
 

    go to applications -> illustrator -> illustrator
    hold down shift, crtl, option, cmd and doppelclick illustrator
    (vom dock funktionnierts nicht)





reset preferences star
 

    go to applications -> illustrator -> illustrator
    hold down shift, crtl, option, cmd and doppelclick illustrator
    (vom dock funktionnierts nicht)





create a grid
 

    make a square artboard
    draw a line and select it
    effect -> distort & transform -> transform
    preview and copies




grunge merge with objects
 


    grunge shape als eps/pdf importieren dann (kein brush oder sowas):

    einfach grunge stuff object rueberlegen
    und ne knallige farbe geben
    dann select all und merge in pathfinder
    dann ungroup und die knallige farbe isolieren und loeschen





pdfs in preview empty
 

    das kann am artboard liegen (elemente sind daneben plaziert)
    file -> document setup -> edit artboards
    




clipping masks expand
 

    die clipping mask freistellen (als einziges objekt)
    object -> clipping masks -> edit contents
    object -> expand / expand appearance
    deselected
    select clipping mask -> pathfinder -> crop




farb separation
 

    ueber das druck menu eine PS datei erstellen
    hier einfach alle separationen an- oder abklicken
    dann das PS file in acrobat distiller ziehen




prepare for printer
 


    export high quality PDF

        to save hit: option  command  s
        select PDF
        High quality print, PDF/X-4:2007

    acrobat pro

        advanced -> print production -> preflight    
        prepress -> magazine ad 
        execute






merge colours
 

    select all, click on "create colour group" icon, deselect
    first click remaining colour in swatches, then others
    then click on icon -> merge



find specific pantone
 

    swatches palette -> color books -> pantone solid coated
    click auf kleines icon -> show find field
    

convert cmyk to spot (pantone) colours
 

        select all, hit little icon in swatches palette (new colour group)
        doppelclick on the folder icon of the colour group (in swatches panel)
        (or single click on folder and then click the wheel icon (edit or apply colour group))
        now all swatches should be selected
        there should be a little wheel icon now in the swatches panel
        
        click on icon LIMIT COLOUR GROUP 
        chose pantone solid coated!







ribbons
 

    pfad mit stift zeichnen
    effect -> 3d -> extrude & bevel
    preview
    bevel: classic
    shading colour: none




auge
 


    cmd click auf auge




brushes
 


    install brushes

        unzip
        move the file to Illustrator -> Presets -> Brushes

        after than go to 
            window -> brush libraries



crop
 


    crop artwork to the artboard

        file -> document setup -> remember size (zb 500x700)!
        rectangle tool -> click on artboard -> enter artboard dimensions (500x700)
        bring rectangle to front (must be on TOP layer)
        window -> align
            icon -> CHECK align to artboard
            now select rect. and align in middle
        select all (cmd a)
        window -> pathfinder -> hit the CROP button (4te)





        

gradientmesh
 

    select gradient mesh (icon links)
    click inside object
    then click on a different colour in swatches


images
 


    mosaic

        use photograph or rastarize vektor before using this

        file -> place -> image
        filter -> create -> object mosaic
        check DELETE raster


blends
 


    creating blends

        object -> blend -> make
    

    to blend color between 2 stars

        select both (red and yellow) stars and create blend
        then options -> specific steps


    to move the stars on a path

        create path and stars with blend
        object -> blend -> replace spline


    airbrush effects on balloon

        create red ballon as a plain red shape
        then create a white plain shape on top of balloon
        select both
        object -> blend -> make
    

    balloon animation

        create 2 ballons
        create a spline (where the balloon should move)
        select both balloons
        object -> blend -> make
        object -> blend -> blend options
        spacing: specific steps: 25
        then hold down shift key and add the movement path to the selection
        object -> blend -> replace spline


        to animate

        select the blend
        go to layers panel
        klick on BLEND
        click on icon in layers palette -> release to layers in sequence
        file -> save for web and devices
        select 2nd preview window
        fileformat: swf
        layers to swf frames
        check loop
        frame rate 6
        preview it with the icon on the bottom (statusbar)


    to morph 2 objects

        draw 2 lines (ganz oben duenne linie, ganz unten ne dicke linie)
        select both
        object -> blend -> make
        object -> blend -> blend options
        spacing -> specific steps: 15
        use direct selection tool to move only one corner




effects
 


    resolution settings

        effects -> document raster effects
        
        it's important to work in the right resolution, or the artwork will be
        scaled when resolution changes! to get around this only use
        Illustrator effects!
        there are 2 kinds of Effects in the effects menu:

        Illustrator effects

            those get scaled proportionally, no matter what resolution

        Photoshop effects

            those DEPEND on the resolution, only use when the right resolution
            is set!


            square problem when gaussian blur is applied

                effects -> document raster effects -> add 100pt around object



    applying effects

        effects -> illustrator effects -> stylise -> feather


    change effects

        to change it, go to APPEARANCE palette
        

    3d extrude fuer knoepfe, buttons usw

        create a ONE shape objects (holes must be cut out with pathfinder!)
        effect -> 3d -> extrude & bevel
        fuer runde kanten: bevel: rounded
        turn on options to see lighting
        change blend steps to get smoother results!


    3d revolve fuer flaschen, zylinder usw

        create half of the bottle
        effects -> 3d -> revolve
        group objects if they rotate separately!


    3d Artwork mapping

        artwork needs to be defined as symbol!
        create shape for 3d
        effects -> 3d extrude & bevel -> map art
        select symbols here


    create clones & mutiple copies with transform effect

        effect -> distort & transform -> transform
        check copy and enter values for move horizontally


    Outlines and EDITABLE text

        write text
        window -> appearance
        icon -> add new stroke
        effects -> path -> offset path
        efects -> pathfinder -> add


    arrowheads, drop shadow and rounded corners

        create a line
        effects -> stylize  -> add arrowheads
                            -> drop shadow
                            -> round corners 

                            -> scribble ( fuelle flaeche mit strichlinien!)

                                    in appearance panel klick on fill first
                                    duplicate fill to get copy of another fill + scribble
                -> warp

        update it in appearance panel

    

symbols
 

    use this as a library, when graphic styes isn't enough (shapes cannot be
    changed in appearances!)
    
    libraries, bei click auf symbol!
    

    defining symbols

        window -> symbols
        draw object (or drag one from the symbols palette onto canvas)
        options: chose GRAPHIC (movie clip is for flash!)
        



    replace symbols 

        select symbols on the canvas
        then select new symbol in the palette
        icon -> replace symbol


    update symbols

        double click on symbol -> edit
        it's updated!

        or drag new graphic onto old one in symbols palette
    

    symbol sprayer tool

        (in der symbolleiste links)
        
        hold down option key to get 'opposite'
        
        use stainer tool to change color


        


masks
 


    masks

        place image 
        click on MASK (oben)
        back: object -> clipping mask -> release


    clipping masks

        select both objects (text on top)
        create clipping mask


    layer masks

        draw path on photo  
        click on mask (in layers palette)
        

    opacity mask

        create black and white gradient
        move it on top of photograph
        window -> transparency
        icon -> make opacity mask




brushes
 


    calligraphic brush

        window -> brushes
        click on NEW -> calligraphic brush
        use variation, pressure with wacom tablet


    scatter brush

        works only for vector graphics (no gradients, pattern usw)

        select artwork (bug)
        new brush -> new scatter brush

        rotation relative to: path
        scatter random
        create IN and OUT of values, drag arrows!


    art brush

        (create arrow graphic)
        select graphic
        new -> art brush


    pattern brush

        new brush -> pattern brush
        brush library -> borders
        doppelklick auf pattern to edit corners usw




transform
 


    to transform object AND stroke

        window -> transform
        click on icon -> scale strokes and effects


    repeat transformation, rotate star

        turn on grid and snap to grid
        hold down option + drag the circle
        draw star
        command + y (outline mode)
        press r for rotate tool
        hold down option and click on the center of the circle
        30 grad and COPY     
        command + d 


    transform each object (each has it's own orient point)

        select all
        object -> transform -> transform each


    align to center of object

        select both objects
        click again on the key object (to define center)
        click the align (horiz. and vert.) buttons
    
 

patterns
 


    create pattern

        (create square, boundaries)
        create the shape of the pattern
        drag shape into swatches


    modify

        drag pattern from swatches onto artboard


    libraries

        click on first symbol on the bottom of swatches palette -> patterns


colours
 


    convert process colour to spot colour (pantone)

        double click on the colour in the swatches palette, then chose spot
        artwork gets only automatically updated with spot colours!
        with process colours, check global (after double click auf swatch
        colour)


    save swatches in illustrator

        click on symbol in swatches palette
        save as ASE (only colours, no gradients/patterns, compatible with
        photoshop and indesign)


    open swatch library

        click on first symbol in swatches palette
        open swatch library


    open specific pantone colour

        click on first symbol in swatches palette
        color books -> pantone solid coated


    gradients

        select object
        click the gradient symbol in swatches
        window -> gradient
        drag colour from swatches onto gradient arrows
        to save, drag gradient (icon) into swatches 
        for diagonal gradient, use gradient tool from toolbar (g) and drag


    colour guides

        window -> colour guide
        for the actual colour, the guide will show complimentary usw.
        save to swatches
        
        or

        command click several colours, then click ADD TO SWATCHES icon


    limit colours to pantone colours

        window -> colour guide
        bottom icon -> color books -> PANTONE


    artwork colours into swatches

        select all (command + a)
        in swatches palette bottom -> NEW COLOUR GROUP


    test different colour schemes with live colour

        select all artwork
        color guide -> click rainbow wheel
        click CREATE NEW COLOR GROUP to save different variations
        apply and test inside live color!
        

    reduce number of colours

        select all
        click wheel on top bar
        colors: 6
        click NEW COLOR GROUP




    prepare for printer

        select all
        object -> expand -> stroke, fill NOT object (type!)
        join colours too! GLOBAL!


    another method with GLOBAL replacement!

        select all
        in swatches palette click "new colour group"
        check "convert process to GLOBAL"
        dann in swatches palette hold down ALT und select colours
        click on icon and MERGE





paste
 


    to past in same spot (instead of command + v)

        command + f


livepaint
 


    basic

        select paths
        create livepaint group (paths can be open!)


    with type

        create paths (type and other shapes)
        select all
        click with the live paint bucket


    gap detection

        object -> live paint -> gap options


    live paint selection tool

        ueberstehende linien einfach loeschen!
        or paths with different stroke attributes


welcome
 


    access start screen once it's dissabled

        help -> welcome screen


tracing
 

    place image (embed)
    doubleclick on layer, create template layer, dim 30%


appearances
 


    stroke

        click on blue text 'stroke' in menubar
        align stroke to: center, inside, outside
    

    add new stroke

        in panel click icon -> add new stroke


    stacking order of objects

        bring to front/back: shift  command  [


    stacking of stroke/fill

        in appearance panel, move fill on top of stroke
    

    swatches, colours

        shift + click into menubar colour icons


    get default colours/stroke

        d


    autobahn

        d
        stroke 90
        add stroke 80, midgrey
        add stroke 5, yellow, dashed line
        effect -> stylize -> drop shadow
        (object -> expand appearance)


    save appearances into styles

        window -> graphic styles
        drag icon in appearances window (first icon) into graphic styles
        double click on it and name it
        

    edit styles

        click on style to edit, edit it
        'option' + drag it on top of old icon (in graphic styles)


    copy appearance attributes to another object

        default settings with eyedropper tool work for basic appearances (1 stroke, 1 fill)
        
        for complex appearances, double click on eyedropper tool
        check Appearance on both sides


    filters vs effects

        filters are oldschool, once applied they cannot be changed anymore
        effects remain editable (to edit click on effect in 'appearance' panel)


    outline a group of objects with a stroke (or shadow)

        create 3 objects, add them to a group, select group
        window -> appearance
        click auf kleines icon -> add new stroke
        move stroke below content
    

    or apply a style on a layer

        create graphic style
        click on circle on layer, then on style
        

    or use offset to outline

        convert type to outlines
        then copy and paste with command + f (to create a copy on the same spot)
        object -> path -> offset path (preview, 8px)
        window -> pathfinder
        click add shape, expand
        press d key 
        arrange -> send to back





selections
 



    switch between v and current tool (like hand tool)

        command


    selection tool (schwarzer pfeil)

        transform, gruppen


    direct selection tool (weisser pfeil)

        'option' + click (twice on object) to select groups
        direkter zugriff auf objekt (ohne ungroup!)


    magic wand tool

        window -> magic wand
        turn on 'show' stuff from the icon
        select object by colour, opacity usw

        same functionality with the direct selection tool:
            V (for direct selection tool), then in menubar: select similar objects


    saving selections

        select -> save selection
        select -> edit selection



type
 


    basic type

        click on type symbol and drag square
        type -> area type options


    character settings

        hold down 'option' + 'arrows' to change kerning


    paragraph

        window -> type 
        click on symbol in palette -> show options, every line composer

        settings

            first line left indent: 6pt
            space before paragraph: 6pt
            space after paragraph: 6pt


    2 columns

        type -> area type options -> columns nr 2
        or click on 'startpunkt' oder 'endpunkt' von textbox und drag new window
    


    type on a path


        writing on open paths

        draw path (open path)
        click on (open path) and type something
        crtl + A to select 'all' typed type
        shift  command  > 'increase' text/font size
        click on direct selection tool (white arrow) to see more options

        type -> type on a path -> type on a path options


        writing on closed paths

        hold down 'option' then click on path, otherwise area type!
        crtl + a to select all, then
        'option'  'shift'  pfeil up/down to change baseline


    paragraph styles

        window -> type -> paragraph styles



    cycling through fonts

        use photoshop
        in photoshop select font field and up/down arrows

    
    


    outlining

        





    block shadow


        repeater

            create outlines
            select
            hold shift + option and slightly move downwards (1mm)
            then press cmd + d many times
            select all -> pathfinder -> unite


        manually

            create outlines
            select type
            hold shift + option and drag a copy downwards
            select both -> pathfinder -> UNITE
            with the DELETE ANCHOR TOOL delete points to make diagonals
            then with White arrow, select the edge points and delete
            (leave start and beginning points and connect them, cmd+j)






paths
 


    anchor points

        corner point, click (no drag)
        smooth point: have control handles, click and drag
        combination point: option + drag control handle


    convert anchor points

        shift + C   convert anchor point tool
        click once to convert to 'corner' anchor point
        click and drag to convert to 'smooth' anchor point
        option + drag handle to create 'combination' anchor point
        

    pathfinder

        click on add/substract then 'expand' (or they are still editable)


    pfade gleichlang AVERAGE

        direct selection tool -> select points
        object -> path -> average


    gepunktete linien

        dash 0 gap 20
        object -> path -> outline stroke


    anzahlt anchor points reduzieren

        object -> path -> simplify


    outline mode

        command + y


    split object into grid

        draw rectangle
        object -> path -> split into grid


    clean up paths, extra points, empty objects, unpainted objects

        object -> path -> clean up




drawing
 


    closed shapes

        while drawing (the rectangle), hold down the 'spacebar' to position!
        while drawing use 'arrow' keys to round corners (if round square is
        selected)
            or to change the sides of the polygon tool (to get a triangle)
            or to get a star (to change length of rays, hold down 'command')
            or select tool and then 'click' on artboard to get the dialog box
        first hold down 'option' key, then draw, to draw from the center
        

    open shapes: arc, lines, spirals

        while drawing: 
            F to mirror 
            C to close


    pentool

        best for drawing with wacom tablet
        'doubleclick' on pentool icon to get 'preferences'
            turn off "keep selected" to "draw over same line without correcting"
            hold down 'command' to 'select' while still in pentool mode
    

    paintbrush tool

        use for pressure sensivity (wacom tablet!)
        use with caligraphic brushes


proof
 


    proof colorspace (srgb)

        view -> proof setup -> customize -> uncoated/blablabla
        view -> proof colors



preview
 


    toggle outlines/paths

        command + y


    see accurate pantone/spot colours

        view -> overprint preview



guides
 



    show/hide

        turn on rulers
        drag them from the ruler
        right click on canvas to lock them (they are just objects!)
        guide snap under mouse cursor, NOT object!


    transform object into guide

        select object (rectangle) and VIEW -> GUIDES -> MAKE GUIDES


grid
 



    show/hide

        rightclick -> show grid
        VIEW -> transparency grid (like photoshop)


    snap to grid

        VIEW -> SNAP TO GRID


    gridsize

        ILLUSTRATOR -> PREFERENCES -> GUIDES AND GRID
    

    transparency grid (like photoshop bg)

        view -> transparency grid
        settings: file -> document preferences -> transparency



interface
 



    tab

        to hide panels


    shift + tab

        to hide only right panels





shortcuts
 


    define shortcuts

        edit -> keyboard shortcuts




pdfs optimieren, resume
 


    zuerst in illustrator

        create outlines
        save as PDF
        smallest filesize!

    dann in acrobat pro

        combine, save and add links!





spirograph 3 
 


 - create organic shape
 - fill with color, window -> transparency, 40%, multiply
 - select rotate tool, hold down option key, enter 10, copy


spirograph 2 
 

http://veerle-v2.duoh.com/blog/comments/illustratorfull_spectrumspirograph/

 - create 36 swatches, full spectrum
 - create a perfect circle, turn on smart guides (view)
 - select black arrow, hold down SHIFT + option, drag new circle center to old c. edge
 - select both, pathfinder -> intersect, expand
 - window -> transparency, 25%, mode: multiply
 - Select Rotate Tool (R), hold down Option and click on the bottom anchor point
 - enter 10 (360°/36), click copy
 - each time select another colour of the swatches



spirograph 1 
 

http://www.slicktutorials.com/spirograph-effect

 - draw an ellipse (transparent filling)
 - select rotate, in the tool palette
 - click ca 1 in below the ellipse
 - then click next to the ellipse and rotate it, hold alt for cope
 - now press COMMAND+D for repeating this step





overlapping of colors 
 


 - create 2 overlapping objects with different colours 
 - (cmyk colors, others don't work with hard mix)
 - effects -> pathfinder -> hard mix




Bleed Marks 
 

 setup document 8x9 in
 draw rectangle over whole document
 object -> crop area -> make
 file -> document setup -> + 0.5 in
 rulers -> put guides on original size



Live Color 
 

 click on color guide, unten buntes rad: EDIT COLORS


Appearance / Live Effects 
 

 select path, click on small symbol in appearance panel
 add new stroke, effects -> path -> offset path
 

 outline several objects: 

   select objects, group them
   add 2 times fill, effects -> path -> offset path 



handle simple shapes 
 


 click on simple shape tool (rectangle, circle, polygon, usw)
 drag and hold shift to get a square shape,
   hold option to get new centerpoint
   hold space to move object around
   press arrow keys with polygon tool to add/remove sides!!
   usw.




trace an photograph 
 


 new image
 file -> place -> photo.jpg
 klick "live trace" in menubar
 klick auf grauen kasten (neben preset) in menubar
 settings: 
   treshold: amount of black!! 
   blur:     0.2
 klick "expand" wenn fertig
 




join / divide paths 
 


 create intersecting line on top of the other object
 object -> path -> divide objects below