Adobe Illustrator is a complex but also easy and fun to learn program. In this tutorial, we will learn 10 quick beginner tips / techniques. Simple but important for everyday tasks. Complex techniques are always a combination of simple tips combined together. Let’s start with the easiest and most common.
1. How to open AI files
There are different ways to open native .ai Illustrator files.
a) The simplest way is to double-click the files you downloaded.
If Illustrator is not running you have to wait a few seconds.
b) If for some reason your computer does not recognize the downloaded file as a native Illustrator document then with the file selected > right-click > Open with > Adobe Illustrator. It works the same way on windows.
c) Another way to open Illustrator files is inside the program.
Go to File > Open > navigate and find the file you want to open.
Simply select and press open.
2. How to curve text
First, let’s create some text.
Pick the type tool or press T on your keyboard.
With the text selected on the top bar there is an option: Make envelope.
Make sure the Preview box is selected.
Next, change the bend value until you have something you like.
There are different warp styles including arch, shell, flag, wave, fish and so on.
If you move the cursor to the left you have a lower bend and if you move the cursor to the right, you have an upper bend.
To confirm the changes simply press OK.
3. How to make wavy lines
To create wavy lines pick the Line Segment Tool.
Set the fill color to none, change the stroke size and draw a line.
To make a perfectly straight line, press the shift button while drawing.
With the line selected go to Effect > Distort and Transform > Zig Zag.
Make sure the preview box is selected.
For smooth waves check the smooth option. You can also change the size and number of waves.
Press OK to confirm the changes.
4. How to make dotted lines and shapes
First, create a straight line. For a perfectly straight line, press the Shift button while drawing.
On the top bar, click the Stroke Panel. Change the Cap option to Round Cap.
Check the Dashed Line option and set the dash to zero.
Increase the gap until you like the result.
Keep in mind this effect is dynamic. If you want to change the gap latter all you have to is go to the stroke panel and change the gap number.
You can also use the same technique for shapes.
5. How to create outlines
To create outlines simply right-click over the text and press Create Outlines. Another way is to go to Type > Create Outlines or press Shift + CMD + O.
Instead of a live text now we have a path.
6. How to curve lines
To curve a line pick the Curvature Tool.
Drag the line until you are happy with the result.
7. How to make a half-circle
There are different ways to create a semi-circle in Illustrator.
A simple way is to create a circle shape first with the Ellipse Tool.
Press the shift key to create a perfect circle.
Next, pick the Scissors tool and click once to two points to separate the shape in half.
Keep in mind that the half-circles we created are open shapes.
To close the open path simply right-click and press Join.
Repeat the same for the second shape.
8. How to type on a curve / shape
To type on a curve, first, create a shape.
Next, pick the Type on a Path tool and click over the shape.
We can change the direction of the text by adjusting the handles.
9. How to draw an arrow
To draw an arrow pick the line segment tool.
Draw a perfect horizontal line while pressing the shift key.
Deselect the line and Press Shift + X to swap the color between the fill and stroke.
Next, pick the Polygon tool. Click, inside the artboard. In the new dialog box set three sides and press OK.
Rotate and re-size the shape while pressing the shift key on your keyboard.
Align both shapes until they intersect.
To Group the shapes together press CMD + G on your keyboard.
10. How to create SVG – EPS files
Go to File > Save as or press Shift + CMD + S.
Change the format to EPS or SVG.
For SVG the default options are fine but for complex shapes, increase the number of the Decimal places by pressing More Options and increasing the number
Video tutorial
Check this video for detailed instructions on 10 quick beginner tips in Adobe Illustrator.
