Illustrator Course Outline

Basic Concepts, Overview & Tools

• Vector and Bitmap images
• Using Panels; customising the workspace
• The Illustrator Toolbox: Paths and Points selection; drawing simple shapes and selecting objects
• Using Multiple Artboards
• Transformation tools and the Free Transform tool
• Using online help
• Managing files with Adobe Bridge

Draw in Illustrator

• Draw with the Line tool
• Draw with the Pen tool
• Pen tool shortcuts
• Edit a drawn path
• Understand Bézier curves
• Use the Transform tools
• Create a logo
• Create illustrations

Colours & Fills

• Fills and Strokes on Objects and Paths
• Process, Pantone and Registration colour
• Gradients, Patterns
• Applying gradient transparency
• Editing gradients directly on an object
• Applying a gradient to a stroke
• Live Paint and Live Colour

Brush Effects

• Calligraphic, Art, Scatter & Pattern brushes
• Editing existing and creating new brushes
• Scribble Effect; using the brush libraries

Typography

• Type tool; type on and in a path; type as outlines
• Character and Paragraph styles

Text Work

• Linking text boxes and using using circular text
• Type on a path
• Typographic control including kerning, indents and baseline shift

Arranging Your Work

• Send to back / Bring to front
• Group / Ungroup and group selections
• Working in Group Isolation Mode
• Cut / Copy / Paste & Paste in front / behind
• Working with Rulers, Guides and Smart Guides
• Getting the best from Layers
• Using Multiple Artboards
• Editing the Artboard size
• Positioning elements
• Aligning and distributing artwork

Modifications & Special Effects

• Transformations including blending shapes and the Gradient Mesh tool
• Pathfinder panel and Compound Paths
• Using the Shape Builder tool
• Effects, graphic styles and masks
• The Flare and Distort tools, including the warp and Liquify tools
• Envelope Distort and Envelope Mesh
• Using Live Paint to modify images

3D Toolset

• Rotate
• Revolve
• Bevel
• Extrude

Pathfinder

• Use Pathfinder and Shape Modes
• Use non-destructive Shape Modes
• Create drawings and logos
• Use the Shape Builder tool

Work with Multiple Objects

• Group Objects
• Duplicate commands
• Align and Distribute Objects
• Create Compound Paths
• Create Clipping Masks
• Use the Isolation mode

Working with Patterns and Symbols

• Simple patterns and artwork patterns
• Converting logos to symbols for reuse
• Using the symbol spray to instance symbols around page
• Update symbols, manipulate symbols

Text in Illustrator

• Add Point type
• Add Area type
• Add type to a vector path
• Spell check
• Create type outlines

Work with Layers

• Understand Layers
• Create and delete Layers
• Hide and lock Layer objects
• Move objects to different Layers
• Discover the Layer options

Using Illustrator to Present Data

• Graphs and graph types
• Graph styles such as pies and bars

Output from Illustrator

• Save Illustrator artwork
• Export art in non-vector formats