In today’s creative environment Adobe is the goliath. That did not always use to be the case and it most likely won’t be the case forever. Regardless, Adobe Illustrator is a toolkit that I have been using for well over a decade at this point and I find myself reflecting on how it works and why quite often. For example the other day I wondered if it had an open-sourced set of programming functions or if it was sealed. I am not a huge fan of Adobe as a business model but I am grateful for Adobe Illustrator, it is brilliant software- here are the top 5 tools and features in Adobe Illustrator.
01 — Vectors.
Vectors are incredible computing wonders that we all take for granted. By creating infinitely scalable objects based on math one is able to create the most incredible artwork and more important than that it is infinitely shareable. Sharing is the key; because Illustrator is a vector-based software one is able to create freely, openly, and share it just as freely.
02 — Customizable Keyboard Shortcuts
Customizing a workspace is not unique to Illustrator, however, they do it the best. They provide the user with the ability to access, modify and add any workflow task, element, or tool to a shortcut that is managed through a variety of instruments. This is something that I did not always utilize but now I could not think of pro work without it. It saves me more than time, it saves me frustration and creative block. By not having to use a mouse to click into tools and instead almost instantaneously switch between tools, and performance patterns one is able to keep flowing with ideas and creativity.
03 — Artboards
Underrated, underappreciated, and often times not utilized- Artboards are the canvas of the design and composition. The tools to create custom artboards with different PPI, settings, colors and other elements are impactful, to say the least. The ability that we have to customize a canvas for a masterpiece within moments is incredible.
04 — Shift + X
Simple but used on a consistent basis is the shortcut to swap the fill with the stroke. This little tool has saved me countless hours of edits, frustration, and lack of motivation. The ability to perform a simple task is incredible when one is working diligently or quickly on a project. If you don’t use it- you need to.
05 — Shape Builder
The shape builder tool is one that is underused but also both powerful and beautiful in its execution. It allows you to build one complete shape from a grouping of overlapping shapes. This in turn provides a seamless (if done correctly in outline mode) vector shape that will work for everything from logos to icons. One need only to take a look at the Apple Inc. logo to realize that using symmetry, cleanliness and overlapping shapes with a variety of ratios can create exquisite designs that are more than beautiful- they are timeless.
Conclusion.
All in all, the tools, features, and elements within Adobe Illustrator are remarkable. The ability we have as creatives to dive into software that works smoothly, generates vectors, exports into a variety of formats, and facilitates creativity instead of impedes it is incredible. I am not a huge fan of Adobe but as long as Illustrator is around I will be using it.
Stay humble and hustle harder.
‘Till next time.
Nate K.