Clicking the double arrow at the top of the dock expands or collapses all panels. Clicking a panels icon expands the panel (see Figure 6). By default, some panels are docked and appear as icons at the right side of the program window (see Figure 5).
PanelsPanels, which are listed in the Window menu, provide quick access to many tools that make modifying artwork easier. You can quickly switch to a different workspace using the Workspace Switcher menu on the Application bar (see Figure 4).Īdobe Illustrator CS5 Part 1: Introduction to Illustrator The default workspace is called Essentials. You can select from several preset workspaces or create one of your own. Any arrangement of these elements is called a workspace.
WorkspaceThe Illustrator interface includes various elements such as panels, bars, and windows that you can use to create and manipulate your documents. Includes command for displaying the grid and rulers. Includes command for creating different types of effects. Includes selection commands such as All, Deselect, and Reselect. Includes command for controlling objects. Includes the Cut, Copy, and Paste commands. Includes the Open, Save, and Print commands.
It provides access to many of Illustrator's powerful commands which are grouped according to function (see Table 1).įile Edit Object Type Select Effect View Window Help Menu BarDepending on the size of the program window, the Menu bar appears either below or at the left end of the Application bar (see Figure 3). At the right end of the Application bar are the Minimize, Restore/Maximize, and Close buttons which are used to control the program window. It contains the Menu bar (depending on the size of the window), the Workspace Switcher menu, the Search box, and other controls. Each element is explained in detail in the following sections.įigure 1 Illustrator CS5 Program Window Adobe Illustrator CS5 Part 1: Introduction to Illustrator 2Īpplication BarThe Application bar is located at the top of the program window (see Figure 2). Click the Start button, click All Programs, click Adobe Design Premium CS5.5, and select Adobe Illustrator CS5.1.Įxploring the User InterfaceThe Illustrator interface offers many tools, menus, and panels that allow you to work in optimum productivity (see Figure 1). The steps for starting the program on other computers may vary. Starting the ProgramThe following steps are for starting Illustrator CS5 using the computers in the ITS Training Program computer labs.
Instructions on how to download and extract the data files are available at. The data files used with this handout are available for download at.
The archive must be downloaded and executed in order to extract the data files. The data files are stored in a self-extracting archive. This handout provides an overview of the Illustrator CS5 user interface and vector graphics, and covers how to create different shapes using the Pen tool.ĭownloading the Data FilesThis handout includes sample data files that can be used for hands-on practice. Vector graphics are resolution independent, which means that they can be resized to any size without losing quality. Vector graphics are made up of points, lines, and curves that are defined by mathematical equations. IntroductionAdobe Illustrator CS5 is used to create graphics and type in vector format. 2 Exploring the User Interface.2 Application Bar. CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, LOS ANGELESINFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICESĪdobe Illustrator CS5 Part 1: Introduction to IllustratorSummer 2011, Version 1.0