Adobe Illustrator CC 2015 for Mac: A Complete Guide to Core Features and Operations

Step 1: Create a New Document

Method: After launching the software, click “New” on the “Start” screen, or go to File > New (shortcut Cmd + N).

Location & Settings: In the dialog box that appears:

• Name: Enter the document name.
• Number of Artboards: Set the number of artboards needed and their arrangement.
• Size: Choose a preset (e.g., A4, Web) or customize the width and height.
• Units: Choose pixels (Web/UI) or millimeters/inches (Print) depending on your use case.
• Color Mode: RGB (for screen display) or CMYK (for print).
• After configuring, click “OK”.

Step 2: Draw Basic Shapes

Method: Use the shape tools in the “Tools panel”.

Specific steps:

1. Select the “Rectangle Tool” (M) or “Ellipse Tool” (L).
2. Click and drag on the artboard to draw a shape. Hold the Shift key to draw a perfect square or circle.
3. Use the “Selection Tool” (V) to click and select a shape, then move or transform it.
4. Use the “Direct Selection Tool” (A) to click on a shape’s anchor points to adjust its path.

Step 3: Edit and Color

Method: Use the “Color”, “Swatches”, “Gradient” panels and the “Appearance” panel.

Specific steps:

1. Fill and Stroke: Select the object and set the “Fill” and “Stroke” colors at the bottom of the Tools panel or in the Control panel. Click the double arrow (or press Shift+X) to swap the fill and stroke colors.
2. Use the Swatches panel: Open Window > Swatches and click any swatch to quickly apply a color.
3. Apply gradients: Select an object, open Window > Gradient, and click the gradient frame. You can add/adjust colors on the gradient slider.

Step 4: Use the Pathfinder to sculpt shapes

Method: Combine simple shapes with Boolean operations to create complex graphics.

Specific steps:

1. Draw two overlapping shapes and select them both at the same time (hold Shift to multi-select).
2. Open Window > Pathfinder.
3. Click the buttons under “Shape Modes”, such as “Unite” (merge shapes), “Minus Front” (cut out), etc.

Step 5: Manage layers

Method: Use the “Layers” panel to organize your artwork.

Specific steps:

1. Open Window > Layers.
2. Click the “Create New Layer” icon at the bottom of the panel.
3. Drag layers to adjust their stacking order and control which objects appear in front of or behind others.
4. Click the eye icon to hide/show a layer, and click the lock icon to lock/unlock a layer to prevent accidental edits.

Step 6: Save and export

Save the source file:

• Method: File > Save (shortcut Cmd + S).
• Format: Choose “Adobe Illustrator (.ai)” to preserve all editable attributes.

Export to universal formats:

• Method: File > Export or File > Save for Web (shortcut Cmd+Shift+Opt+S).
• Common formats:
  • PNG: For web images with transparent backgrounds. In the export dialog, you can choose the resolution (72 PPI for screen, 300 PPI for print) and background color (transparent/white).
  • JPG: For photo-like opaque images.
  • PDF: For print or sharing previewable files.
  • SVG: For web development, preserving vector properties.
• After selecting a format, set the save path and click “Export”.