Adobe Illustrator Core Skills: Level 1

*** Platform Note: This class for Mac or PC Users *** Adobe software is virtually the same on the Mac and PC platforms. When taking this class from an ONLC locations you will be using PC hardware with Windows software. When taking this course from home or office, students can use either PC or Mac hardware to attach to the hosted Windows-based Adobe software. Minor Mac keyboard and interface differences will be highlighted by the instructor. Overview This class covers a thorough review of the Illustrator interface including how to use tools and panels, and how to customize and save workspaces. You will learn how to set up documents and save document presets, use multiple artboards, and navigate and zoom in and out as needed as you create illustrations. _ You will also learn to use the selection and drawing tools to create basic shapes and paths, and then combine them to create more complex drawings. A thorough understanding of how to use type in illustrator includes point and area type, as well as the use of styles, and creating type on a path. The class also includes a lesson on the layers panel, and how to organize the elements of your design, and use layers for creating multiple versions of a layout. *** Version Note *** Our Adobe classes are for users of the CC and CS6 versions. These classes are run on the CC version of the software but are relevant for CS6 users as well. In addition, we upgrade our software shortly after new training materials are released from Adobe. Typically new content is available within 2 to 4 months of a software release. Interested in More Training? For individuals seeking comprehensive training, we offer bundles so you can attend multiple Adobe Illustrator classes at a discount. For more information on savings, go to: Adobe Illustrator Bundle
Target Student This course is appropriate for beginners and for anyone who is self taught on the basics of Illustrator. Quite often even experienced users find they benefit from a Core Skills: Level 1 class to fill in the gaps in their knowledge. However, if you feel that you are already familiar with the content covered in the Level 1 course, you can view the Level 2 course outline here: Illustrator CC Core Skills: Level 2
Need Training Flexibility? Many people are not able to take off from work for a class. We have another option. Our Adobe On-Demand self-study courses let you learn at your own pace on your own schedule. ONLC On-Demand classes blend Adobe Official training materials with video tutorials, quizzes, and real world project-based labs to offer a cost-effective alternative to our live instructor-led classes. For this alternative learning format see: Adobe On-Demand: Adobe Illustrator CC
Prerequisites Basic computer and file management skills are required for Core Skills level Adobe courses. Students should know how to - locate, copy and open files; create folders; arrange, re-size, minimize and maximize application windows; start and exit programs; manage use of multiple programs simultaneously; and switch between open programs. COURSE OUTLINE Getting to Know the Work Area Open an Adobe Illustrator file. Work with the toolbar, Properties panel, and Task bar. Move the toolbar. Customize the toolbar. Work with panels. Scale the Illustrator interface. Reset and save your workspace. Use view options to change the display magnification. Pan with the Navigator panel. Rotate the canvas view. Navigate multiple artboards. Arrange multiple documents. Techniques for Selecting Artwork Discover the various selection tools and use selection techniques. Recognize Smart Guides. Save selections for future use. Hide, lock, and unlock items. Use tools and commands to align shapes and points to each other and the artboard. Group items. Work in Isolation mode. Arrange objects. Make a Logo with Shapes Create a new document. What is a bleed? Use tools and commands to create a variety of shapes. Understand Live Shapes. Create rounded corners. Discover other ways to round corners. Work with drawing modes. Editing and Combining Shapes and Paths Cut with the Scissors tool. Join paths. Work with the Knife tool. Work with the Eraser tool Transforming Artwork Add, edit, rename, and reorder artboards in an existing document. Navigate artboards. Change the order of artboards. Work with rulers and guides. Edit the ruler origin. Position objects with precision. Move, scale, rotate, and shear objects using a variety of methods. Drawing with the Pen Tool Draw straight and curved lines with the Pen tool. Edit curved and straight lines. Add and delete anchor points. Convert between smooth points and corner points Using Color to Enhance Artwork Understand color modes and the main color controls. Create, edit, and apply colors using a variety of methods. Name and save colors. Copy and paste appearance attributes from one object to another. Adding Type to a Project Create and edit area and point type. Import and thread text. Change text formatting. Fix missing fonts. Vertically align area type. Create columns of text. Organizing Your Artwork with Layers Work with the Layers panel. Create, rearrange, and lock layers and sublayers. Name content. Locate objects in the Layers panel. Move objects between layers.