INTRODUCTION TO
ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR
2025
LESSON 1
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
1.. Identify and describe the key features and functions of
Adobe Illustrator.
2.Utilize the selection and direct selection tools to
manipulate objects and paths.
3. Create, modify, and manage vector graphics using
Illustrator’s toolbar and panels.
4. Apply essential document management practices,
including saving, exporting, and organizing files.
ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR
is a vector graphics editor and
design software developed by
Adobe Inc., first released in 1987. It
allows users to create scalable
graphics, such as logos, icons, and
illustrations, that maintain clarity at
any size
The 2025 release of Adobe Illustrator
introduces several notable features
and improvements
• AI-Powered Automation: The software now leverages artificial
intelligence to automate tasks like object alignment, vector
adjustments, and color corrections, enhancing efficiency and allowing
designers to focus more on creativity.
• Performance Enhancements: Users will experience improved
performance in image import, export, embedding, effects processing,
and operations within the Layers panel.
• User-Inspired Enhancements: The update includes new document
presets, the ability to export artboards and assets in AI and EPS formats,
Distance Guides for precise object placement, and access to the
Eyedropper tool directly from the Color Picker.
Starting Adobe Illustrator
• On Windows:
⚬ Via Start Menu
⚬ Click the Start button (Windows icon).
⚬ Type Adobe Illustrator in the search bar.
⚬ Click on Adobe Illustrator 2025 to launch the application.
• Via Desktop Shortcut
⚬ If you have a shortcut on your desktop, double-click the Adobe
Illustrator icon.
Creating a new document
• Blank templates make designing common deliverables,
such as brochures, business cards, CD covers, and T-
shirts, easier. Do the following to create a document
using a blank template:
1. Select File > New From Template.
2. In the New From Template dialog, open the Blank
Templates folder.
Creating a new document
Tools
When you start Illustrator, a toolbar appears at the left of the
screen that includes various tools you need to use while
working on your document. The tools in the toolbar let you
perform various tasks, such as create, select, and manipulate
objects and select, type, paint, draw, sample, edit, and move
images.
THE TOOLS PANEL
in Adobe Illustrator contains a set of tools for creating, selecting,
and manipulating objects. It appears on the left side of the
workspace by default.
Toolbar types
Basic: This toolbar is displayed by default
when Illustrator is launched. It includes a
selective set of tools that you frequently
need while working on Illustrator.
Toolbar types
• Advanced: This toolbar includes all the
tools available in Illustrator. To switch
from the Basic toolbar to Advanced, do
one of the following:
Choose Windows > Toolbars > Advanced. •
Select Advanced in the flyout menu of the
drawer
ICONS, MODULES, AND FUNCTION
ICONS, MODULES, AND FUNCTION
ICONS, MODULES, AND FUNCTION
PANEL DOCK
is the area on the right side of the
workspace where various panels are
located for managing layers, colors,
properties, and more. It helps streamline
your workflow by giving quick access to
essential design tools.
USING THE SELECTION AND DIRECT
SELECTION TOOLS
1. Selection Tool (V) – Black Arrow
The Selection Tool is used to select and move entire objects or groups.
How to Use It:
1. Select an Object: Click on any object to select it.
2.Move an Object: Click and drag the object to reposition it.
3.Resize an Object: Click on the bounding box handles and drag to
scale.
4.Rotate an Object: Hover near a corner until the rotate icon appears,
then click and drag.
5.Select Multiple Objects:
⚬ Hold Shift and click multiple objects.
⚬ Drag a selection box around multiple objects.
USING THE SELECTION AND DIRECT
SELECTION TOOLS
The Direct Selection Tool allows you to select and edit individual anchor
points and paths.
How to Use It:
1. Select an Anchor Point: Click on a specific anchor point to move it.
2.Adjust a Path: Click and drag on a path between anchor points to
reshape it.
3.Modify Curves: Click and drag the handles of an anchor point to
adjust the curve.
4.Select Multiple Anchor Points:
⚬ Hold Shift and click multiple points.
⚬ Drag a selection box around anchor points.
USING THE SELECTION AND DIRECT
SELECTION TOOLS
USING THE SELECTION AND DIRECT
SELECTION TOOLS
USING THE ZOOM AND HAND
TOOLS
How to Use the Zoom Tool
Zoom In:
Select the Zoom Tool (Z) and click anywhere on the canvas.
Or, click and drag to zoom into a specific area.
Zoom Out:
Hold Alt (Windows) / Option (Mac) and click to zoom out.
Fit Artboard to Screen:
Press Ctrl + 0 (Windows) / Cmd + 0 (Mac) to fit the entire artboard in
view.
USING THE ZOOM AND HAND
TOOLS
CLOSING THE ILLUSTRATOR
PROGRAM
Using Keyboard Shortcuts
• Windows: Press Ctrl + Q
• Mac: Press Cmd + Q
Clicking the Close Button
• Windows: Click the X in the top-right corner of the Illustrator
window.
• Mac: Click the red close button in the top-left corner of the
window.
CLOSING THE ILLUSTRATOR
PROGRAM
Force Quitting (If Illustrator is Unresponsive)
If Illustrator freezes, you may need to force quit the program:
• Windows:
⚬ Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
⚬ Find Adobe Illustrator, select it, and click End Task.
• Mac:
⚬ Press Cmd + Option + Esc to open the Force Quit menu.
⚬ Select Adobe Illustrator and click Force Quit.
SAVING ILLUSTRATOR DOCUMENT
Saving an Illustrator Document
• File > Save (Ctrl + S / Cmd + S) – Saves in the .AI format.
• File > Save As – Save a copy in AI or other formats.
• File > Export – Save in formats like PNG, JPEG, PDF, or SVG for
sharing.
Opening an Existing Illustrator Document
To open a saved file:
• Go to File > Open (Ctrl + O / Cmd + O).
• Browse for an .AI, .EPS, .SVG, .PDF, or other compatible files.
