Illustrator Tools & Exercises

Important Reminders about the Pen Tool:

2 Handlebars
click once in a spot, click again and HOLD down mouse button
two handlebars will apear that allow you to stretch the shape
handlebars should be aimed in the direction you want the curve to go
Swerve
pen tool defaults to a setting in which you select one curve
the second point selected will automatically curve/swerve the other direction
"like driving a car and skidding on ice"
1 Handlebar
if you select the middle of the handlebars it will leave you with just one handlebar
this allows you to continue direction of curve without a swerve happening
it resets the curve and does not force a curve the opposite way
by using one handlebar you can also get a shallower curve
Direct Select
white arrow tool allows reshaping at a point or to move handlebars
clicking on shape (not path) will give you a selection border with filled in dots = moving
clicking on path (not shape) will give you a selection border with open dots = reshaping
Adding/Subtracting
add anchor points to path when pen tool has a "+" sign next to it
subtract anchor points to path when pen tool has a "-" next to it
complete form when pen tool has a "o" next to it
Fill/Stroke Tools
allows you to change the color that outlines your shape or borders your shape
keep same as the fill color to avoid a border color, or
delete by clicking on small box with red line through it
(to create NO STROKE or NO FILL)
Understanding Tools and Menus and their Capabilities

curving shapes angular shapes
PEN TOOL