Adobe Illustrator Online Guide

Adobe Illustrator is a vector graphics editing software developed and marketed by Adobe Inc. It is widely used by graphic designers, illustrators, and artists to create vector graphics, logos, icons, typography, and complex illustrations.

Some of the key features include the ability to create and edit vector graphics with precision, use of various tools and brushes for drawing and coloring, support for multiple artboards for designing multiple artworks in one file, integration with other Adobe Creative Suite products like Photoshop and InDesign, and support for exporting designs in various file formats like PDF, SVG, EPS, and AI.

Adobe Illustrator is available for both Windows and macOS platforms and is a subscription-based software that is part of the Adobe Creative Cloud suite.

Steps:

1. Open Adobe Illustrator and create a new document by clicking “File” and then “New”. Choose your desired artboard size, orientation, and other settings.
2. Select the appropriate tools from the toolbar on the left side of the screen to draw and edit your illustration. For example, you might use the Pen Tool to draw vector shapes, the Brush Tool to create brushstrokes, or the Type Tool to add text.
3. Customize your drawing using the various options available in the Properties panel, which is typically located on the right side of the screen. Here, you can adjust stroke and fill colors, change the thickness of lines, adjust text formatting, and more.
4. Save your work periodically by clicking “File” and then “Save” or “Save As”. You can choose to save your work in various file formats, including AI, PDF, and SVG.
5. Once you are finished with your illustration, you can export it by clicking “File” and then “Export”. Choose the desired file format, adjust any settings as needed, and then click “Export”.

These are just some basic steps, and there are many other tools and techniques you can use in Adobe Illustrator to create more complex and detailed illustrations.

Advantages

1. Vector-based: Vector-based software, which means that the graphics created in Illustrator are made up of paths, points, and shapes rather than pixels. This allows for the graphics to be scaled up or down without losing quality, making it ideal for creating logos, icons, and other graphics that need to be resized often.
2. Precision and accuracy: The software provides precise control over shapes and curves, allowing for accurate drawings and designs. This is particularly useful for creating technical drawings, diagrams, and other technical illustrations.
3. Versatile: Versatile software that can be used for a wide range of design tasks, including typography, logo design, website design, and print design.
4. Integration: Can be integrated with other Adobe Creative Suite applications, such as Photoshop and InDesign, making it easier to create a complete design workflow.
5. Extensive toolset: Has an extensive set of tools for drawing, editing, and manipulating vector graphics. This includes the Pen Tool, Shape Tools, Brush Tools, and more.
6. Export options: Provides a variety of export options, including exporting files as SVG, PDF, or EPS. This makes it easy to share your designs with others or use them in other applications.

Disadvantages

1. Steep learning curve: Has a steep learning curve, especially for beginners who are new to vector graphics. It can take some time to master the various tools and techniques available in the software.
2. Cost: Subscription-based software, which means that users have to pay a monthly fee to use it. This can be expensive for some users, particularly those who only need to use it occasionally.
3. Not suitable for photo editing: While Illustrator is great for creating vector graphics, it is not designed for photo editing. Users may need to use Adobe Photoshop or another photo editing software for these tasks.
4. Limited raster capabilities: While it can create raster graphics, it is not as powerful as Adobe Photoshop or other dedicated raster graphics software. This may limit the ability to create detailed and complex raster graphics.
5. Limited support for 3D graphics: While Illustrator can create basic 3D graphics, it is not designed for complex 3D modeling. Users may need to use other software for more advanced 3D modeling tasks.

Illustrator Free Online

There is no free version of Illustrator available online. There are some good free alternatives, but nothing like Illustrator. Adobe do offer a free trial that you can make the most of.