How to Use The Brush Tool in Adobe Illustrator

When first learning Adobe Illustrator, the number of features, brushes and settings can feel overwhelming. However, advanced graphic artists quickly learn Illustrator offers the customization they need to craft realistic and imaginative images in digital form. One element that beginning Adobe Illustrator users should review is the basic brush tool. This tool replicates the brush strokes on a painter's canvas.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70uUkuFwcLY The size, dimensions and width of the brushes can be modified based on your needs and project requirements. Discover how to use the brush tool in Adobe Illustrator through this graphic design tutorial.

Step 1: Open a New Document

Open Adobe Illustrator, then open a new document. Click on the "File" menu, then "New". A "New Document" window will appear. Name your new document in the "Name" box and adjust your document settings. Press the "OK" button to create your new document.http://tv.adobe.com/watch/learn-illustrator-cs4/getting-started-01-starting-a-new-document

Step 2: Activate Brush Tool

Press the "B" button on your keyboard, or select the paintbrush icon on the tools palate. It is the fifth button in the left-hand column. The default setting is a uniform appearance. Change the brush size and appearance by modifying the brush selections that run horizontally at the top of your document. You can select the size, shape, style and opacity of your brush to suit your design needs.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70uUkuFwcLY

Step 3: Make a Drawing

After selecting your brush options, click and drag your mouse to create the design you prefer. The line will continue until you release your mouse button. Continue creating lines until your brushed design is completed.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70uUkuFwcLY

More Adobe Illustrator Tips from Mahalo

Check out the how tos below to learn other tips for Adobe Illustrator:

  1. How to Use Brushes in Adobe Illustrator
  2. How to Use the Auto Trace in Adobe Illustrator
  3. How to Create Your Own Brush in Adobe Illustrator
  4. How to Use the Gradient Tool in Adobe Illustrator
  5. How to Use the Layers Panel in Adobe Illustrator
  6. How to Use the Pen Tool in Adobe Illustrator
  7. How to Use the Selection Tool in Adobe Illustrator
  8. How to Use The Artboard Tool in Adobe Illustrator
  9. How to Use The Blend Tool in Adobe Illustrator
  10. How to Use The Bristle Brush Tool in Adobe Illustrator
  11. How to Use The Brush Tool in Adobe Illustrator
  12. How to Use The Eraser Tool in Adobe Illustrator
  13. How to Use The Eye Drop and Ruler Tool in Adobe Illustrator
  14. How to Use The Gradient Tool in Adobe Illustrator
  15. How to Use The Hand Tool in Adobe Illustrator
  16. How to Use The Lasso and Magic Wand Tool in Adobe Illustrator
  17. How to Use The Line Segment Tool in Adobe Illustrator
  18. How to Use The Pencil Tool in Adobe Illustrator
  19. How to Use The Perspective Tool in Adobe Illustrator
  20. How to Use The Reflect and Rotate Tools in Adobe Illustrator
  21. How to Use The Scale Shear and Reshape Tools in Adobe Illustrator
  22. How to Use The Shape Builder Tool in Adobe Illustrator
  23. How to Use The Shape Tools in Adobe Illustrator
  24. How to Use The Slice and Slice Selection Tool in Adobe Illustrator
  25. How to Use The Symbol Tool in Adobe Illustrator
  26. How to Use The Type Tool in Adobe Illustrator
  27. How to Use The Warp Tool in Adobe Illustrator
  28. How to Use The Width Tool in Adobe Illustrator

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