Understanding how to move around and utilize the basic functions of software programs is essential to harnessing the built-in power of programs. For graphic artists or even casual users of Adobe Illustrator, understanding how to use the selection tool is one of the most basic requirements of modifying or enhancing objects. It is one of the most widely used tools in the program as it can be used to change the size, shape and placement of elements in an object.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6LvIhJD4OU Learning how to use this tool can be accomplished through trial an error, reading an Adobe Illustrator guide book, or through quick tutorial sessions. This graphic design tutorial will get you up to speed quickly on how to use the selection tool in Adobe Illustrator.
How to Use The Selection Tool in Adobe Illustrator Video
Learn how to utilize the selection tool in Adobe Illustrator through this graphic design video tutorial featuring award-winning graphic artist Janee Meadows. She demonstrates two methods of activating the tool and how to select specific points on an object for modification. This tutorial is part of a larger series of Adobe Illustrator demonstrations offered on the Mahalo.com YouTube channel.
Step 1: Create or Open Object in Illustrator
Open Adobe Illustrator and create an object on your blank screen. You can also open an existing image or import a scanned image.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6LvIhJD4OU
Step 2: Activate Selection Tool
Locate your tool palate. This palate is typically located on the left side of your Illustrator page and features two columns of icons. Press on the first icon located in the top left-hand column of the tool palate. The icon is backwards slanting arrow. When depressed, the button will turn darker and your cursor will change to the arrow shape. Instead of manually depressing the selection tool, you can activate the function simply by pressing the letter "v" on your keyboard. Using a quick key can help speed up your work and allows you to be more efficient in Adobe Illustrator.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6LvIhJD4OU
Step 3: Activate Direct Selection Tool
When you want to select a specific point on an object, activate the direct selection tool. Either press on the right arrow at the top of the tool palate, or use the hot key "A" on your keyboard. This tool will allow you to click on an individual point on an object for modification.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6LvIhJD4OU
More Adobe Illustrator Tips from Mahalo
Check out the how tos below to learn other tips for Adobe Illustrator:
- How to Use Brushes in Adobe Illustrator
- How to Use the Auto Trace in Adobe Illustrator
- How to Create Your Own Brush in Adobe Illustrator
- How to Use the Gradient Tool in Adobe Illustrator
- How to Use the Layers Panel in Adobe Illustrator
- How to Use the Pen Tool in Adobe Illustrator
- How to Use the Selection Tool in Adobe Illustrator
References
Fast Facts
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Fact:
Understand the common names of palates in Illustrator to ramp up your understanding of training guides.
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Fact:
Use the quick key "V" to rapidly activate the selection tool.
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Fact:
Manually select the tool by pressing on the left arrow at the top of the tools palate.
