TOOLS AND SHORTCUTS IN ILLUSTRATOR (16-04-25)

A toolbar is a set of eight tool galleries that Illustrator provides. Below is the list of the tool galleries

Selection Tools

The following are some of the Selection Tools commonly used in Adobe Illustrator:

Selection Tool (V)

The Selection Tool (V) in Illustrator is the primary selection tool, used for selecting entire objects, moving them, resizing, and rotating.

1) Click an object to select it.

2) Click and drag to create a selection marquee for multiple selections.

3) Hold Shift to add or subtract from the selection.

4) Use the rotation handle to rotate objects.

Direct Selection Tool (A)

The Direct Selection Tool (A) is for fine-grained editing, letting you select and adjust individual anchor points and segments within a shape or path.

1) Click an anchor point or segment to select it.

2) Create a selection marquee for multiple selections.

3) Hold Shift to add or subtract from the selection.

4) Convert between smooth and corner anchor points.

Magic Wand Tool (Y)

The Magic Wand Tool (Y) selects objects with similar attributes like fill colour, stroke colour, or stroke weight.

1) Click an object with the desired attribute.

2) Adjust tolerance in the Control panel for sensitivity.

3) Hold Shift to add, Alt (Option on Mac) to subtract from the selection.

Drawing Tools

The following are some of the Drawing Tools commonly used in Adobe Illustrator.

Pen Tool (P)

The Pen Tool (P) in Illustrator is the Swiss Army knife of vector drawing. It's used for creating and editing complex paths and shapes by placing anchor points.

1) Click to create straight line segments.

2) Click and drag to create curved paths.

3) Click down on the Alt key (or the Option key on Mac) to adjust a single side of a path independently.

4) Double-click to close a path or shape.

Pencil Tool (N)

The Pencil Tool (N) offers a free-hand drawing experience, allowing you to draw freeform paths with a hand-drawn feel.

1) Select the tool and start drawing with your mouse or tablet.

2) Adjust the smoothing setting in the Control panel for cleaner or more organic lines.

Brush Tool (B)

The Brush Tool (B) lets you paint strokes with various brush presets, providing artistic and organic lines to your designs.

1) Choose a brush preset from the Brushes panel.

2) Adjust the stroke's size, opacity, and other settings in the Control panel.

Blob Brush Tool (Shift + B)

The Blob Brush Tool (Shift + B) combines the simplicity of a brush with the vector capabilities of Illustrator. It's perfect for creating organic and painterly shapes.

1) Draw freely like with the Pencil Tool.

2) The Blob Brush Tool automatically merges overlapping paths into a single shape.

Curvature Tool (Shift + ~)

The Curvature Tool (Shift + ~) simplifies drawing smooth, precise curves without the need for multiple anchor points.

1) Click to create anchor points.

2) Click and drag to adjust the curvature directly.

3) Double-click to finish the path.

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Shape Tools

The following are some of the Shape Tools commonly used in Adobe Illustrator.

Rectangle Tool (M)

The Rectangle Tool (M) is your go-to for creating precise rectangles or squares. It offers easy customisation of dimensions and corner radii.

1) Click and drag to draw a rectangle.

2) Hold the Shift key while you are dragging to create a perfect square.

3) Adjust the width, height, and corner radii in the Control panel.

Ellipse Tool (L)

The Ellipse Tool (L) is your ticket to drawing circles and ellipses. Hold the Shift key while drawing to ensure a perfect circle.

1) Click and drag to draw an ellipse.

2) Hold Shift for a perfect circle.

3) Adjust the dimensions in the Control panel.

Polygon Tool

The Polygon Tool helps you craft polygons with multiple sides. You can adjust the number of sides and the shape's rotation.

1) Click and drag to draw a polygon.

2) Use the up and down arrow keys to change the number of sides.

3) Adjust the rotation angle in the Control panel.

Star Tool

The Star Tool enables you to create star shapes with customisable points and sizes.

1) Click and drag to draw a star.

2) Use the up and down arrow keys to adjust the number of points.

3) Modify the radius and inset values in the Control panel.

Line Segment Tool ()

The Line Segment Tool () is designed for drawing straight lines or paths. Hold Shift to constrain the angle to 45-degree increments.

1) Click and drag to draw a line.

2) Hold Shift for precise horizontal, vertical, or diagonal lines.

3) Adjust the line's length and angle in the Control panel.

Type Tools

The following are some of the Type Tools commonly used in Adobe Illustrator.

Type Tool (T)

The Type Tool (T) is the gateway to adding text to your illustrations. You can create both point text and area text using this versatile tool.

1) Select the Type Tool from the toolbar.

2) Click on your canvas to create point text, which is text in a single line.

3) Click and drag to define a text area for area text, which flows within the boundaries.

4) Type your text, and you can adjust the font, size, and other text attributes in the Control panel.

Area Type Tool

The Area Type Tool is an extension of the Type Tool that allows you to create text containers within shapes. This is ideal for fitting text into specific areas or shapes.

1) Select the Type Tool (T) from the toolbar.

2) Click on the edge of a shape to create an area text container.

3) Type your text, and it will automatically wrap within the shape's boundaries.

Type on a Path Tool

The Type on a Path Tool is designed for adding text along a path, giving your text a curved or custom shape.

1) Select the Type on a Path Tool from the Type Tool submenu.

2) Click on an existing path or create a new one.

3) Type your text, and it will follow the shape of the path.

Transformation Tools

The following are some of the Transformation Tools commonly used in Adobe Illustrator.

Selection Tool (V)

The Selection Tool (V) is the fundamental Illustrator tool for selecting and moving objects within your artwork. While it may not seem like a transformation tool at first glance, it plays a pivotal role in the transformation process.

1) Select an object with the Selection Tool.

2) Use the bounding box's handles to resize the object proportionally.

3) Click and drag the rotation handle (the curved arrow) to rotate the object.

4) Hover over the corner handles, and when your cursor changes itself to a double-sided arrow, you can resize non-proportionally.

Scale Tool (S)

The Scale Tool (S) is dedicated to resizing objects, allowing you to make adjustments both proportionally and non-proportionally.

1) Select an object.

2) Activate the Scale Tool.

3) Click to set a reference point for scaling.

4) Click and drag to resize the object. Holding Shift ensures proportional scaling.

Rotate Tool (R)

The Rotate Tool (R) is your tool for rotating objects around a specific point, giving you control over the angle of rotation.

1) Select an object.

2) Activate the Rotate Tool.

3) Click to set the rotation point (the center of rotation).

4) Click and drag to rotate the object.

Reflect Tool (O)

The Reflect Tool (O) mirrors objects across a specified axis, allowing you to create symmetrical designs effortlessly.

1) Select an object.

2) Activate the Reflect Tool.

3) Click to set the reflection axis (the line over which the object will be reflected).

4) Illustrator mirrors the object along the axis.

Shear Tool (Shift + S)

The Shear Tool (Shift + S) in Illustrator skews objects horizontally or vertically, adding dynamic perspective to your designs.

1) Select an object.

2) Activate the Shear Tool.

3) Click and drag to apply the shear transformation. Dragging horizontally skews vertically, and vice versa.

Other tools

The following are some of the other miscellaneous Adobe Illustrator Tools.

Artboard Tool (Shift + O)

The Artboard Tool (Shift + O) allows you to create and manipulate artboards, which serve as the canvas for your illustrations.

Hand Tool (H)

The Hand Tool (H) lets you navigate your document quickly by dragging it to view different areas.

Zoom Tool (Z)

The Zoom Tool (Z) allows you to zoom in and out on your artwork for precise editing.

Eyedropper Tool (I)

The Eyedropper Tool (I) samples colours and attributes from one object and applies them to another.

Gradient Tool (G)

The Gradient Tool (G) helps you create and edit gradients, adding depth and dimension to your artwork.

Shape Builder Tool (Shift + M)

The Shape Builder Tool (Shift + M) lets you combine and divide shapes easily to create complex forms.

Eraser Tool (Shift + E)

The Eraser Tool (Shift + E) removes parts of paths or shapes, allowing for precise editing.

Scissors Tool (C)

The Scissors Tool (C) cuts paths at specific anchor points, enabling you to create separate segments.

Blend Tool (W)

The Blend Tool (W) creates smooth transitions between objects, making it ideal for creating gradients and special effects.

Perspective Grid Tool

The Perspective Grid Tool helps you create three-dimensional grids for drawing in perspective.

Gradient Mesh Tool (U)

The Gradient Mesh Tool (U) is used to create complex gradients within shapes.

Symbol Sprayer Tool

The Symbol Sprayer Tool allows you to spray instances of symbols across your artwork.

Symbol Shifter Tool

The Symbol Shifter Tool moves and repositions symbol instances within your artwork.

Wrinkle Tool

The Wrinkle Tool adds a wrinkle effect to objects, giving them a realistic appearance.

Bloat Tool

The Bloat Tool inflates objects, making them appear fuller and more rounded.

Twirl Tool

The Twirl Tool rotates and distorts objects in a swirling motion.

Free Transform Tool (E)

The Free Transform Tool (E) provides more advanced transformation options than the basic Transformation Tools.

Crop Area Tool

The Crop Area Tool trims the canvas and isolates the selected area.

Perspective Selection Tool

The Perspective Selection Tool selects objects within a perspective grid.

Measure Tool

The Measure Tool helps you measure distances and angles in your artwork.

Slice Tool (Shift + K)

The Slice Tool (Shift + K) divides your artwork into smaller sections for web export.

Live Paint Bucket Tool (K)

The Live Paint Bucket Tool (K) allows you to fill closed shapes with colours easily.

Live Paint Selection Tool (Shift + L)

The Live Paint Selection Tool (Shift + L) helps you select and manipulate Live Paint groups.

Mesh Tool (U)

The Mesh Tool (U) adds mesh points to objects, enabling you to create complex gradients and shading.

Gradient Annotator

The Gradient Annotator provides visual control over gradient direction and positioning.

Perspective Selection Tool (Shift + V)

The Perspective Selection Tool (Shift + V) selects and manipulates objects within a perspective grid.

Curvature Tool (Shift + ~)

The Curvature Tool (Shift + ~) simplifies drawing smooth, precise curves without the need for multiple anchor points.

Symbol Screener Tool

The Symbol Screener Tool adjusts the opacity of symbol instances in your artwork.

Symbol Styler Tool

The Symbol Styler Tool changes the appearance of symbol instances, including their colours and effects.

Symbol Spinner Tool

The Symbol Spinner Tool rotates symbol instances within your artwork.

Shape Touch-up Tool

The Shape Touch-up Tool refines and adjusts the appearance of shapes and paths.

Blob Brush Tool (Shift + B)

The Blob Brush Tool (Shift + B) combines the simplicity of a brush with the vector capabilities of Illustrator, making it ideal for creating organic shapes.

Perspective Crop Tool

The Perspective Crop Tool allows you to crop and adjust perspective on specific parts of your artwork.

Perspective Selection Tool (Shift + V)

The Perspective Selection Tool in Illustrator (Shift + V) selects and manipulates objects within a perspective grid.

ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR SHORTCUTS

WINDOWS SHORTCUTS

SELECTING AND MOVING
To access Selection or Direction Selection tool (whichever was used last) at any time	Control
To switch between Selection and Direct Selection tools	Ctrl-Alt-Tab
To cycle through tools behind column tool	Alt-click tool
To make copy while dragging	Alt
To add to a selection	Shift
Move Selection	Any arrow key
Move Selection 10 pts	Shift-any arrow key
Lock selected artwork	Ctrl-2
Lock all deselected artwork	Ctrl-Alt-Shift-2
Unlock all artwork	Ctrl-Alt-2
Hide selected artwork	Ctrl-3
Hide all deselected artwork	Ctrl-Alt-Shift-3
Show all artwork	Ctrl-Alt-3
PATH EDITING
Join and Average at same time	Ctrl-Alt-Shift-J
Convert Anchor Point tool from Pen tool	Alt
Switch between Add Anchor Point and Delete Anchor Point tools	Alt
Add Anchor Point tool from Scissors tool	Alt
Move anchor point while drawing with Pen tool	Spacebar
Create closed path with Pencil or Paintbrush tool	when finished drawing, hold Alt and release mouse
Connect to an open (and selected) path with Pencil	Ctrl-drag
PAINTING AND TRANSFORMING
Eyedropper tool from Live Paint Bucket tool	Alt
Samples intermediate color from gradient, picture, etc. with eyedropper	Shift
Sets center point and shows dialog	Alt-click with Tool
Duplicates and transforms selection	Alt-drag
Transform pattern without transforming object	~(tilde)-drag
Scale proportionally with Selection tool	Shift-drag bounding box
Scale from center with Selection tool	Alt-drag bounding box
Move mesh point along path with Mesh tool	Shift-drag
Add mesh point with Mesh tool without changing color	Shift-click
Remove mesh point with Mesh tool	Alt-click
SHAPES (WHILE DRAWING)
Draw from center	Alt
Draw from center with dialog	Alt-click
Constrain proportion	Shift
Constrain orientation of polygons, stars, spirals	Shift
Move object while drawing	Spacebar
Add/subtract sides, points, spiral segments	Up or Down Arrow
Decrease inner radius	Ctrl
Create continuous duplicates along mouse movement	hold ~ while dragging
VIEWING & GUIDES
Get Hand Tool (while NOT editing Type)	Spacebar

Get Hand tool
(while editing Type)

Hold Control, then Space. (This will show the Zoom tool). Let go of Control so you see the Hand tool and immediately start dragging the mouse so you don’t end up typing spaces. Be sure to let go of the Spacebar while dragging so you again don’t type more spaces.

Zoom In Tool	Ctrl-Spacebar
Zoom Out Tool	Ctrl-Alt-Spacebar
Zoom In to exact size	Ctrl-Spacebar-drag
Hide/Show all tools and panels	Tab
Hide/Show all panels except toolbox	Shift-Tab
Switch between horizontal/vertical guide	hold Alt while dragging out a new guide
Release Guide (turns it into a regular path)	Shift-Ctrl-double-click
TYPE
Decrease/Increase type size	Ctrl-Shift-< or >
Decrease/Increase leading	Alt arrow up or down
Decrease/Increase kerning/tracking	Alt arrow left or right
Kerning/tracking x 5	Ctrl-Alt arrow left or right
Decrease/Increase baseline shift	Shift-Alt arrow down or up
Baseline shift x 5	Ctrl-Alt-Shift arrow down or up
Align type left, right, center	Ctrl-Shift-L, R, C
Justify type	Ctrl-Shift-J
Justify last line	Ctrl-Shift-F
Reset horizontal/vertical scale to 100%	Ctrl-Shift-X
Reset kerning or tracking to 0	Ctrl-Alt-Q
PALETTE SHORTCUTS/FUNCTION KEYS
Show/Hide Brushes	F5
Show/Hide Color	F6
Show/Hide Layers	F7
Show/Hide Info	Ctrl-F8
Show/Hide Gradient	Ctrl-F9
Show/Hide Stroke	Ctrl-F10
Show/Hide Attributes	Ctrl-F11
Revert file	F12
Show/Hide Graphic Styles	Shift-F5
Show/Hide Appearance	Shift-F6
Show/Hide Align	Shift-F7
Show/Hide Transform	Shift-F8
Show/Hide Pathfinder	Shift-Ctrl-F9
Show/Hide Transparency	Shift-Ctrl-F10
Show/Hide Symbols	Shift-Ctrl-F11
LAYERS PALETTE SHORTCUTS
Toggle layer between Preview/Outline mode	Ctrl-click on eye
Show layer while turningoff all others	Alt-click on eye
Select all items on layer	Alt-click layer name
Copy selected item to different layer	Alt-drag selection square in Layers panel
To create the new layer at the top of list	Ctrl-click
To create the new layer below selected layer	Ctrl-Alt-click
COLOR PALETTE SHORTCUTS
Saturate/Desaturate current color	Shift-drag color slider
Change Color Mode	Shift-click color bar
Select compliment of current color	Ctrl-click color bar
SWATCHES PALETTE SHORTCUTS
Create a swatch as a global color	Hold Crtl-Shift while creating
Replace a swatch with another	Alt-drag new swatch over old
MISC.
(In any panel) Apply a value, but keep value highlighted in panel	Shift-Return
Create New Symbol	F8

TOOLS
V	Selection
A	Direct Selection
Y	Magic Wand
Q	Lasso
P	Pen
+	Add Anchor point
-	Delete Anchor point
Shift-C	Convert Anchor point
T	Type
\	Line Segment
M	Rectangle
L	Ellipse
B	Paintbrush
N	Pencil
Shift-B	Blob Brush
Shift-E	Eraser
C	Scissors
R	Rotate
O	Reflect
S	Scale
Shift-R	Warp
E	Free Transform
Shift-S	Symbol Sprayer
J	Column Graph
U	Mesh
G	Gradient
I	Eyedropper
W	Blend
K	Live Paint Bucket
Shift-L	Live Paint Selection
Shift-O	Artboard Tool
Shift-K	Slice
H	Hand
Z	Zoom
X	Toggle between Fill & Stroke
Shift-X	Swap Fill & Stroke
D	Default Fill & Stroke (white fill/black stroke)
<	Fill or Stroke w/Color
>	Fill or Stroke w/Gradient
/	Fill or Stroke w/None
F	Cycle through Screen Modes
Double-click tools to bring up options.
Press CAPS LOCK to change tool pointer to cross hair.
Hold down Shift to constrain movement to 45°, 90°, 135°, or 180°.