Illustrator® CS4 Bible

Chapter 8. Using Illustrator to Organize Objects

IN THIS CHAPTER

• Locking and hiding objects

• Understanding and using stacking order

• Using groups

• Working with layers

• Measuring with the Measure tool

• Using grids and guides

As more and more objects are added to a document, the artwork can very quickly become unmanageable. To address this problem, Illustrator includes many features for organizing the various objects in the document. From locking or hiding objects that you don't want to accidentally move to grouping a set of objects so they can all move together, these features are keys to success in Illustrator.

Another key way to organize objects covered in this chapter is by using the Layers panel. The Layers panel offers precise control over different objects by placing them on different layers and controlling what effects are applied to them.

This chapter shows you how to use Illustrator's features to organize the objects in your documents.

Locking and Hiding Objects

All objects in Illustrator can be locked or hidden — including guides. The process of locking and hiding work is about the same, and the results are only marginally different. In a way, hiding is an invisible lock. Locking the artwork still leaves it visible and printable. When you hide an object, it's for all intents and purposes gone until you show it again. Locking is great to use when you still need to see the location of the object but don't want to accidentally move or transform it. Hiding works well when you need the object ...