book

Real World Adobe® Illustrator® CS4

by Mordy Golding

December 2008

Intermediate to advanced

600 pages

15h 34m

English

Peachpit Press

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Dedication
The Many Uses of IllustratorCreative Genius: The World of Graphic DesignTelling a Story: Illustration and AnimationInteractive Experience: Interface and Web DesignTomorrow’s Trends: Fashion and Apparel DesignThinking Outside the Box: Package DesignThe Science of Design: Art and Print ProductionFrame by Frame: Motion GraphicsThe Melting Pot of Design: Creativity for EveryoneWhen Should You Use Illustrator?What’s New in Adobe Illustrator CS4?How This Book Is OrganizedSee the Pretty Art!Additional Resources
Exploring the Welcome ScreenCreating New DocumentsCreating Your Own New Document ProfilesSetting Up Your DocumentUsing Multiple ArtboardsNavigating Within a DocumentModifying ArtboardsHandling Artboards and Legacy WorkflowsUsing Multiple Artboard StrategiesViewing DocumentsUsing Overprint PreviewUsing Pixel PreviewUsing Rulers and GuidesUsing Smart GuidesDefining Custom ViewsWorking with TemplatesCreating Meaningful Metadata
Selecting ObjectsMaking SelectionsSetting Your Selection and Anchor Display PreferencesUsing the Direct Selection ToolUsing the Group Selection ToolUsing Alternative Selection TechniquesUsing the Lasso and Magic Wand ToolsSelecting Similar ObjectsSaving SelectionsMaking TransformationsUsing the Bounding BoxLiving by the Numbers with the Transform PanelWorking with the Transformation ToolsTransforming Multiple Objects at OnceExploring the Power of the Transform Again FeatureExploring the Pathfinder PanelCombining Shapes with Shape ModesChanging Paths with PathfindersAligning ObjectsDistributing ObjectsDistribute ObjectsDistribute SpacingWorking with Tools of Mass DistortionPainting with Distortion: The Liquify ToolsGetting Into Shape: Envelope DistortionUsing Method 1: Make with Top ObjectUsing Method 2: Make with MeshUsing Method 3: Make with WarpAdjusting Envelope Distortion SettingsEditing Envelopes and Their ContentsReleasing and Expanding EnvelopesCreating Transitions with BlendsCreating a BlendUsing Method 1: Using the Blend MenuUsing Method 2: Using the Blend ToolEditing a BlendReplacing the Spine of a BlendReversing BlendsReleasing and Expanding Blends
Drawing Primitive Vector ShapesUsing Closed-Path Shape ToolsUsing Open-Path Shape ToolsDrawing by NumbersDrawing and Editing Free-Form VectorsMastering the Pen ToolDrawing Objects with Straight PathsEnding a PathDrawing a Closed PathDrawing Objects with Curved PathsDrawing Objects with Both Straight and Curved PathsChanging Direction on a PathCreating a Combination PointCreating a Combination Point as You DrawConverting Type to OutlinesAdding and Deleting Anchor PointsUsing the Reshape ToolCutting Paths with the Scissors and Knife ToolsCreating Compound PathsPerforming Advanced Path EditingWorking with the Join and Average CommandsUsing the Outline Stroke CommandExploring the Offset Path FunctionSimplifying Vector PathsUsing the Split Into Grid FeatureRemoving Unnecessary Elements with the Clean Up Feature
Drawing with Live PaintUsing Live Paint to Color PathsUnderstanding Live Paint groupsDealing with Gaps in Your ArtworkReleasing and Expanding Live Paint GroupsMerging Live Paint GroupsUsing Live Paint to Edit PathsDrawing with the Pencil ToolUnleashing the Power of BrushesExploring the Illustrator Brush QuartetApplying Brush StrokesDefining a Calligraphic BrushDefining a Scatter BrushDefining an Art BrushDefining a Pattern BrushModifying Brush StrokesExpanding Brush ArtDrawing and Erasing with EaseUsing the Blob Brush ToolUsing the Eraser ToolUsing Gradient MeshAdding Pizzazz with the Flare ToolDrawing a Vector Lens FlareEditing a Vector Lens Flare
Understanding AppearancesUnderstanding Attributes and Stacking OrderTargeting AttributesApplying Multiple AttributesExpanding AppearancesEnhancing Appearances with Live EffectsApplying a Live EffectEditing a Live EffectWorking with GroupsAdding a Soft Drop Shadow to a GroupAdding a Stroke to a GroupUsing Isolation ModeWorking with LayersUsing the Layers PanelUnderstanding Object HierarchyUsing Layers and AppearancesPutting It All Together
Creating and Using Color in IllustratorUsing the Color PanelUsing the Swatches PanelHitting the Color Swatch TrifectaWorking with Groups of ColorWorking with LibrariesAdding Color with Fills and StrokesApplying FillsGradient FillsPattern FillsApplying StrokesAligning StrokesUsing Dashed StrokesGetting Inspired with ColorUsing the Color Guide PanelLimiting the Color Guide PanelTapping In to a Community Around Color with KulerUsing the Kuler WebsiteUsing the Kuler Panel in IllustratorModifying ColorRecoloring ArtworkUsing the Edit TabUsing the Assign TabConverting Art to GrayscalePerforming One-Click Color FixesViewing Color on the ScreenControlling Color Management SettingsProofing ColorsPreviewing Contrast for Color BlindnessUnderstanding Book Color
Combining Features and EffectsDeconstructing the Effect MenuIs It Vector, or Is It Raster?Massaging Pixels in IllustratorConvert to Shape: Changing for the BetterApplying the Convert to Shape EffectWhat If...You Apply the Convert to Shape Effect to Text?Crop Marks: Cut Here, PleaseDistort & Transform: Transforming Your DesignDistortion EffectsTransform EffectPaths: Drawing Outside the LinesPathfinder: Creating Complex ShapesWhat If...You Combine Offset Path and Pathfinder Effects on a Group?Rasterize: Creating Vectors That Act Like PixelsWhat If...You Apply the Rasterize Effect to a Raster Image?Stylize: Now You’re Stylin’!The Add Arrowheads EffectThe Feather EffectThe Inner Glow and Outer Glow EffectsThe Round Corners EffectThe Scribble EffectWhat If...You Apply the Scribble Effect to Multiple Fills?SVG Filters: Applying Technical EffectsWarp: Choosing Your DistortionApplying Photoshop EffectsA Gallery of Effects

Working with Text ObjectsWorking with Point TypeWorking with Area TypeConverting Text to Editable VectorsGetting Global Text Support with UnicodeUnderstanding the Way of the FontIntroducing OpenTypeOpenType + Illustrator = Intelligent FontsUsing the OpenType PanelFinding Glyphs and FontsUsing the Find Font Dialog BoxSpecifying Character and Paragraph OptionsUsing the Character PanelUsing the Paragraph PanelSetting TabsDefining Text StylesWorking with Area TypeCreating and Editing Text ThreadsSetting Area Type OptionsAchieving Perfect AlignmentPutting Type on a PathWorking with Path Type with Closed PathsSetting Path Text OptionsWrapping Text Around ObjectsEditing TextUsing Find and ReplaceDisplaying Invisible CharactersChecking SpellingWorking with Legacy Text and Backward CompatibilityOpening Legacy Illustrator Files in Illustrator CS4Updating Legacy Text in an Open DocumentSaving Illustrator CS4 Files to Illustrator Legacy Versions
Saving Space and Time with SymbolsWorking with Symbols and InstancesReplacing SymbolsModifying Symbols and InstancesUsing Symbols in Different WaysHaving Fun with the Symbolism ToolsCreating a Symbol SetUsing the Specialized Symbolism ToolsExpanding a Symbol SetLooking Behind the MaskCreating Clipping MasksOrganizing Masking with Layer Clipping MasksSeeing Through Objects with Opacity MasksCreating an Opacity MaskEditing an Opacity MaskTaking Opacity Masks to the Next LevelUsing Graphic StylesDefining a Graphic StyleEditing a Graphic StyleAdding a Graphic Style to an ObjectUsing Automation with IllustratorRecording and Playing ActionsScripting in IllustratorUsing Automation When Releasing Final FilesCleaning Up Messy FilesGenerating a List of Used ItemsCollecting Necessary Support Files
Exploring the Anatomy of a GraphCreating a Graph in IllustratorChoosing a Graph TypeSpecifying Graph DataFormatting Data in the Graph Data WindowCustomizing GraphsUsing Graph DesignsCreating a graph designApplying a graph designInstantly Colorizing a GraphUngrouping a GraphRaising the Bar with GraphsCombining Multiple Graph Types
3D in Illustrator: What It Is and What It Isn’tLooking Inside the 3D EffectUsing Fills and Strokes and the 3D EffectEditing a 3D EffectApplying the 3D Extrude & Bevel EffectSpecifying the Position settingsSpecifying the Extrude & Bevel settingsSpecifying the Surface settingsUsing Spot Colors in 3D ObjectsCreating 3D Geometry—Draw Visible FacesCreating 3D Geometry—Draw Hidden FacesCreating a Photorealistic ButtonApplying the 3D Revolve EffectSpecifying the Revolve SettingsDrawing a sphereDrawing an Exercise BarbellApplying the 3D Rotate EffectMapping Artwork to 3D SurfacesSpecifying Mapped ArtworkWhat If...You Add Transparency to 3D?Applying TransparencyDrawing Hidden SidesWhat If...You Blend 3D Objects?What If...You Apply a 3D Effect to a Graph?
Placing Raster-Based FilesPlacing an ImageMethod One: Placing a FileMethod Two: Opening a FileMethod Three: Dragging a FilePlacing Native Photoshop Files (PSD)Working with Placed ImagesUsing Template Layers to Manually TraceManaging Placed ImagesAdditional Links Panel FunctionalityGetting Faster Access to Image Settings with the Control PanelConverting Rasters to Vectors Using Live TraceTracing an ImageExploring the Live Trace Preview OptionsPreviewing the Original Raster ImagePreviewing the Traced Vector ResultTweaking to Get the Perfect TraceModifying the Raster AdjustmentsAdjusting the Vector Trace SettingsEditing Live Trace PathsExpanding a Live Trace ObjectConverting Traced Images to Live Paint GroupsExploring an Alternative to Trace: Object MosaicTurning Vectors into RastersWorking with Adobe PhotoshopGoing from Illustrator to PhotoshopGoing from Photoshop to Illustrator
Two Approaches to Web DesignMaximizing Image Quality on the WebDitheringAntialiasingCompressionCreating Perfect Web GraphicsAntialiasing and the Pixel GridExploring an Example: Fat Gray LinesTaking Charge of Antialiasing—and Your ArtSlicing Up the WebAny Way You Slice It...Editing Slice AttributesExporting Pixel-Based Images with Save for Web & DevicesChoosing the Right Image File TypeChoosing the GIF File FormatChoosing the JPEG File FormatChoosing the PNG File FormatChoosing the WBMP File FormatSpecifying Additional Image SettingsColor TableImage SizeLayersAdding Interactivity and Creating AnimationsCreating Image MapsAnimation: Making It MoveDesigning Specifically for FlashWorking with SymbolsWorking with TextBringing Your Artwork into FlashExporting Vector-Based Images with Save for Web & DevicesChoosing the SWF File FormatChoosing the SVG File FormatUsing Adobe Device CentralFuture Web Workflows
Saving Files from IllustratorThe Native Illustrator (.ai) FormatLegacy Illustrator FormatsNative Illustrator File Format SettingsThe Encapsulated PostScript (.eps) FormatLegacy EPS FormatsEPS File Format SettingsThe Portable Document Format (.pdf)Different Uses of PDF FilesAcrobat Version CompatibilityThe PDF/X StandardGeneral PDF SettingsPDF Compression SettingsPDF Marks and Bleeds SettingsPDF Output SettingsPDF Advanced SettingsPDF Security SettingsThe Flex Exchange Graphic (.fxg) FormatThe Scalable Vector Graphics (.svg, .svgz) FormatExporting Files from IllustratorThe Bitmap (.bmp) FormatThe Targa (.tga) FormatThe Portable Network Graphic (.png) FormatThe AutoCAD Drawing (.dwg) and AutoCAD Interchange File (.dxf) FormatsThe Windows Metafile (.wmf) and Enhanced Metafile (.emf) FormatsThe Flash (.swf) FormatBasic OptionsAdvanced OptionsThe Joint Photographic Experts Group (.jpg) FormatThe Macintosh PICT (.pct) FormatThe Adobe Photoshop (.psd) FormatThe Tagged Image File Format (.tif)The Text Format (.txt)Choosing File Formats Based on WorkflowPrint WorkflowsWeb WorkflowsOther Workflows
Printing from Adobe Illustrator CS4Exploring the General Print PanelSetting Basic Print OptionsUsing Page TilingExploring the Marks and Bleed Print PanelExploring the Output Print PanelSpecifying Color SeparationsExploring the Graphics Print PanelExploring the Color Management Print PanelExploring the Advanced Print PanelDefining Print PresetsLearning the Truth About TransparencyUnderstanding Transparency FlatteningFlattening ArtworkFlattening with RasterizationUsing the Two Levels of RasterizationUnderstanding the Transparency Flattener SettingsUnderstanding Object Stacking Order and Transparency FlatteningDoes My File Contain Transparency?Printing with ConfidenceUnderstanding OverprintsWhy Overprint?Handling the Limitations of OverprintsPreviewing OverprintsHandling Transparency Effects That Disappear or Print as White Boxes
The General PanelThe Selection & Anchor Display PanelThe Type PanelThe Units & Display Performance PanelThe Guides & Grid PanelThe Smart Guides PanelThe Slices PanelThe Hyphenation PanelThe Plug-ins & Scratch Disks PanelThe User Interface PanelThe File Handling & Clipboard PanelThe Appearance of Black Panel

Content preview from Real World Adobe® Illustrator® CS4

Chapter Fifteen. Prepress and Printing

Nothing is more frustrating than spending hours designing the perfect piece of art only to have it come back from the printer not looking the way you expected it to look. Many times, we take printing for granted and assume that whatever we design will reproduce in print the exact way we see it on our computer screens. Achieving consistent color across multiple devices is one challenge (which good color management strategies can help control). Even more challenging are features such as transparency, live effects, and overprint settings; these can turn what seems like an ordinary print job into a weekend-long ...