The Artboard layout can be changed to different views based on the project type. To use Illustrator in the classic view, select the “Essentials Classic” option, or leave it set to “Essentials”. This guide is written for Essentials. To readjust the dimensions of the Artboard, navigate to File > Document Setup. Select “Edit Artboards” and then adjust the page size ( W x H ) in the right Properties menu. Select “Exit” to return to the standard menu options. Navigate to View > Rulers > Show Rulers to add rulers to the Artboard; left-click and drag on a ruler to create a guide within the Artboard workspace.
The left toolbar includes many useful tools for creating shapes, lines, text, and more. The Properties menu on the right will change based on the selected tool or object, but most of the utility will remain the same. Below is a quick overview of the various elements of the Properties menu:
1) Anchor Points: A blue box will appear with 9 possible anchor points across a selected object. This box connects to anchor points in the Properties menu. Select any anchor to use as a reference point for additional options.
2) Object Dimensions and Page Position:
3) Locking Ratio: To maintain the aspect / size ratio of an object, make sure the selected object is locked prior to changing the Width and Height. A solid chain link is locked, a line through the chain link is unlocked.
4) Rotation: With the object selected, type in the degree of rotation, or use the dropdown menu. Rotation will occur around the selected anchor point’s axis.
5) Reflect (flipping / mirroring): With the object selected, click either the horizontal or vertical reflect icon.
6) Fill: Add a color value to the space between closed line paths on a vector graphic. Click the color box to open a window with additional color options, and left-click to set the color for the inside of the shape or line path.
7) Stroke: Assign a line weight value to the line path of a vector graphic. Click the color box to open additional color options, and left-click to set the color of the stroke line path.
8) Opacity: This Appearance action changes the opacity of an object / image.
9) Align: To arrange object(s) on the Artboard, first select the object(s) by holding down the Shift key while leftclicking the objects. Left-click on an alignment icon or the three dots in the right corner for more options.
10) Pathfinder: With overlapping vector graphics selected, click on a shaping icon to unite, exclude, intersect, etc.
While the left and right toolbars provide quick access to the various tools and functions of Illustrator, these tools can also be found within the top toolbar’s navigation menu.
Below is a sampling of the most frequently used tools, described in descending order. Icons with a small arrow in the right bottom corner have additional tool options available. Right-click on the icon to open a menu of additional tools, then left-click to select the tool.
Selection Tool: A cursor icon, default to this when finished with another tool, or when an object needs to be selected.
Pen Tool: A fountain pen icon, this tool creates Bezier line paths. Left-click at the desired anchor point locations to create a linear shape. Left-click and drag to create a curved line. Click on the starting anchor point to close the line path, or click the Selection tool to stop using the Pen tool.
Curvature Tool: Similar to the Pen Tool in utility and icon shape, the Curvature Tool creates arc line paths by left-clicking at the desired anchor point locations to create a curved shape. Note: The first two left-clicks establish the size of the arc.
Text Tool: A “T” icon, this tool becomes a traditional text cursor for adding text by left-clicking on the Artboard. Auto-text defaults to “Lorem ipsum…”. Additional text options include Vertical Type Tool, Type on a Path Tool (pictured icon), and Vertical Type on a Path Tool, as well as Area Type Tool and Vertical Area Type Tool, which both require a closed line path to use.
To type on a path, first create a shape, arc, or similar line path and then left-click to select it. The “Lorem ipsum…” default text will wrap around the line path, which will be replaced with the intended text.
The Properties menu will change to include Character and Paragraph options, which include different fonts, styles, line spacing, and text kerning. These options are also available in the top menu bar.
Line Segment Tool: Located next to the Text Tool, the Line Segment Tool creates a prompt window after left-clicking on the Artboard. Specify the line length and angle, then click “OK” to create. Additional line options include Arc Tool, Spiral Tool, Rectangular Grid Tool, and Polar Grid Tool, which function similarly.
Rectangle Tool: A rectangle icon, the Rectangle Tool creates a prompt window after left-clicking on the Artboard. Specify the width and height, lock the aspect ratio if desired, and then click “OK” to create. Once created, blue circle icons in each corner of the rectangle shape can be dragged into the shape to create a beveled corner. Additional shape options include Rounded Rectangle Tool, Ellipse Tool, Polygon Tool, Star Tool, and Flare Tool, which function similarly.
Rotate Tool: A counter-clockwise arrow icon, the Rotate Tool has the same functionality as the Rotate option in the Transform section of the right Properties menu, but is used with a left-click and drag of the mouse. The additional tool option is a Reflect Tool (mirroring / flipping), which functions similarly and can also be found in the Transform section of the right Properties menu.
Scale Tool: Located next to the Rotate Tool, the Scale Tool is an alternate method for changing an object’s dimensions, which can also be done from the Transform section of the Properties menu. Additional options include the Shear Tool, which skews an object’s dimensions on a single plane, and the Reshape Tool.
Fill and Stroke: With identical functionality to the Appearance section of the Properties menu, Fill adds a color value to the space between closed line paths, while Stroke assigns a line point value to the line path itself. Set the Stroke value to .001 to create a hairline path which will be vector cut by the laser.
A scalable vector graphic, or .svg, is an image format composed of line paths which maintain integrity at any size. An .svg image can be used to raster (etch) or vector (cut), making it an ideal multipurpose graphic type. While all shapes, text, etc. created within Adobe Illustrator are .svg’s, an .svg file can also be created by tracing a bitmap (pixel) graphic, creating a new image with cleaner line paths.
The easiest way to create a detailed .svg is by using basic graphic editing software like Inkscape, but Adobe Illustrator also features multiple Image Trace options, from presets to in-depth settings adjustment.
Note: The Image Trace will replace the original pixel graphic, so copy/paste the graphic to see the original and the trace side-by-side.
1) The Image Trace tool displays in the Properties menu under Quick Actions when an image / object is selected.
2) Left-click on the Image Trace icon to open a window with several tracing presets. We recommend using the “Black and White Logo” or “Silhouettes” presets for black and white graphics, and “Shades of Gray” for photos or shaded images.
3) The initial trace will be very basic, and may not capture the full detail of the original image. Click on the square icon next to the Preset dropdown menu (pictured above) to open the Image Trace menu (left of Properties menu) for options to adjust the Threshold, reduce Noise, etc. Remember to check “Ignore White” to remove the background of the image.
4) The software will update the image trace with each adjustment of the Threshold, Noise, etc. For very complex images, expect some delay as the software processes the design.
If you would like to edit the image, you will need to convert it to a Line Path. After the Image Trace, click “Expand,” in the Properties menu’s Quick Actions. This will convert the traced object / image into a line path. To edit individual lines (paths), first select “Ungroup” in the Quick Actions. With the image selected, you can also break the image into parts/layers by using the Alt+Shift+Ctrl+8 keyboard shortcut or navigate to Object < Compound Path < Release. This will separate everything, so you can make modifications to single components. After modifications are finished, navigate to Object < Compound Path < Make to compress the layers and make it a single object once more. Note: If you separate the components in order to access individual lines to change Stroke (line weight), etc., remember to first make a copy of the image so your original trace is left intact. You can then use pieces from the copy to layer onto the original trace. This is useful for creating cut paths within a design. To cut out the outside boundary, you’ll need to create an Offset. With the image converted to a line path, boundaries and offsets can be created by selecting the single line path, then clicking on Object < Path < Offset Path. Set the Offset to “0” to create a boundary (an outline of the object) or create an offset boundary by setting the Offset to the preferred boundary offset distance. Boundaries and Offsets can be created ONLY after an image has been converted to a line path. Remember to change the line weight’s Stroke to .001 to ensure it is cut by the laser!
As a vector-based graphics software, Adobe Illustrator can be used for designing logos, graphics, illustrations, and typography that can be scaled down or up to fit on mobile phones and billboards alike. This software is a powerful tool that can be used to create designs for die-cutters, laser cutters, and much more. Here are some ideas of the types of designs you can create with Illustrator:
· Business cards
· Social media banners
· Advertisements
· Logos
· Posters
· Stickers
· Infographics
· Invitations and cards
· T-shirt designs
· Use the Select Tool or ctrl + left click to select an object; use the Direct Selection Tool to select single nodes
· Use the Hand Tool or space + left click to drag your view
· Use the Zoom Tool, ctrl + (+) or (-), or alt + scroll wheel to zoom; use ctrl + 0 (zero) to view the whole artboard
· Hover over tool icons to see what they can do
· Right click or on tools along the left tool bar to see which other options are available within that specific tool
· Use View > Show Grid and View > Snap to Grid to help with precise measurements
· Use View > Smart Guides to help with alignment
After opening Illustrator, click on New File to start a new file. In this tutorial, we will be creating a design for the laser cutter.
· First, choose your preferred unit of measurement. We recommend using inches to create projects for the laser cutter.
· Next, set the size of the artboard. For this project, dimensions should be set to 12” W x 6” H.
Tool bars are located on the LEFT, and RIGHT side of the screen. The ARTBOARD is where you will create your design.
Before getting started, it is a good idea to do the following:
· Save your file as an SVG - this will ensure that you can open it in any vector graphics program
· View the rulers - these will help you line objects up and place them in the desired area on the artboard. To make the rulers visible, click on View in the top menu, hover over Rulers, and click on Show Rulers.
To get started, create a rectangle using the Shape Tool on the left tool bar. You can right click on the shape tool to view more shape options.
We want to create the rectangle with the following dimensions: 11.5” W x 5” H.
You can specify the exact dimensions of your shape in the Transform section on the right tool bar. Make sure the Lock Ratio is off - two links chained together indicate that it is on; a line through the chain indicates that it is off. The Lock Ratio will keep all sides of the shape proportional when it is on.
Next, we will create circles to go along the bottom of the rectangle. Right click on the Shape Tool to select the Ellipse Tool. Hold down the shift key while drawing your ellipse to make a perfect circle. You can adjust the size of the circle after you have added it by selecting the circle with the selection tool and adjusting the size in the Transform section on the right tool bar. The circle should be 0.25” H x 0.25” W.
Next, make 11 duplicate circles get a total of 12 including the original. You can do this by copy/pasting with the keyboard (ctrl + c / v) or holding down the alt key while dragging the shape with the left mouse button. Once you have all 12 circles, use the Selection Tool to select all of the circles by holding down the left mouse key and dragging a box around them. Then, on the right in the Align section, select the Vertical Align Center option. This will align all 12 circles in a neat row.
Next, distribute the circles evenly on the rectangle. Select all of the circles, hold down the shift key, and click on the rectangle. Release the shift key and click on the rectangle again to make it your Key Object - the rectangle should be highlighted at this point. Under Align, click More Options. Click Align to Key Object. Set the Distribute Spacing to 0.65” and click on Horizontal Distribute Space.
The circles will move to the right of the rectangle. Select all of the circles again (make sure the rectangle is not selected), right click, and click on Group or click Group with the option below the circles. This will group the circles so they move together as one singular object.
Now align the circles with the rectangle. Click on the group of circles, hold down the shift key, and click on the rectangle. Release the shift key and click on the rectangle again to make it the Key Object. Under on Align click More Options > Align to Key Object > Vertical Align Bottom. This will make the circles flush with the bottom of the rectangle.
Next, click on Horizontal Align Center to center the row of circles over the bottom edge of the rectangle. Finally, select just the circles without the rectangle and use the up arrow key to move your circles up a few ticks and put a bit of space between the row of circles and the bottom of the rectangle.
Next, add the months. To make sure they’ll all fit, just use the first three letters of each month. Select the Type Tool from the left tool bar and click anywhere on the artboard to type. Personalize your design by choosing your preferred font style and size - 18 pt. font should work well. Illustrator will remember this preference for future text boxes. After typing “Jan” for January, click outside of the text box and click again anywhere on the artboard to start a new text box for February. Continue this process until you have a text box for all twelve months.
Next, align the months in a straight row. Select all of the months and click on Vertical Align Center in the Align tool box.
Now we’ll align the months with their corresponding circles. First, ungroup the circles by right clicking on them and selecting Ungroup. Then click on a month, hold down the shift key, and click on its coordinating circle. Release the shift key and click on the circle again to make the circle the Key Object. Next, make sure Align to Key Object is still selected in the Align toolbar and click on Horizontal Align Center and Vertical Align Center.
After repeating this for every month, select all months and move them above the circles with the up arrow key. Now we’ll add “Colorado” to the calendar. Select the Type Tool on the left tool bar. Once you have that selected, click anywhere on the artboard to start a text box. You can change your font style and size - 48 pt. font should work for this project. Now type “Colorado” into your text box.
Next we’ll align the “Colorado” text with the rectangle. Use the Selection Tool to select the text. Hold the shift key and select the rectangle, then release the shift key and select the rectangle a second time to make it the Key Object. Click Horizontal Align Center and Vertical Align Top on the Align section. Select just the text again (without the rectangle) and use your down arrow key to move it down a few ticks from the top edge of the rectangle.
Next, search for “mountain black and white clip art” online and find a simple design to add to the calendar. Save the clip art to your computer and then click and drag the file into Illustrator from File Explorer. Alternatively you can copy and paste the image.
To turn this image into a vector graphic, select the image and click on the Image Trace button under Quick Actions on the right tool bar. Select Black and White Logo in the list of dropdown options. After doing this, you should be able to zoom in without seeing any pixels.
Next, click on the Image Trace Panel button to view the Image Trace options. In the Image Trace panel, select the following: Preset = Custom or Black and White Logo (whichever is available); View = Tracing Result; and Mode = Black and White. Next, click the Ignore White box to give the clip art a transparent background. If you don’t see this, click on “Advanced” to view more options.
The next step is to resize the clip art to a size that is appropriate for the calendar. Turn on the Lock Ratio to keep the height and width proportional, then change the width to be 9”. Now you can click and drag the mountain to your desired placement in the rectangle or use the Align toolbar to center it.
For the purposes of laser cutting, make sure the circles and rectangle are set to a Stroke of 0.001” on the right tool bar. This will tell the laser cutter to cut instead of etching.
Have fun exploring different options to personalize your calendar. Here are a few more ideas:
· Add a clip art sun or use the Star Tool (right click on the Shape Tool to select it) - hold the left mouse button while dragging out the shape and press the up or down arrow keys to make more or fewer points on the star.
· Use the Ellipse Tool with the Type on a Path Tool to make your Colorado text rounded instead of straight - you can find these by right clicking on the Shape Tool and Text Tool, respectively
· Try making some small cut-out rectangles or ovals to hang from the calendar (make sure to put circle holes in these!) - put people’s names on them to make a birthday calendar, or add small festive clip art images to make a holiday calendar