Functions of Adobe Illustrator Tools

Functions of Adobe Illustrator Tools for Creative Graphic Designers - Knowing the functions and mastering Adobe Illustrator tools is the main requirement to become a professional graphic designer. These tools can facilitate the work of creative designers in making graphic design designs. Adobe Illustrator is a vector graphics editor software that you can use to create graphic design works such as logos, illustrations and so on. 

Nowadays, the ability to make digital designs is increasingly sought after, this happens because of the large number of creative workers needed in the world of work. Graphic design is needed in the world of marketing and so on. Therefore, one of the skills needed in the world of graphic design is to use digital software such as Adobe Illustrator.

Functions of Adobe Illustrator Tools for Creative Graphic Designers

Here are the tools and functions that graphic designers must know:

1. Direct Selection Tool (A)

Basically, this tool has almost the same use as the Selection tool, however, the Direct Selection Tool has more specific functions, such as selecting objects and being able to shift the angle of points that are in the object.

Later this tool is likely to be often used in making graphic design works. In addition, if you are a person who usually uses shortcuts, you can press the letter A on the keyboard.

2. Magic Wand Tool (Y)

Next is the Magic Wand Tool which functions to select or select parts of objects that have the same color, line, and gradient.

The Magic Wand Tool only selects parts of the lamp with the same shape and color.  After selecting the section, you can perform various actions such as panning, deleting, and even changing its shape.

3. Lasso Tool (Q)

Similar to the Magic Wand Tool, the Lasso Tool also serves to select parts of the object. However, what makes it different is that this tool can select freely such as creating a selection line by hovering your cursor. The sections selected with the Lasso Tool, only those that go into the selection line.

4. Pen Tool (P)

The Pen Tool has a function to create objects by connecting lines consisting of point points. You can freely shape objects with this tool. In addition, in use, you can connect the lines to the initial thiitic so that they form an object or are left open.

In addition, in this tool there are also other types such as:

• Add Anchor Point Tool which serves to add point points to the creation of objects. 
• Delete Anchor Point Tool which serves to delete point points on object creation. 
• Anchor Point Tool that functions to change point points that were originally straight lines.

5. Type Tool (T)

If this one tool you must be familiar with, Yep Type Tool. This tool serves to create writing objects (text and letters). You can create a variety of writings, ranging from long to short writing such as titles or brand names.

In addition, in this type tool there are also several other types and functions, namely: 

• Area Type Tool, serves to create inscriptions inside the object area. In its use, graphic designers only need to point the tool at the line of the object to be filled with writing. Then automatically, the graphic designer will be able to write inside the object. 
• Type on a Path Tool, serves to create writing on the outside of the object. In its use, the writing will adjust the shape according to the object. For example, the object is curved, then the writing will also be curved.
• Vertical Type Tool, serves to create a writing format with a downward order shape. This writing format is as applicable as the Vertical Area Type Tool and the Vertical Type on a Path Tool. 
• Touch Type Tool, serves to select one letter in your writing. Later with this tool you can perform various actions on the letters that have been selected. For example, changing the size and position of the writing.

6. Line segment Tool (\)

The Line segment Tool has a function to create an object in the form of a line. In its use, you just have to click and drag it in the direction of the cursor. In addition, in this tool there are other types such as:

• Arc Tool, function to create curved lines
• Spiral Tool, functions to create objects with circular line shapes
• Rectangular Grid Tool, functions to create objects in the form of squares with the shape of columns or small squares. 
• Polar Grid Tool, serves to create objects with a line shape consisting of several circles.

7. Rectangle Tool (M)

The Rectangle Tool has a function to create an object in the form of a rectangle 4. In addition, you can also create other shapes with different tools such as, the Ellipse Tool to create a circle/oval object, and the Polygon Tool to create objects with various numbers of corners. 

In use, you just need to select the desired tool and drag it with the cursor accordingly to adjust its size. 

8. Flare Tool

One of the most unique tools in Adobe Illustrator is the Flare Tool. This tool serves to create a light effect or reflection.

In its use, you just have to select the tool and then click and drag the cursor. In addition, by changing the tool to the Selection Tool, you can later see the setting icon on the object generated from the Flare Tool. In that section you can change the color of the light on the object.

9. Paintbrush Tool (B)

The Paintbrush Tool has the function of creating an object with the shape effect of the brush. Using this tool, you can create a wide variety of object shapes. 

In addition, the Paintbrush tool also has various brush shapes. So that graphic designers can create as they wish.

10. Shaper Tool (Shift+N)

The next tool is a tool that is quite practical in its use. The Shaper Tool serves to create an object by drawing a pattern, and then it will be a perfect result automatically. 

Using this tool is quite easy. All you have to do is create a pattern from the object you want. However, usually this tool can only work with symmetrical shapes of objects such as squares and circles.

11. Rotate Tool (R)

The Rotate tool serves to rotate the position of the object according to what designer  want. In its use, you can press (Shift) to form an accurate spin.

12. Scale Tool (S)

The Scale Tool has a function to set the scale of the object. Designer  can adjust it to big or small with precision. To use this tool is quite easy, you just have to hover over the corner/point of the object and drag it. 

13. Width Tool (Shift+W)

The Width Tool has a quite unique function that is, it can make the lines of objects wider or become smaller. In practice, designer  just have to choose the part of the line that you want to zoom in or out.

14. Wrap Tool (Shift+R)

The Wrap Tool serves to bend or create a wave effect that is on the object. The way to use it is to select a part at the corner or edge of the object and drag the part using the tool directed with the cursor.

15. Free Transform Tool (E)

The Free Transform Tool has a function to transform or transform objects by selecting one of the point points on the object. 

Read Next: Learn to Know Adobe Illustrator for Beginners

That's the discussion about some Adobe Illustrator tools and their functions for Creative Graphic Designers. Hopefully it is useful and can add insight, especially novice graphic designers.