Illustrator CS4 Basic Shapes

Illustrator C4CS4DPD Blitz Reference

The Basic Shape Tools

• Creating rectangles and ellipses
• Using the Rounded Rectangle tool
• Using the Polygon tool
• Using the Star tool

Resizing Shapes
Transform panel

View->Show Rulers or press Ctrl+R

• Right-click change the measurement increment
• Type the number followed by a measurement extension

“ or in Inches
pt Points
mm Millimeters
cm Centimeters
p Picas

Tips for Creating Shapes

• Press and hold the Shift key while dragging with the Rectangle or Ellipse tool to create a perfect square or circle
• Create a shape from the center out by holding down the Alt key while dragging
• Press the up- or down arrow key while dragging to interactively add points or sides to the shape

Creating advanced shapes
Pathfinder panel
Using the Pathfinders [Page 251]