How to Make a Vector-Based Image in Illustrator
One of the benefits of vector-based images, compared to other images, is that the images are not based on the placement of pixels; instead, they are math-based lines and shapes that do not lose their clarity when expanded. Most of Illustrator's tools are vector-based. When you save an illustrator document as a .jpg image, the vectors are transformed to pixel-based images. If you save the image as an .ai or .eps image, the vectors remain intact.
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Instructions
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Making Basic Shapes
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1
Launch Adobe Illustrator and create a new document.
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Select the “Ellipse" or the “Rectangle" tool from the Toolbox. Drag the tool across the canvas to draw the shape. Hold down the “Shift” key to make a perfect circle or square.
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3
Select the “Line Segment" tool from the Toolbox to draw straight lines. Drag the tool across the canvas. Hold down the “Shift” key to draw lines that are completely vertical, horizontal or at 45-degree angles.
Working With Paths
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4
Select the “Pen" tool from the Toolbox. Draw a straight line by clicking the "Pen" tool on the canvas at two points. A straight path appears between the points.
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5
Draw a curved line by clicking the "Pen" tool on the canvas, but do not release the mouse button. Drag the tool away from the anchor point to create a slope line. The angle and length of the slope line determines the shape of the curve. Release the mouse button and click it on another spot on the canvas. A curved line appears between the anchor points.
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6
Create an S-shaped curve by drawing a curve as in the above Step. Instead of releasing the mouse button after creating the second anchor point, drag the mouse again to create a second slope line. Release the mouse button.
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Move a line or anchor point by selecting the “Direct Selection" tool from the Toolbox. Drag the line or anchor point to move it.
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8
Use the “Add Anchor Point" or “Delete Anchor Point" tool to add or remove anchor points. Use the “Convert Anchor Point" tool to add a slope to a straight line you have already drawn.
Saving Vector-Based Images
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Click the “File” menu, then “Save As.” The Save As window opens.
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10
Type a name for your file in the “Save As” text field.
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Select “Adobe Illustrator (ai)” or “Illustrator EPS (eps)" to save your file in an Adobe Illustrator format to preserve the vector graphics in the image.
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