How to Create a Custom Symbols Library for Illustrator

Illustrator's symbols can save you hours when you must repeat the same element at different scales and positions. One symbol provides a reference to all copies; reducing the hit on your CPU and file memory. Build your own custom libraries to reference whenever you need.

Instructions

1. Open the document with the illustration elements you want to save as symbols. Clear your default symbols palette before building your library. Choose Select "All Unused" from the Symbols palette options menu. Illustrator's default styles will select themselves. Make sure you haven't used any default symbols in your current illustration or they won't be selected.

2. Locate the Symbols palette menu (top right corner) and choose "Delete Symbol" from the options menu. You can also drag the selected symbols to palette the trash icon. A dialog box will ask for confirmation then empty the palette.

3. Select any element you want to save as a symbol. It can contain any number of paths and effects. Drag the path onto the styles palette. A dialog box will ask you to name your style. You can add as many styles as you like.

4. Choose "Save Symbol Library" from the palette menu. The dialog box will take you to Illustrator's symbols folder to store with the other libraries.

Tips & Warnings

• Illustrator CS3 symbols are Flash compatible. When you drag them to the Symbols palette you can save them as a Flash Movie clips or symbols. When you import them into Flash, they will inherit all symbol properties.