How to Change the Eraser Size in Illustrator

Just like a physical eraser, the eraser tool lets you remove any part of your artwork in Illustrator.

Mistakes are not simply mistakes in art -- at times they are integral parts of the creative process. For this reason, erasers are important tools in an artist's arsenal, and it's usually necessary to keep different types and sizes on hand. This is not the case when working with desktop publishing software such as Adobe Illustrator. The eraser tool is completely customizable, much like the calligraphic brush. Along with varying the size, graphic artists can easily change the angle and roundness of the stroke according to their design needs.

Instructions

1. Launch Adobe Illustrator on your computer and find the eraser tool on the toolbar. If you don't see the toolbar, click "View" at the top of the screen and select "Toolbar."

2. Double click the eraser tool to bring up the options dialog box.

3. Click in the box next to "Diameter" and type in a specific number, or click and drag the arrow underneath to quickly change the eraser size.

4. Click in the boxes next to "Angle" and "Roundness" and type in different values if you'd like to further customize the eraser.

5. Preview your options in the small white square at the top of the dialog box, then click "OK."

Tips & Warnings

• For a super quick way to change only the eraser size, try keyboard shortcuts. The square bracket keys -- [ and ] -- make the eraser smaller and larger, respectively.

References

• Adobe: Mysteries Of The Eraser Tool -- Revealed!; Brenda Sutherland; April 2009
• Adobe: Adobe Illustrator CSS: Erase Artwork

Resources

• Adobe: Using The Line, Eraser And Shape Tools