MODULE: BASIC GRAPHIC DESIGN

L.O.1: EDIT PHOTOS WITH ADOBE PHOTOSHOP

1.1: Introduction to Photoshop

Definition

Adobe Photoshop is a software application for image editing and photo retouching.

Who can use adobe Photoshop?

It is widely used for:

Image editing
Retouching
Creating image compositions
Website mockups
Adding affects.

Use of interface elements

PHOTOSHOP INTERFACE ELEMENT

 Menu bar
 Tool bar
 Document tab
 Options bar
 Layer panel
 History panel

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  Zoom level
 Status bar

 Photoshop selecting menu

Selecting menus is a fundamental part of accessing various commands and functions to

manipulate and edit images.

1. File Menu
2. Edit Menu
3. Image Menu
4. Layer Menu
5. Select Menu
6. Filter Menu
7. View Menu
8. Window Menu

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 9. Help Menu
 Arranging panels

Panel refers to a movable, resizable, and customizable interface element that provides access to various
tools, functions, and information.

Arranging panels in Adobe Photoshop is essential for customizing your workspace to fit your workflow
and preferences.

You can arrange panels in Photoshop by:

 Undocking Panels
 Resizing Panels
 Grouping Panels
 Custom Workspaces
 Resetting Panels

Types of Panels:

1. Tool Panels: include the Tools panel, the Color panel, and the Brushes panel.
2. Adjustment Panels: Allow you to modify the appearance of your image, such as
brightness, contrast, hue/saturation, and levels.
3. Layer Panels: Allowing you to organize, edit, and manipulate individual elements within
your image.
4. Info and Properties Panels: These panels provide information about the selected
elements, such as:
 The color values of a pixel
 The dimensions of a selection
 and the properties of a layer.
5. Navigation Panels: Help you zoom in and out of your image, as well as navigate within
large documents.

 Using ruler and setting guides

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Rulers and guides help you maintain accuracy and consistency in your designs.

Use ruler

Select "Rulers" from the dropdown menu, or use the keyboard shortcut:
Windows: Ctrl + R
Mac: Command + R
Layers are like transparent sheets stacked on top of each other, and you can edit or apply
changes to individual layers without affecting the rest of the image.

Common keyboard shortcuts in Photoshop:

1. General Shortcuts:

 Ctrl (Cmd on Mac) + N: New document.

 Ctrl (Cmd) + O: Open a file.
 Ctrl (Cmd) + S: Save a file.
 Ctrl (Cmd) + W: Close a document.
 Ctrl (Cmd) + Q: Quit Photoshop.
 Ctrl (Cmd) + Z: Undo the last action.
 Ctrl (Cmd) + Shift + Z: Redo the last action.

2. Tool Shortcuts:

 V: Move Tool.
 M: Marquee Selection Tool.
 L: Lasso Tool.
 W: Magic Wand Tool.
 C: Crop Tool.
 I: Eyedropper Tool.
 B: Brush Tool.
 E: Eraser Tool.

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  G: Gradient Tool.
 T: Text Tool.
 Y: History Brush Tool.
 J: Healing Brush Tool.
 S: Clone Stamp Tool.

3. View Shortcuts:

 Ctrl (Cmd) + +: Zoom in.

 Ctrl (Cmd) + -: Zoom out.
 Ctrl (Cmd) + 0: Fit to screen.
 F: Cycle through screen modes.
 Tab: Hide or show panels.
 F5: Show Brushes panel.

4. Layer Shortcuts:

 Ctrl (Cmd) + G: Group layers.

 Ctrl (Cmd) + Shift + N: Create a new layer.
 Ctrl (Cmd) + E: Merge selected layers.
 Ctrl (Cmd) + [: Move a layer down in the stacking order.
 **Ctrl (Cmd) + :] (right bracket): Move a layer up in the stacking order.
 Ctrl (Cmd) + Shift + [: Bring a layer to the front.
 **Ctrl (Cmd) + Shift + :] (right bracket): Send a layer to the back.

5. Selection Shortcuts:
 Ctrl (Cmd) + A: Select all.

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  Ctrl (Cmd) + D: Deselect.
 Ctrl (Cmd) + Shift + I: Inverse selection.
 Ctrl (Cmd) + T: Free Transform.

6. Filter Shortcuts:

Ctrl (Cmd) + F: Apply the last-used filter.

Ctrl (Cmd) + Alt + F: Reapply the last-used filter with the same settings.

7. Navigation Shortcuts:

 Spacebar: Temporarily switch to the Hand Tool for navigation while dragging.
 Hold H + Click and Drag: Zoom in and out (up to zoom in, down to zoom out).

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Commonly used tools and functions in Adobe Photoshop:
1. Selection Tools:
 Marquee Tool
 Lasso Tool
 Magic Wand Tool
 Quick Selection Tool
 Pen Tool
2. Crop and Slice Tools:
 Crop Tool
 Slice Tool
3. Retouching and Painting Tools:
 Clone Stamp Tool
 Healing Brush Tool
 Spot Healing Brush Tool
 Brush Tool
 Pencil Tool
 Eraser Tool
 Dodge Tool
 Burn Tool
 Sponge Tool
 Smudge Tool
4. Text Tools:
 Horizontal Type Tool
 Vertical Type Tool
 Text Mask Tool
 Character and Paragraph Panels
5. Drawing and Shape Tools:
 Line Tool

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  Rectangle Tool
 Rounded Rectangle Tool
 Ellipse Tool
 Polygon Tool
 Custom Shape Tool
6. Color and Painting:
 Eyedropper Tool
 Color Sampler Tool
 Paint Bucket Tool
 Gradient Tool
7. Transform Tools:
 Move Tool
 Artboard Tool
 Hand Tool
 Zoom Tool
8. Layer Functions:
 New Layer
 Layer Mask
 Blending Modes
 Layer Styles
 Group Layers
 Smart Objects
 Adjustment Layers
9. Filters:
 Gaussian Blur
 Sharpen
 Noise
 Liquify
 Lens Correction

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  Many more filter options
10. 3D Tools:
 3D Material Drop Tool
 3D Rotate Tool
 3D Scale Tool
 3D Pan Tool
11. Image Adjustment Tools:
 Levels
 Curves
 Brightness/Contrast
 Hue/Saturation
 Color Balance
 Vibrance
12. Navigation Tools:
 Hand Tool
 Zoom Tool
13. Path Tools:
 Path Selection Tool
 Direct Selection Tool
14. Measurement Tools:
 Ruler Tool
 Count Tool
15. File Handling:
 New
 Open
 Save
 Save As
 Export
16. View Options:

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  Grids and Guides
 Rulers
 Snap To
17. 3D Tools:
 3D Object Editing
 3D Lighting and Material Adjustments
18. 3D Printing Tools:
 3D Print Settings
 3D Print Export
19. Animation Tools (in Photoshop Extended):
 Timeline Panel
 Animation Frame Panel

Selection Tools:

1. Marquee Tool: Selects objects or areas with rectangular or elliptical shapes.

2. Lasso Tool: Creates freehand selections.

3. Magic Wand Tool: Selects areas with similar colors.

4. Quick Selection Tool: Makes selections based on color and texture.

5. Pen Tool: Creates precise paths and shapes.

Crop and Slice Tools: 6. Crop Tool: Cuts and resizes an image.

7. Slice Tool: Divides an image into sections for web use.

Retouching and Painting Tools: 8. Clone Stamp Tool: Duplicates parts of the image.

9. Healing Brush Tool: Fixes imperfections by blending pixels.

10. Spot Healing Brush Tool: Quickly removes blemishes.

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 11. Brush Tool: Paints with various brushes and settings.

12. Pencil Tool: Draws with a hard-edged pencil.

13. Eraser Tool: Removes parts of an image.

14. Dodge Tool: Lightens areas.

15. Burn Tool: Darkens areas.

16. Sponge Tool: Adjusts the saturation of an area.

17. Smudge Tool: Smudges and blends pixels.

Text Tools: 18. Horizontal Type Tool: Adds horizontal text.

19. Vertical Type Tool: Adds vertical text.

20. Text Mask Tool: Creates text masks.

21. Character and Paragraph Panels: Control text attributes and formatting.

Drawing and Shape Tools: 22. Line Tool: Draws straight lines.

23. Rectangle Tool: Creates rectangular shapes.

24. Rounded Rectangle Tool: Makes rectangles with rounded corners.

25. Ellipse Tool: Draws ellipses and circles.

26. Polygon Tool: Creates polygons with adjustable sides.

27. Custom Shape Tool: Uses predefined custom shapes.

Color and Painting: 28. Eyedropper Tool: Samples colors from the image.

29. Color Sampler Tool: Measures color values.

30. Paint Bucket Tool: Fills an area with a selected color.

31. Gradient Tool: Creates gradients for smooth color transitions.

Transform Tools: 32. Move Tool: Moves layers and selections.

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 33. Artboard Tool: Creates and edits artboards.

34. Hand Tool: Navigates around the image.

35. Zoom Tool: Zooms in and out.

Layer Functions: 36. New Layer: Adds a new layer to the document.

37. Layer Mask: Hides or reveals parts of a layer.

38. Blending Modes: Control how layers interact with each other.

39. Layer Styles: Apply various effects to layers.

40. Group Layers: Organizes layers into groups.

41. Smart Objects: Embeds and edits external files non-destructively.

42. Adjustment Layers: Apply non-destructive adjustments to the image.

Filters: 43. Gaussian Blur: Applies a blur effect.

44. Sharpen: Enhances image sharpness.

45. Noise: Adds or reduces noise in the image.

46. Liquify: Distorts and manipulates image elements.

47. Lens Correction: Corrects lens distortion.

48. Many more filter options: Provides various creative and corrective effects.

3D Tools: 49. 3D Material Drop Tool: Applies materials to 3D objects.

50. 3D Rotate Tool: Rotates 3D objects.

51. 3D Scale Tool: Scales 3D objects.

52. 3D Pan Tool: Moves the camera in a 3D scene.

Image Adjustment Tools: 53. Levels: Adjusts image brightness, contrast, and color balance.

54. Curves: Fine-tunes tonal and color adjustments.

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 55. Brightness/Contrast: Modifies image brightness and contrast.

56. Hue/Saturation: Changes hue and saturation.

57. Color Balance: Adjusts the balance of colors.

58. Vibrance: Increases the intensity of muted colors.

Navigation Tools: 59. Hand Tool: Drags the image when zoomed in.

60. Zoom Tool: Zooms in and out of the image.

Path Tools: 61. Path Selection Tool: Selects and manipulates vector paths.

62. Direct Selection Tool: Edits anchor points and handles.

Measurement Tools: 63. Ruler Tool: Measures distances and angles.

64. Count Tool: Counts items or marks in the image.

File Handling: 65. New: Creates a new document.

66. Open: Opens an existing document.

67. Save: Saves the current document.

68. Save As: Saves the document with a new name or format.

69. Export: Exports the document for web or other purposes.

View Options: 70. Grids and Guides: Shows grids and guides for alignment.

71. Rulers: Provides rulers for measurements.

Performing document pre-set

In Adobe Photoshop, a document preset is a predefined set of parameters and settings that
determine the initial characteristics of a new document when you create it.

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Document presets are designed to streamline the process of creating new projects by allowing
you to quickly select a set of specifications that match a specific use case or output
requirement.

Here are the key components of a document preset in Adobe Photoshop:

1. Name: A descriptive name for your document preset, which can help you identify its
purpose or intended use.

2. Size: The dimensions of the document, specifying its width and height. This can be set in
various units such as pixels, inches, or centimeters.

3. Resolution: The number of pixels per inch (PPI) or dots per inch (DPI) in the document.
This setting is crucial for determining the quality of images, especially for print projects.

4. Color Mode: The color model used for the document. Common options include RGB
(Red, Green, Blue) for digital and web projects, CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) for
print projects, and Grayscale for black and white images.

5. Color Profile: A color profile defines the color space and characteristics of the colors in
your document. Different color profiles are suitable for different purposes, such as
Adobe RGB for a broader color range in digital photography or sRGB for consistent
colors on the web.

6. Pixel Aspect Ratio: Relevant mainly for video projects, this setting ensures that pixels
are displayed correctly in non-square pixel environments.

Import a photo

In Adobe Photoshop, you can import a photo in several ways, including using the:

 "Place" command
 Dragging and dropping the image into your workspace,
 Using the importation workflow.

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1. Using "Place" Command:

Step 1: Open Photoshop

 Open Adobe Photoshop on your computer.

Step 2: Create a New Document (Optional)

 If you haven't already opened a document, you can create a new one by going to File >
New.

Step 3: Use "Place" Command:

 Go to File > Place.

 Navigate to the location of your photo and select it.

 Click "Place" to import the photo into your document.

Step 4: Adjust and Confirm:

 Adjust the size and position of the placed photo as needed.

 Press Enter or click the checkmark in the options bar to confirm.

2. By Dragging:

Step 1: Open Photoshop

 Open Adobe Photoshop on your computer.

Step 2: Locate the Photo on Your Computer:

 Navigate to the location of the photo you want to import using your computer's file
explorer.

Step 3: Drag and Drop:

 Click on the photo and drag it into the Photoshop workspace.

Step 4: Adjust and Confirm:

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  Adjust the size and position of the photo as needed.

 Release the mouse button to drop the photo into the document.

3. Using Importation Workflow:

Step 1: Open Photoshop

 Open Adobe Photoshop on your computer.

Step 2: Import from Camera or Scanner (Optional):

 If you are working with a camera or scanner, you can use the "Import" option in
Photoshop.

 Go to File > Import > [Your Device] and follow the on-screen instructions.

Step 3: Import Photos from Other Sources:

 You can also import photos from other sources using the "Import" option.

 Go to File > Import > [Select the appropriate option] and follow the prompts to import
your photos.

Here are the basic steps for saving a project and some additional considerations:

Save a Project:

1. Save:

 To save your project for the first time, or to save changes to an existing project,
go to File > Save or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + S (Windows) or Cmd + S
(Mac).

 If you are saving for the first time, Photoshop will prompt you to choose a
location and enter a filename. Choose a location on your computer and provide
a name for your project.

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 2. Save As:

 If you want to save a copy of your project with a new name, format, or in a
different location, go to File > Save As or use the keyboard shortcut Shift + Ctrl +
S (Windows) or Shift + Cmd + S (Mac).

 This option allows you to create a duplicate of your project while preserving the
original.

File Formats:

When saving your Photoshop project, consider the following file formats:

1. PSD (Photoshop Document):

 This is the default and recommended format for saving your working project. It
preserves layers, masks, and other editable elements.

 PSD files retain the full range of editing capabilities in Photoshop.

2. Other Formats (JPG, PNG, TIFF, etc.):

 If you need to export your project for sharing, printing, or use in other
applications, you can use different file formats.

 Go to File > Export or File > Save As and choose the desired format.

Open Photoshop project

● Navigating documents

● Working with tabbed documents

● Arrange multiple opened documents

● Zooming techniques

Navigating Documents:

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 1. Pan Tool: Press and hold the Spacebar to activate the Pan Tool. Click and drag to move
around the document.

2. Hand Tool: Located in the toolbar, you can click and drag with the Hand Tool to navigate
within the document.

3. Navigator Panel: Open the Navigator panel (Window > Navigator) to see a miniature
view of your document. You can click and drag the red rectangle to navigate.

Working with Tabbed Documents:

In Photoshop, "Tabbed Documents" refers to the feature that allows you to have multiple
project files open at once and easily switch between them by clicking on their respective tabs.

1. Opening New Tabs: File > Open or simply drag and drop files into the Photoshop
workspace. Each file opens in a new tab.

2. Tab Bar: The top of the workspace shows tabs for each open document. Click on a tab to
switch between documents.

3. Close Tabs: Click the 'x' on a tab to close the document. Right-click on a tab for
additional options.

Arrange Multiple Opened Documents:

1. Tile All Vertically or Horizontally: Window > Arrange > Tile All Vertically/Horizontally to
see multiple documents side by side.

2. Cascade: Window > Arrange > Cascade to display open documents in a cascading order.

Zooming Techniques:

1. Zoom Tool (Z): Click on the Zoom Tool in the toolbar, then click on the canvas to zoom
in. Alt + click to zoom out.

2. Zoom In/Out with Keyboard Shortcuts: Use Ctrl + "+" (Windows) or Command + "+"
(Mac) to zoom in and Ctrl + "-" (Windows) or Command + "-" (Mac) to zoom out.

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 3. Scrubby Zoom: Select the Zoom Tool and click-drag left or right to zoom in or out
interactively.

4. Navigator Panel: Use the percentage slider in the Navigator panel to adjust the zoom
level.

5. Fit to Screen: Double-click on the Zoom Tool or press Ctrl + 0 (Windows) or Command +
0 (Mac) to fit the entire image to the screen

1.2: Remove Unwanted elements from the image

Tools used to remove unwanted element from image in Adobe Photoshop:

1. Crop tool: removes the part of an image surrounding the selection

2. Marquee tool: Selects rectangular and square areas.
3. Lasso tools: Allows creating freehand selections.
4. Quick selection tool: Paint over the areas to be selected with a hard edge Brush.
5. Magic wand tool: Selects a consistently colored area.
6. Eraser tool: Instead of painting on the pixels of your image, however, the Eraser
deletes the unwanted pixels.
7. Selection tools: Are what you will use to select portions of an image to edit.

Nine (9) Photoshop Selection Tools

1. Rectangular Marquee Tool:

2. Elliptical Marquee Tool:
3. Lasso Tool.
4. Polygonal Selection Tool.
5. Magnetic Lasso Tool.
6. Magic Wand Tool.
7. Quick Selection Tool.
8. Complex Selections: Adding, Subtracting, and Intersections.

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 Other ways used to remove unwanted elements from photos

 Converting a selection into a layer mask

 Filling selection with color
 Resizing image and adjusting resolution
 Using crop tool

Difference ways of Cropping Image in Photoshop.

1. Crop nondestructively
2. Rotate crop area
3. Straighten images
4. Preserving the aspect ratio
5. Cropping to perfect size

1.3: Manage Layers

In Photoshop, a layer is a single level of an image that can be edited independently of other
layers. Each layer can contain different elements such as text, shapes, images, or adjustments.
Layers can be stacked on top of each other, and their order determines how the image is
displayed.

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Essential Layers:

 Background Layer: This is the bottom-most layer containing your original image
data. It's usually locked to prevent accidental edits.

Background layer in Photoshop

Creating and Duplicating Layers:

 New Layer: Click the "New Layer" icon (looks like a sheet of paper) in the Layers panel to
create a new blank layer above the selected layer.

New Layer icon in Photoshop

 Duplicate Layer: Right-click on a layer and choose "Duplicate Layer" to create an exact
copy of that layer.

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Organizing Layers:

 Layer Groups: Group related layers together using the "Create a New Group" icon
(folder icon) to organize your workspace and manage complex compositions.

Create a New Group icon in Photoshop

 Scaling and Rotating Layers: Use the Transform tools (located in the toolbar or by
pressing Ctrl+T/Cmd+T) to resize, rotate, or skew individual layers.

Controlling Layer Appearance:

 Opacity: Adjust the slider in the Layers panel to control the transparency of a
layer, making it partially visible or invisible.

 Aligning Layers: Use the Align tools (found in the top menu bar) to precisely align
multiple layers based on various criteria like edges or centers.

Layer Masks:

 Adding Layer Mask: Click the "Add Layer Mask" icon (looks like a circle with a diagonal
line) to create a mask that hides parts of a layer, allowing you to edit selectively without
affecting the original data.

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Add Layer Mask icon in Photoshop

 Vector Mask: Similar to a layer mask, but uses editable vector paths for more precise
control over masking shapes.

 Clipping Mask: Clip a layer to the layer below it by holding Alt (Option on Mac) and
clicking between the two layers in the Layers panel.

1.4: ADJUST AND RETOUCH PHOTO

Retouching a photo means making small adjustments or improvements to the image using
digital editing software.

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Common retouching techniques include:
1. Color correction: Adjusting the colors in the image to improve the overall tone and balance
of the photo.
2. Brightness and contrast adjustments: Changing the brightness and contrast levels to make
the image more visually appealing.
3. Skin smoothing and blemish removal: Removing any imperfections from the skin, such as
blemishes, scars, or wrinkles.
4. Teeth whitening: Making teeth appear whiter and brighter.
5. Eye brightening: Enhancing the color and brightness of the eyes.
6. Background removal: Removing the background of the image and replacing it with a
different background.

1.5: Apply typography

 Using fonts and typefaces
 Combining typefaces
 Using Size and measurements of types
Typography is the art and science of arranging and manipulating text to create visually
appealing and readable compositions. It involves choosing the right typeface, font, size,
spacing, and layout to convey a message effectively.

A typeface is the overall design of a set of characters, including their style, weight, and
proportions. It's like the blueprint for a specific lettering style. Think of it as a family of related
characters.

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Examples: Helvetica, Times New Roman, Garamond, etc.

A font is a specific, digital realization of a typeface, with defined variations like weight, width,
and style (e.g., Helvetica Bold Italic 12pt). It's like a single member of the typeface family, with
its own unique characteristics.

Examples: Helvetica Bold Italic 12pt, Times New Roman Regular 14pt, Garamond Bold
Condensed 10pt, etc.

1.6 Transform photo

Transforming a photo involves applying various adjustments to its size, shape, and orientation.
Different transformation tools offer unique ways to modify images.

Transformation method:

 Using Scale
 Using Distort
 Using Skew
 Using Perspective
 Using Wrap
 Using Rotate
 Using Flip

Scale:

 Purpose: Resizes the entire photo proportionally, maintaining the original aspect
ratio. Use it to enlarge or shrink the photo to fit a specific frame or composition.

Distort:

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  Purpose: Stretches or squishes the photo unevenly in different directions, creating a
warped or distorted effect. Useful for adding an artistic flair or achieving specific visual
effects.

Skew:

 Purpose: Tilts the photo along a horizontal or vertical axis, introducing a slanted
appearance. Often used for correcting tilted photos or creating interesting
compositional angles.

Perspective:

 Purpose: Adds a 3D-like depth effect to the photo, manipulating the size and position of
objects based on their distance from the "camera." Useful for simulating real-world
perspective or creating depth in flat images.

Wrap:

 Purpose: Applies the photo texture onto a different shape or object, conforming it to
the new shape's contours. Often used for creative effects like wrapping photos around
text or objects.

Rotate:

 Purpose: Turns the photo around a fixed point, rotating it clockwise or

counterclockwise. Use it to straighten tilted photos or adjust the composition for better
viewing.

Flip:

 Purpose: Mirrors the photo horizontally or vertically, creating a reversed image. Can be
used for artistic effects, creating reflections, or correcting accidentally flipped photos.

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L.O.2: MANIPULATE GRAPHICS WITH ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR

Adobe Illustrator is a powerful vector graphics editor and design software developed and
marketed by Adobe Inc. It is widely considered the industry-standard for creating scalable
vector graphics, which are graphics made up of mathematical paths rather than pixels. This
means that they can be resized infinitely without losing quality, making them ideal for a variety
of applications, including:

 Logo and icon design: Logos and icons need to look sharp and clear at any size, from
business cards to billboards.
 Illustration: Illustrator is a popular choice for creating illustrations, from simple line art
to complex, detailed pieces
 Typography: Illustrator can be used to create high-quality typographic designs, such as
logos, posters, and website headers.
 Pattern design: Illustrator is a great tool for creating seamless patterns, which can be
used for fabric, wallpaper, and other applications.
 Web graphics: Illustrator can be used to create web graphics, such as
icons, buttons, and banners. The software's export options allow you to save your
designs in a variety of formats that are compatible with the web.

2.1. Description of workspace

The Adobe Illustrator workspace is your personalized interface for creating vector graphics. It's
designed to provide essential tools, panels, and menus within easy reach, enabling you to work
efficiently and customize the layout to suit your preferences.

Use of Workspace elements

Key Workspace Elements:

 Menus: Access commands and features categorized by function

(File, Edit, Object, etc.). Use keyboard shortcuts (Alt or Option key and corresponding
menu letter) for faster access.

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  Panels: Offer specific controls and information (e.g., Layer panel, Color panel, Pathfinder
panel). You can dock them (fixed position) or group them (movable collection).

 Toolbar: Contains frequently used tools for drawing, shaping, editing, and
more. Customize by adding/removing tools (right-click) or using the Toolbar flyout
menu.

 Undo Command and History Panel: Undo/redo recent actions (Ctrl/Cmd + Z) or use the
History panel to navigate a sequence of actions for granular control.

 Preferences: Set global adjustments for behavior, performance, and more (Preferences
> General, Appearance, File Handling, etc.).

 Workspaces: Different configurations of panels, menus, and toolbars tailored to specific

tasks (e.g., Illustration, Painting, Typography).

 Keyboard Shortcuts: Quickly execute commands directly without using menus or tools
(learn from Edit > Keyboard Shortcuts or online resources).

Selecting Menus:

Users can access different functions and options by clicking on the menus at the top of the
application window. For example, File, Edit, View, etc.

Setting Preferences:

 Go to Edit > Preferences (or Illustrator > Preferences on Mac).

 Explore different categories (General, Appearance, File Handling, etc.) to customize

behavior.

 Experiment with settings to find what works best for you.

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Setting, Switching, and Saving Workspaces:

 Go to Window > Workspace.

 Choose a predefined workspace (Essentials, Painting, Typography, etc.).
 Click the New Workspace button to create a custom one.
 Arrange panels and tools as desired.
 Click the Save Workspace button and give it a name.
 Switch workspaces quickly using the Window > Workspace menu.

Types of Shortcuts:

 Single-key shortcuts: These involve pressing a single key, such as V for Paste or P for Pen
Tool.
 Modifier key shortcuts: These involve pressing a key combination, often using the Ctrl
(Windows) or Cmd (Mac) key along with another key. For example, Ctrl/Cmd + Z for
Undo or Ctrl/Cmd + C for Copy.
 Custom shortcuts: You can create your own custom shortcuts for frequently used
commands.

Essential Shortcuts:

Here are some of the most common and useful keyboard shortcuts in Illustrator:

Basic Navigation:

 Spacebar: Temporary Hand tool for panning.

 Ctrl (Windows) / Command (Mac) + Plus (+) or Minus (-): Zoom in or out.

 Ctrl (Windows) / Command (Mac) + 0: Fit Artboard in Window.

Selection and Editing:

 V: Selection Tool.

 A: Direct Selection Tool.

 Ctrl (Windows) / Command (Mac) + A: Select All.

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  Ctrl (Windows) / Command (Mac) + D: Deselect.

 Ctrl (Windows) / Command (Mac) + X: Cut.

 Ctrl (Windows) / Command (Mac) + C: Copy.

 Ctrl (Windows) / Command (Mac) + V: Paste.

 Ctrl (Windows) / Command (Mac) + F: Paste in Front.

 Ctrl (Windows) / Command (Mac) + B: Paste in Back.

Object Transformation:

 Ctrl (Windows) / Command (Mac) + T: Free Transform.

 Ctrl (Windows) / Command (Mac) + 2: Lock or Unlock selected artwork.

Text:

 T: Type Tool.

 Ctrl (Windows) / Command (Mac) + Shift + > or <: Increase/Decrease Font Size.

 Ctrl (Windows) / Command (Mac) + Shift + > or <: Increase/Decrease Tracking (letter-
spacing).

 Ctrl (Windows) / Command (Mac) + Shift + { or }: Increase/Decrease Kerning.

Layers:

 Ctrl (Windows) / Command (Mac) + L: Open Layers panel.

 Ctrl (Windows) / Command (Mac) + [ or ]: Send to Back or Bring to Front.

Miscellaneous:

 Ctrl (Windows) / Command (Mac) + Z: Undo.

 Ctrl (Windows) / Command (Mac) + Shift + Z: Redo.

 Ctrl (Windows) / Command (Mac) + Shift + I: Image Trace (if applicable).

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  Ctrl (Windows) / Command (Mac) + S: Save.

 Ctrl (Windows) / Command (Mac) + Alt + S: Save As.

Panels:

 F12: Layers panel

 F8: Brushes panel

 F9: Swatches panel

 F10: Gradient panel

 F11: Pathfinder panel

Use Artboards

In Adobe Illustrator, an artboard is a rectangular canvas or workspace within the document

where you create and arrange your illustrations, designs, or artwork. Each artboard represents
a separate page or space for your graphic elements. Adobe Illustrator allows you to work with
multiple artboards in a single document, making it easy to create complex illustrations or
multiple variations of a design within the same file.

Creating a Project with Artboards:

1. Open Illustrator: Launch Adobe Illustrator.

2. New Document: Go to File > New (Ctrl/Cmd + N).

3. Artboard Presets: In the New Document dialog, choose an Artboard preset from the
Presets section (e.g., Web, Mobile, Print). This automatically sets the document size and
artboard dimensions.

4. Custom Artboard: If you prefer custom dimensions, deselect any Preset and adjust the
Width and Height values manually.

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 5. Multiple Artboards: Click More Options to access advanced settings. Under
Artboards, select the number of artboards you want to create and their layout
(Grid, Rows, or Columns).

6. Create: Click Create to start your project with the specified artboards.

Customizing an Artboard:

1. Select Artboard: Click on the artboard you want to modify.

2. Artboard Tool: Select the Artboard tool from the Tools panel (second button from top).

3. Resize & Reposition: Drag the artboard's edges to resize or click and drag it to a new
location.

4. Properties Panel: Adjust properties like width, height, bleed, and margins in the
Properties panel (right of the workspace).

5. Presets: Click the Presets dropdown in the Properties panel to quickly apply standard
sizes.

Creating a Multi-Artboard Document:

1. Follow steps 1-3 from "Creating a Project with Artboards": Choose an Artboard preset
or set custom dimensions.

2. Artboards Menu: Go to Window > Artboards.

3. Create Artboards: Click the "Create Artboards" button in the Artboards panel.

4. Rows & Columns: Enter the desired number of rows and columns in the corresponding
boxes.

5. Spacing: Adjust the spacing between artboards in the Gutters box.

6. Click Create: The specified number of artboards will be automatically created in your
document.

Arranging the Artboards Panel:

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 1. Show Panel: Go to Window > Artboards to open the Artboards panel.

2. Sorting: Click the column headers (Name, X, Y, W, H) to sort artboards by different

criteria.

3. Visibility: Click the eye icon next to an artboard name to hide or show it in the
document.

4. Grouping: Select multiple artboards and click the Group button to organize them.

5. Renaming: Double-click an artboard name and type a new one.

Modifying and Saving a Project:

1. Work on your artboards: Design and edit your content within each artboard.

2. Save: Go to File > Save (Ctrl/Cmd + S) to save your project.

3. Save As: If you want a different version, go to File > Save As (Shift + Ctrl/Cmd + S) to
create a copy with a new name.

4. Exporting: For specific outputs, use File > Export to choose various formats
(PNG, SVG, PDF, etc.).

Use layers

A layer in Adobe Illustrator is a virtual, transparent plane within a document that contains and
organizes specific elements or objects. Each layer can hold a distinct set of content, such as
shapes, text, or images. Layers provide control over the visibility, stacking order, and attributes
of the objects they contain, allowing users to efficiently work on and manage intricate
illustrations and designs.

Using the Layer Panel:

1. Accessing the Panel: Go to Window > Layers (or simply click the Layers icon next to the
Swatches panel).

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 2. Understanding the Structure: Each layer represents a stacked sheet of content. Layers
higher in the panel appear on top of those below.

3. Layer Controls: Each layer entry has icons for visibility (eye), lock (padlock), and link
(chain). Use these to control layer visibility, editing restrictions, and linking.

4. Selection and Targeting: Click a layer name to select its content. Click the target icon to
target only that layer for further edits.

Creating, Editing Layers and Sublayers:

1. Create New Layer: Click the "Create New Layer" button at the bottom of the panel.

2. Duplicate Layer: Right-click a layer and choose "Duplicate."

3. Rename Layer: Double-click a layer name and type a new one.

4. Delete Layer: Right-click a layer and choose "Delete."

5. Sublayers: Drag a layer onto another to create a sublayer. Use sublayers to organize
complex elements within a layer.

6. Grouping Layers: Select multiple layers and click the "Group" button to treat them as
one unit.

Moving Layers:

1. Drag & Drop: Click and drag a layer up or down in the panel to reposition it.

2. Cut & Paste: Right-click a layer and choose "Cut" or "Copy," then right-click in the
desired location and choose "Paste Before" or "Paste After."

Merging Layers:

1. Select Layers: Choose the layers you want to merge by holding Shift or Ctrl/Cmd while
clicking.

2. Merge: Right-click on the selected layers and choose "Merge Layers."

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Arranging Layers:

1. Lock/Unlock Layers: Click the padlock icon to prevent accidental edits.

2. Hide/Show Layers: Click the eye icon to hide or show layers without deleting them.

3. Opacity: Adjust the layer's opacity slider to control its transparency.

4. Blending Modes: Change the blending mode (Normal, Multiply, Screen, etc.) to create
special effects between layers.

2.2: Create vector paths

A vector path in Adobe Illustrator, and in broader graphics design, is an outline or shape
defined by mathematical formulas instead of individual pixels.

Path Types:

1. Lines and Shapes: Use tools like the Line Tool, Rectangle Tool, Ellipse Tool, Polygon
Tool, and Star Tool to create basic geometric shapes and straight lines. These have fixed
properties and lack control handles.

2. Freeform Paths: Employ the Pen Tool for drawing custom freeform paths with curves
and corners. This offers the most flexibility and control over the path's shape.

3. Combined Paths: Use Pathfinder tools like Unite, Combine, Subtract, and Intersect to
combine, manipulate, and merge existing paths to create complex shapes.

Using the Pen Tool:

1. Click and Drag: Click to create anchor points. Drag to create curved segments between
them.

2. Control Handles: Click and drag control handles to adjust the curve direction and shape.

3. Toggle Curve Types: Hold Alt/Option while clicking an anchor point to switch between
smooth and sharp curves.

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 4. Pen Tool Modes: Explore modes like Add Anchor Point, Delete Anchor Point, and
Convert Anchor Point for precise editing.

Using Control Handles:

1. Direction: Drag handles away from the path to create wider curves, drag towards the
path for tighter curves.

2. Smoothness: Click-drag handles while holding Shift to create straight lines instead of
curves.

3. Symmetry: Hold Ctrl/Cmdr. while dragging handles to constrain movement horizontally

or vertically for symmetrical curves.

Using the Selection Tool:

1. Select Entire Path: Click the path itself.

2. Select Individual Segments: Hold Shift while clicking segments to select multiple ones.

3. Reshape Path: Drag selected segments or anchor points to modify the path.

Using the Scale Tool:

1. Select Path: Choose the Selection Tool and click the path.

2. Click & Drag: Hold Shift while dragging a corner handle to scale proportionally.

3. Uneven Scaling: Drag corner handles individually without Shift for non-uniform scaling.

Using the Rotate Tool:

1. Select Path: Choose the Selection Tool and click the path.

2. Click & Drag: Click outside the path and drag to rotate it around its center.

3. Rotation Center: Click near a specific point on the path to set that as the rotation
center.

Using the Direct Selection Tool:

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 1. Precise Editing: Select individual anchor points or handles for granular control.

2. Adjust Curve Shape: Modify individual control handles directly for detailed curve
adjustments.

3. Convert Anchor Points: Right-click and choose "Convert Anchor Point" to change
between smooth and sharp curves.

2.3: Design shapes

 A shape is a two- dimensional object defined by points and lines that come together to
create a closed area.

Basic shapes: Squares, circles, triangles, rectangles, polygons, stars

More complex shapes: Cones, cylinders, spheres, pyramids, prisms Drawing basic shapes

Draw basic shapes

● Lines

● Curves

● Spirals

● Rectangles

● Ellipses

● Polygons

● Stars

● Using Pencil tool for freehand drawing

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Modifying shapes and paths

● Drawing modes

● Creating compound paths and shapes

● Using the Brush tool

● Working with the Pathfinder panel

● Using the Eraser tool

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● Using the anchor points

● Using the Shape Builder tool

Transforming objects

● Scaling objects

● Rotating objects

● Reflecting objects

● Distorting objects

● Moving and duplicating objects

Manipulating fills and strokes

A fill refers to the interior color or pattern applied to the entire enclosed area of a shape or
path. While A stroke is a line or border applied to the outline of a shape or path.

● Adding color fill

● Creating and using gradient fills

● Adding strokes to objects

Adding Color Fills:

 Fill Panel: Select your object and access the Fill panel (Window > Fill).

 Solid Colors: Choose a color from the Color panel or the built-in library. Click the Fill
panel swatch to apply.

 Using Patterns: Select a pattern from the Swatches panel or create your own by clicking
the "New Swatch" button.

 Transparency: Adjust the Opacity slider in the Fill panel to create transparent
fills, allowing underlying elements to show through.

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Creating and Using Gradient Fills:

 Gradient Panel: Open the Gradient panel (Window > Gradient).

 Linear Gradient: Click and drag between two color stops to create a linear gradient
(horizontal or vertical).

 Radial Gradient: Click and drag away from a central point to create a radial gradient
(outward or inward).

 Multiple Stops: Add more color stops by clicking below the gradient bar to create
intricate color transitions.

 Editing Stops: Adjust stop positions and colors directly on the gradient bar for precise
control.

Adding Strokes to Objects:

 Stroke Panel: Select your object and access the Stroke panel (Window > Stroke).

 Solid Colors: Choose a color from the Color panel or the built-in library. Click the Stroke
panel swatch to apply.

 Stroke Weight: Adjust the Weight slider to control the stroke thickness. Explore pixel
values or points for precise size control.

 Dashed Strokes: Enable the "Dashed Line" checkbox and adjust dash and gap values to
create custom dotted or dashed lines.

 Stroke Align: Choose between "Align Stroke to Inside," "Align Stroke to Outside," or
"Center Stroke" to define where the stroke sits relative to the path.

Text Tools:

 Selecting: Press "T" or click the Text tool icon on the toolbar. Choose
between Horizontal Type Tool (default) and Vertical Type Tool.

 Adding Text: Click on the canvas and type your desired text.

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  Formatting: Use the options bar above the canvas to change
font, size, color, alignment, etc.

 Transforming: Press "Ctrl/Cmd + T" to edit text size, rotation, and distortion.

 Character Styles: Access the panel (Window > Character) for detailed text formatting
like caps, underline, etc.

 Type on Path: Click the pen icon next to the "T" icon and draw a path. Click the text area
and type along the path.

Swatches Panel:

 Stores and manages pre-selected colors for quick access.

 Click the "Swatches" tab on the right panel.

 Double-click a swatch to edit its color.

 Click the "+" button to create new swatches.

Color Panel:

 Provides various color models and tools for precise color selection.

 Click the "Color" tab next to "Swatches."

 Choose a color model (e.g., HSB, RGB).

 Use sliders or enter values to select a specific color.

Picking Color from Image:

 Click the "Eyedropper" tool in the toolbar.

 Click on a color in your image to sample it.

 The selected color will appear in the foreground or background color swatch.

Opacity:

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  Controls the transparency of a layer or selection.

 Use the slider in the Layers panel (0% = fully transparent, 100% = fully opaque).

Flowing Text Around Objects:

 Select the text layer.

 Go to "Window" > "Paragraph."

 Choose "Wrap around object style" and adjust settings.

Type on Path:

 As mentioned above, convert a path into a type container using the pen tool.

 Type your text along the path and adjust its direction and style.

Converting Text to Path:

 Select the text layer.

 Right-click and choose "Convert to Shape" > "Path."

 The text becomes a vector path editable with the Pen tool.

2.4: Description of brand identity

 Brand
 Brand identity
 Brand icon
 Brand identity guidelines
 Logo

1. Brand:

A brand is a full concept that represents a company, product, service, or organization. It

encompasses the entire customer experience, including visual elements, messaging, values, and
the emotional connection people have with the entity.

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2. Brand Identity:

Brand identity is the visual and sensory representation of a brand. It includes the design
elements, such as logos, color schemes, typography, imagery, and other visual assets that
create a consistent and recognizable look and feel for the brand.

3. Brand Icon:

A brand icon is a simplified and often stylized graphical representation that serves as a
recognizable symbol of a brand.

4. Brand Identity Guidelines:

Brand identity guidelines, also known as brand style guides, are documents that provide
detailed instructions on how to use and apply the various elements of a brand identity
consistently.

5. Logo:

A logo is a visual representation of a brand and is a key element of its overall identity. Logos are
designed to be unique, memorable, and easily recognizable.

Types of logo

1. Wordmark: This type of logo focuses solely on the brand name, using typography to
create a unique and memorable mark.

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 2. Lettermark: A lettermark abbreviates the brand name using initials or a
monogram, often ideal for brands with long names.

3. Pictorial Mark: This type of logo uses an icon or symbol to represent the brand, offering
a more visual representation than wordmarks or lettermarks.

4. Abstract Mark: An abstract mark uses non-representational shapes or forms to convey

the brand's essence, offering a unique and versatile option.

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 5. Mascot: Mascot logos feature an illustrated character that embodies the brand's
personality, often used by family-friendly brands or those targeting younger audiences.

6. Emblem: This type of logo combines text and imagery within a geometric shape, often
used by institutions, universities, or organizations.

7. Combination Mark: As the name suggests, this type of logo combines elements of other
types, such as text and a symbol, offering a versatile approach to brand representation.

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2.5: Design infographics

An infographic, short for "information graphic," is a visual representation of information, data,

or knowledge. Types of infographics:

 Icon
 Logo
 Web banners
 Flyer

Icon: A small, simplified graphic representing a concept, object, or action. Icons are used in
user interfaces, websites, apps, and other digital contexts to communicate information
quickly and intuitively.

Logo: A unique visual symbol or design that represents a brand, company, or organization.

Web banner: A rectangular graphic advertisement displayed on a website, typically used to

attract attention, promote a product or service, and direct users to a landing page.

Flyer: A single sheet of paper printed with information or advertising, often used for
marketing purposes. Flyers can be used to announce events, promote products, raise
awareness, or distribute information.

Description of design principals

1. Balance:

 Balance refers to the distribution of visual weight in a design. There are three
types of balance: symmetrical, asymmetrical, and radial.

2. Contrast:

 Contrast involves juxtaposing different elements to create visual interest and

highlight important information.

3. Unity:

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  Unity, or harmony, ensures that all elements in a design work together cohesively.

4. Emphasis:

 Emphasis involves giving prominence to specific elements within a design to capture

attention and communicate hierarchy.

5. Rhythm:

 Rhythm establishes a sense of movement and flow in a design by creating visual

patterns or sequences.

6. Proportion and Scale:

 Proportion and scale involve the relationships between different elements' sizes and
how they relate to one another.

7. Hierarchy:

 Hierarchy establishes an order of importance within a design, guiding the viewer's

eye through a structured visual arrangement.

8. Typography:

 Typography principles guide the effective use of fonts, sizes, spacing, and alignment
to enhance readability and convey the desired tone.

9. Color Theory:

 Color theory explores the interaction of colors and their psychological impact.
Understanding color harmonies, contrasts, and associations helps designers create
visually appealing and meaningful color schemes.

10. White Space (Negative Space):

 White space, or negative space, is the unmarked area in a design. Proper use of
white space enhances readability, reduces visual clutter, and provides balance to the
overall composition.

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Create a brand identity guideline

Features/Aspects of your brand identity guidelines:

 Analyze brand Mood

 Determine typography
 Determine color patterns
 Determine spacing
 Determine shadows and line styles
 Specify logo usage

1.Analyze Brand Mood:

 Define the emotions and feelings you want your brand to evoke
(e.g., trustworthy, playful, innovative).

 Use mood boards and adjectives to visually represent the desired brand identity.

2. Determine Typography:

 Choose a primary and secondary font family that aligns with your brand mood and
target audience.

 Define specific fonts for headings, body text, logos, and other elements.

 Specify font size, weight, and spacing guidelines.

3. Determine Color Patterns:

 Choose a primary and secondary color palette that reflects your brand values and
resonates with your target audience.

 Define additional accent colors and their usage guidelines.

 Consider color accessibility for diverse audiences.

4. Determine Spacing:

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  Establish minimum and maximum spacing between elements for a consistent and
organized look.

 Define margins, padding, and line spacing for different media (print, digital).

5. Determine Shadows and Line Styles:

 Decide on the use of shadows, outlines, and other visual effects for logos, icons, and
other elements.

 Ensure consistency in applying these styles across your brand materials.

6. Specify Logo Usage:

 Provide clear instructions on acceptable and unacceptable uses of your logo

(e.g., minimum size, color variations, prohibited modifications).

 Include examples of proper and improper logo usage.

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