Contents
In this tutorial we will show you how to create a custom shape in Adobe Illustrator using the pen tool, how to give it a nice thick outline, and how to save it as a custom shape.
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Introduction
Welcome to our tutorial on how to outline shapes in Adobe Illustrator. This guide will show you how to use the pen tool to create outlines around objects. You will also learn how to adjust line thickness and color. By the end of this tutorial, you will be able to create beautiful, customizable shapes for your next project.
Defining the Shape
There are a few ways to define the shape in Illustrator. You can use the pen tool, the elliptical tool, or the rectangle tool. You can also use the pathfinder tool to create more complex shapes.
The pen tool is probably the most versatile tool for creating shapes in Illustrator. You can use it to create simple shapes or complex shapes with many curves. The elliptical tool is great for creating circles and ovals. The rectangle tool is good for creating squares and rectangles.
The pathfinder tool is a great way to create more complex shapes in Illustrator. You can use it to combine multiple shapes into one shape or to cut one shape out of another shape.
Selecting the Shape
In order to outline the shape, you will need to first select the shape. To do this, simply click on the shape with the selection tool. If you have multiple shapes that you want to outline, you can click on each one while holding down the shift key. This will allow you to select multiple shapes at once.
Applying the Outline
There are two ways to apply the Outline function in Adobe Illustrator. The first is to go to ‘Object’ at the top of the workspace and select ‘Create Outlines’ from the drop-down menu. The second way is to use the shortcut Cmd+Shift+O (Mac) or Ctrl+Shift+O (Windows).
Adjusting the Outline
There are two ways to adjust the outline of a shape in Illustrator: using the Outline Stroke menu or by manually adjusting the width and height of the stroke. Both methods have their advantages and drawbacks, so it’s important to understand when to use each one.
To adjust the outline of a shape using the Outline Stroke menu, select the shape and then click on the “Outline Stroke” button in the top menu bar. A drop-down menu will appear with a number of different options for adjusting the width and height of the stroke. Experiment with different settings until you find one that you like.
To adjust the width and height of the stroke manually, select the shape and then click on the “Stroke” icon in the top menu bar. A window will appear with all of the different settings for strokes, including width and height. Adjust these settings until you get the look that you want.
Saving the Outline
After you’re done tracing your image and perfecting your outline, the next step is to save it so you can use it in Illustrator. To do this, go to File > Save As. In the drop-down menu, select EPS. This will ensure that your file is saved as a vector.
Conclusion
There is no “one size fits all” approach to outlining shapes in Illustrator. The best way to determine how to outline your shapes will vary depending on the complexity of the shapes, the preferences of your client or employer, and your own personal style. However, there are a few general tips that can help you get started:
-Start by selecting the object or group of objects that you want to outline.
-Next, choose the stroke color that you want to use for your outline.
-Then, select the width of stroke that you want to use.
-Finally, click on the “Stroke” option in the “Path” menu and select your desired stroke type.
