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How do I use vectors in Illustrator?

Last updated on September 24, 2022 @ 6:46 pm

Vector graphics are a great way to create designs that are both accurate and flexible. They’re perfect for logos, icons, and other graphics that need to be sized accurately and remain legible at any size.

To create a vector file in Illustrator, first create a new document. You can use any size you like, but a good starting point is usually around 300px wide by 450px tall.

Select the Rectangular Marquee Tool (M) and create a rectangle that’s the same width and height as your document.

Select the Ellipse Tool (L) and create an ellipse that’s the same size as your rectangle.

Select the Direct Selection Tool (A) and drag the ellipse off of the left side of the rectangle.

Now, select the Vector Mask icon ( ) from the Tools panel and click inside the ellipse.

This will add a vector mask to the ellipse. This mask will allow you to edit the ellipse without affecting the rest of the document.

Select the Pen Tool (P) and click inside the ellipse.

Now, draw a line from the top left corner of the ellipse to the bottom right corner.

You’ll now have a vector line that’s the same length as the ellipse.

Select the Line Tool (L) and draw a line from the top left corner of the ellipse to the bottom right corner.

Select the Direct Selection Tool (A) and drag the line off of the ellipse.

You now have two vector lines that are the same length as the ellipse.

PRO TIP: When using vectors in Adobe Illustrator, it is important to keep in mind that the anchor points and the direction handles determine the shape of the vector. If you want to change the shape of the vector, you need to select the anchor point or direction handle and then drag it to the desired location.

Next, select the Rectangular Marquee Tool (M) and create a rectangle that’s the same width and height as your document.

Select the Vector Mask icon ( ) from the Tools panel and click inside the rectangle.

This will add a vector mask to the rectangle. This mask will allow you to edit the rectangle without affecting the rest of the document.

Select the Pen Tool (P) and click inside the rectangle.

Now, draw a line from the top left corner of the rectangle to the bottom right corner.

You’ll now have a vector line that’s the same length as the rectangle.

Select the Line Tool (L) and draw a line from the top left corner of the rectangle to the bottom right corner.

Select the Direct Selection Tool (A) and drag the line off of the rectangle.

You now have three vector lines that are the same length as the rectangle.

Next, select the Ellipse Tool (L) and create an ellipse that’s the same size as your rectangle.

Select the Vector Mask icon ( ) from the Tools panel and click inside the ellipse.

You now have four vector lines that are the same length as the ellipse.

Select the Direct Selection Tool (A) and drag the line.

Dale Leydon

Dale Leydon

Sysadmin turned Javascript developer. Owner of 20+ apps graveyard, and a couple of successful ones.