Adobe Illustrator CC – Basic («ILLUM1»)

1 The organisation of work

• Vector vs. Pixel
• Manage files
• Illustrator versions and compatibility

2 The user interface

• The menu structure
• Manage workspaces
• Using the control panels
• The most important basic tools
• Symbols of the interface
• The properties control panel
• Setting up documents and the interface for print and screen

3 The first steps – Creating shapes

• Forming tools
• The different views
• Grouping objects
• Arrange objects

4 Select and work accurately

• Selection techniques
• Working with the bounding box
• Positioning aids
• Use numerical inputs
• Align objects
• Assign colors: Surfaces and contours
• Create guide lines
• Overview of important default settings

5 Get to know the document structure

• Working with layers
• Creating layers
• Show and hide layers
• Locking and unlocking layers
• Laying objects on new layers
• Layer arrangement
• Object selection with layers
• Properties of the template layer

6 Place images

• The image import
• Linking and embedding
• Crop images

7 Draw vectors

• Properties of the path tools
• Draw simple shapes
• Draw curved segments
• Get to know point types
• Select, move, convert anchor points
• Working with grip lines
• Move segments
• Properties of contours
• Draw simple illustrations

8 Construct vector graphics

• Methods of form building in Illustrator
• Combining forms, punching, intersections
• Joining paths
• Shape creation tool and interactive painting
• Clipping masks
• Working in isolation mode

9 Deform vector graphics

• The form grid tool
• Use predefined distortions

10 Working with colours

• Create your own colours
• The different colour models
• Composing colour harmonies
• Create and edit gradients

11 Text

• Dealing with text
• Basic settings of typography
• Touch type text tool
• Convert and edit text to paths
• Create simple form text

12 Edition

• Print drawing areas
• Save PDF
• Checking documents
• Sharing documents openly
• Avoid problems with missing content

• Frontal teaching
• Informative, exemplary and practice-oriented teaching sequence
• Hands-on and follow-up exercises

This basic course is aimed at anyone who wants to build their illustrator skills with the help of publishing experts. Both career changers, administrators and marketing managers as well as future graphic designers, illustrators, final artwork artists and image editors/layout designer who need illustrator skills are in the right place here.

You have good PC user skills (PC or Mac). Previous knowledge of Illustrator is not necessary.

Info about the room equipment

Our courses take place on Windows or Apple devices. On request, we will be happy to provide you with an Apple computer in Zurich, Bern and Basel. Please let us know in advance by sending an e-mail to info@digicomp.ch. You can also bring your own laptop.

For virtual participation, we recommend the use of an additional monitor (not just a laptop) so that you can fully follow and participate in the lesson.

Adobe CC Software

The Adobe Creative Cloud software will be made available to you during the course times, whether on site in our course rooms or via remote access for virtual participation.