Adobe Illustrator Terms – Computer Skills
This chapter covers Illustrator Terms – Computer Skills.
Artboard
Printable portion of the work area, where illustrations can be finalized.
Attributes
properties of an object that change its appearance without changing its underlying structure.
Bezier Curve
a mathematically generated curve that has two endpoints and control points to specify curve direction.
Bitmap Images
Images created using a grid of small squares called pixels. Also called raster images or pixel images.
Bounding Box
A temporary frame around a selected object that shows the object’s outer dimensions. Eight hollow white squares that show an object is selected.
Brush Library
a collection of brushes related to a particular theme or type of brush that you can add to the default Brushes panel.
CMYK
The color model used for printed output. Cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y) and black (K) inks are combined to create the desired colors.
Color Mode
Determines the color model used to display and print the Illustrator file.
Constrain
To force an object to take a certain form. Use modifier keys to constrain objects.
Context Menu
A menu that displays when you right-click the screen, displaying commands that relate to your current task.
Corner Point
An anchor point where a path changes direction in an angle rather than smoothly.
Dialog box
can change size width, height page orientation and unit of measure color.
Direct selection tool
selects individual anchor points or single paths of an object.
Direction Line
line extending from anchor point that shows the direction of a curve.
Distribute
Space objects evenly, either vertically or horizontally.
Dock
A location in the application window where a panel or panels are secured so they do not float.
docking panels
allows you to arrange multiple panels or panel groups verticalluy.
Drop Shadow
an object, filter, or effect that creates a shadow behind an image
ellipsis tool
the tool for drawing oval or circle shapes or paths.
Embed
place a file or object in a file so that it becomes part of the file.
Fill
Characteristics of the inner area of an object, such as the color, pattern, style, etc., inside an object.
Font
A design of type.
Font Style
Appearance changes to a font such as bold or italic.
Grouping
objects allows you to move many objects as 1 to group go to object.
Guides
Nonprinting lines that can be used to create boundries or guidelines in a drawing. They help you work with precision
Hand tool
allows you to move art board.
Hold spacebar
allows you to move art board.
Isolation Mode
a view mode that allows you to focus on a group or sublayer by locking and dimming other objects.
Layer
a single level in the stacking order that can hold any number of objects.
Marquee
Rectangle drawn around an object with a tool, to select an area.
Menu bar
includes all of the illustrator menus.
Outline view
shows the skeleton of your work lines and curves.
Panels
windows containing features for modifying and manipulation illustrator objects arranged in groups or A group of related commands and options.
Parent Layer
layer in which one or more sublayers are stored.
Path
The line that forms the shape of an object.
Picas
Measurement system frequently used in graphic design. There are six picas to an inch and is usually 12 points.
Pixel
Term that stands for picture element, a single point on a computer monitor screen.
Point
is 1/72 of a inch.
Point of Origin
The point on which an object rotates or transforms. The point of origin may be within the object or outside it.
Points
Measurement system frequently used in graphic design. A point is 1/72nd of an inch.
Polygon
Any object with three or more straight sides.
Precision
is a key to good design can get better precision using points and picas.
Preferences
use to set units of measure in edit menu.
Preview
shows complete work ctrl Y toggle key.
Reflect tool
to flip an object over an imaginary axis.
Resolution
The number of dots or pixels per linear unit of output. For example 72 dots per inch.
Resolution dependent
pixels must be small enough to create an image with the illusion of continous tone.
Resolution independent
Regardless of how much the image is enlarged or reduced, the image definition and quality remain the same.
RGB
The color model used for illustrations to be viewed on computer monitors. Red (R), green (G), and blue (B) values are combined to create the final color.
Scaling
resizing an object horizontally, vertiaclly, or proportionally in both directions to a percentage of its original size.
Scratch area
area outside the artboard where you can store objects before placing them on artboard will not print.
Smart guides
temporary guides that can be turned on and off in view menu and help you to align objects do not print.
Smooth Point
An anchor point that connects path segments in a smooth curve.
Spiral
An open shape that consists of a number of winds around a central point.
Status bar
contains a list arrow menu from which you can choose a status line with info about current tools.
Characteristics of the outline of an object, such as its weight, color, style, etc.
Sublayer
a layer within a layer that can have its own name and its own settings
Tab key
hides and shows panels.
Template
object that is dimmed and unavailable for modification but can be used as a guide for creating objects.
Thumbnail
a small illustration in a dialog box or panel displayed to help you choose an option.
Tile
an object containing a pattern that can be arranged to fill an object or applied to a brush path
Tiny black triangle
indicates hidden tools behind that tool
Title bar
contains the name of your document, magnification level and color mode.
Tools panel
contains tools that let you create, selct, and manipulate objects.
Transform tools
scale rotate and reflect tools are the fundamental.
Vector graphics
Drawing created from mathematical equations to create lines and curvesthat are defined by vectors. Are often used to create logos or line art.
Winds
Complete revolutions around the center point in a spiral. Each wind consists of four segments.
Workspace
A saved set of panel arrangements and tool settings.
x
switches between fill and stroke mode.
zoom
ctrl+
zoom out
ctrl-
zoom text box
displays current magnification level.