Introduction to Adobe Illustrator CS5 is a video based training program developed by Train Simple, an Adobe Authorized Training Provider. This app will teach you everything you need to get started using Illustrator efficiently and productively. The course contains nearly 9 hours of video and access to the exercise files so you can follow along with the instructor on your Mac or PC.

Topics include:

Understanding Illustrator CS5

Welcome
Vector vs. Bitmap Artwork
Understanding Paths
Fills and Strokes
Selections and Stacking Order
Isolation Mode
Welcome Screen
Creating New Documents
Anatomy of a Document
Multiple Artboards
Illustrator Templates
Saving Documents

Working in Illustrator

Panels
Control Panel
Rulers and Guildes
Guides and Grid
Smart Guides
Align Panel
Hide Edges
Preview and Outline Modes
Navigation
Bounding Box
Workspaces

Core Drawing Concepts

Basic Shapes
Polygon and Star Tools
Open-Path Tools
Pencil Tool
Paintbrush Tool
Pen Tool
Complex Paths
Pen Modifier Tools
Smooth and Path Eraser Tools

Combining Paths and Making Shapes

Joining and Averaging Paths
Offset Paths
Clean Up Stray Paths
Compound Paths
Compound Shapes
Shape Builder Tool
Pathfinders
Split Into Grid
Blob Brush and Eraser Tools

Text and Selections

Point and Area Text
Character Settings
Paragraph Settings
Text Threading
Text on an Open Path
Text on a Closed Path
Create Outlines
Group Selection Tool
Magic Wand Tool
Lasso Tool
Select Menu
Save Selections
Select Behind

Appearance, Groups, and Layers

Appearance Panel
Targeting vs. Selecting
Adding Multiple Attributes
Live Effects
Expand Appearance
Apperance Panel Options
Copy Appearances
Understanding Groups
Group Attributes
Live Effects on Groups
Understanding Layers

Colors, Fills, and Strokes

Applying Color
Process and Global Colors
Spot Colors
Color Books
Color Groups
Saving and Loading Custom Swatches
Color Guide
Gradients
Gradient Tool
Pattern Fill
Define a Pattern
Basic Stroke Options
Dashed Strokes
Arrowheads
Width Tool
Width Profiles
Outline Strokes

Transform, Brushes, and Symbols

Moving and Copying Artwork
Scaling and Resizing Objects
Rotate Artwork
Reflect and Shear Tools
Free Transform Tool
Align Objects
Distribute Objects
Calligraphic Brushes
Scatter Brush
Art Brush
Pattern Brush
Bristle Brush
Creating Symbols
Editing Symbols
Symbol Sprayer Tool

Working with Images and Masks

Placing an Image
Links Panel
Live Trace
Live Trace Options
Masking an Image
Clipping Mask
Layer Clipping Mask
Opacity Mask
Reflection Effect

Project, Printing, and Saving

Postcard Project: Logo Shapes
Postcard Project: Logo Colors
Postcard Project: Adding Copy
Printing Documents
Saving Documents
Saving a PDF
Saving for Office
Saving a PSD File
Save for the Web
Export a TIFF
Conclusion