Illustrator users gain a skill through costly and time-consuming classroom sessions, but they also have the opportunity to learn new skills for free with Adobe Illustrator How To guidance for self-learning on the go.
Created by a professional How To illustrator, these guides offer detailed instructions and illustrations that guide users through the design process. Important skills that help both beginner and advanced users of Adobe Illustrator may include converting text into editable outlines, creating bevel effects, designing seasonal layouts, and more.
Illustrator How To Orient Quality varies a lot on the web, depending on the purpose for which it is being served. Some companies are looking to turn the business into their outstanding educational products, while others have a sincere desire to support the Illustrator community. The following tips help illustrators find and use the best Adobe Illustrator tutorials on the web.
Check the software version
Designers should know which version of Adobe Illustrator they have installed on their computers. Find this information by clicking on Help on the main menu and then on the About Illustrator option. This opens an informational window displaying the version number. Use the following chart to interpret this information for Creative Suite versions of Illustrator.
- Version 11 = Illustrator CS
- Version 12 = Illustrator CS2
- Version 13 = Illustrator CS3
- Version 14 = Illustrator CS4
- Version 15 = Illustrator CS5
Software evolves over time, which makes some tutorials out of date. Tools and capabilities have changed with the release of new versions of Illustrator. This means that older How To routines may refer to discontinued tools and not mention new tools that would make the painter’s job easier.
For best results, designers should look for Illustrator how-to guides that match their version of the software. Tutorials that use newer software versions may point to tools and features that are not available to designers with older software. Similarly, tutorials geared toward older versions of Illustrator may refer to outdated tools
Avoid wasting time
Before committing to the how-to guide, users should quickly review it to avoid investing their time in a scam. Some “free” directories leave out basic information in an attempt to entice users to purchase premium training or product support offered by the host. The free guide will explain all the steps needed to complete the design or procedure otherwise it is not really free.
Read between the lines
Not every skill comes in a separate how-to guide for Adobe Illustrator. The thoroughly documented procedure often contains useful information for Illustrator users. For example, learning how to create a Jack O’ Lantern in Illustrator may not interest the user, but the actions showing how to use the Pathfinder window found in such a tutorial can save the day.
Take the time to read each Illustrator How To program with an open mind, ready to gather the important information that applies to each design.
Learn important skills without classroom training with Adobe Illustrator. Readers who choose carefully from the many available How To guides save money while adding new talents to their design repertoire.
