- Understanding Vector and Raster Graphics
- Understanding Paths
- Selecting a Drawing Mode
- Creating Pixel Aligned Objects
- Creating Rectangles and Ellipses
- Creating Polygons and Stars
- Creating Line Segments
- Creating Arcs and Spirals
- Creating Grids
- Using the Shape Builder Tool
- Creating Perspective Objects
- Working with Perspective Objects
- Customizing a Perspective Grid
- Understanding Selections
- Using the Selection Tool
- Using the Direct Selection Tool
- Using the Lasso Tool
- Using the Magic Wand Tool
- Selecting and Grouping Objects
- Selecting Similar Objects
- Saving and Editing Selections
- Moving Objects
- Duplicating Objects
- Aligning and Distributing Objects
- Transforming Objects
- Using the Free Transform Tool
- Rotating and Scaling Objects
- Reflecting and Shearing Objects
- Applying Multiple Transformations
- Reshaping Objects with Envelopes
Creating Arcs and Spirals
The Arc and Spiral tools make it easy to create unique and interesting shapes. These tools draw curved lines to create an individual arc or a Spiral wind. An arc consists of an x and y axis length, open or closed path, arc direction (known as the Base Along), arc slope, and arc fill (optional). A Spiral consists of a radius from the center to the outermost point in the Spiral, decay (the amount each wind decreases), number of segments for the spiral, and Spiral style. Each full wind of a Spiral consists of four segments.
Draw an Arc
- Click the Arc tool on the Tools panel.
The pointer becomes a crosshair that you can drag on the artboard.
- Select a Stroke color from the Colors area of the Tools panel.
- Click and drag on the artboard, and then release the mouse when the arc is the length you need.
- To create an arc with specific settings, click on the artboard where you want the arc to begin, enter x and y lengths, specify type (open or closed), arc direction (Base Along) and slope options, select the Fill Arc check box to fill the arc with the current fill color, and then click OK.
Draw a Spiral
- Click the Spiral tool on the Tools panel.
The pointer becomes a crosshair that you can drag on the artboard.
- Select a Stroke color from the Colors area of the Tools panel.
- Click and drag on the artboard, and then release the mouse when the Spiral is the length you need.
- To create a Spiral with specific settings, click on the artboard where you want the Spiral to begin, enter a radius (distance) from the center to the outermost point, decay percentage (amount of the wind decreases), the number of segments, and style options, and then click OK.