- Introduction
- 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
- Using the Transform Panel
Selecting a Drawing Mode
In Illustrator, you can specify how and where you want to draw an object. You can draw on top of an object, behind an object, or inside an object using one of the following drawing modes: Draw Normal, Draw Behind, or Draw Inside. Draw Normal mode is the default drawing mode and the one used in previous versions of Illustrator. The Draw Behind mode allows you to draw behind all objects on a selected layer (no other objects selected). If an object is selected, the new object is drawn directly behind it. The Draw Inside mode allows you to draw inside a single selected object, which automatically creates a clipping mask from the selected object. You can select a drawing mode at the bottom of the Tools panel or use the Shift+D keyboard shortcut to cycle through each one.
Select a Drawing Mode
Select the Drawing Mode tool on the Tools panel:
- Draw Normal. Draws an object on top of any other object; the default mode.
- Draw Behind. Draws an object behind all objects (no selection) or directly behind a selected object.
- Draw Inside. Draws an object inside a single selected object.