Quick Tip: The Biggest Time Saver In Illustrator
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After spending the last few years of using Adobe Illustrator on a daily basis I am still convinced the best way to save time while illustrating is to use the pathfinder tool.
I have found the fastest way to create an illustration is to block elements out, meaning to draw with large shapes and then add to or subtract from them with other large shapes.
The pathfinder tool allows you to do just that. This tool allows you to Unite, Subtract, Intersect, Exclude, Divide, Trim, Merge, Crop, Outline and Minus Back.
Since most people have a different workflow than others, play around with this tool and see how it fits into your routine.
Below is an overview of the four “shape modes” that I use the most often.
Unite:
Subtract:
Intersect:
Exclude:
Besides maybe the pen tool, that is the most useful feature in Illustrator.
Especially useful and powerful when designing logo (or icons). Many ‘random’ ideas simply come in by playing with it :)