Get started with this comprehensive guide on setting up Adobe Illustrator for optimal use, which includes preference adjustments, workspace configuration, and understanding the use of critical features.
This exercise is excerpted from Noble Desktop’s past Adobe Illustrator training materials and is compatible with Illustrator updates through 2020. To learn current skills in Illustrator, check out our Illustrator Bootcamp and graphic design classes in NYC and live online.
Complete the following setup prior to beginning any exercises.
Topics covered in this Illustrator tutorial:
Setting up preferences & workspaces
Exercise Overview
To get started with this book, you’ll need to do some setup first. It’s important to do this exercise, or some things later in the book will not work correctly!
Setting Preferences
Download the class files. Refer to the Downloading the Class Files page at the beginning of the workbook on how to download and install the class files.
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Launch Adobe Illustrator.
NOTE: This book has been tested with Illustrator 2020. If you’re using an older or newer version, most things should still work the same or similarly.
Go into the Illustrator menu (Mac) or the Edit menu (Windows) and choose Preferences > Selection & Anchor Display.
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Increase the size to match the settings below:
NOTE: This changes the size of anchor points and handles. Enlarging them makes finding and selecting them easier. This preference will remain for future files.
Click OK.
Go to the View menu. If Smart Guides is checked, choose it to uncheck it.
Cleaning Up the Interface
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Let’s make sure your interface is set up the same way as this book assumes. Go to Window > Workspace > Essentials Classic.
NOTE: We like this workspace because it shows the Control panel at the top of the screen. The Control panel shows useful settings and makes Illustrator more like Photoshop and InDesign.
Go to Window > Workspace > Reset Essentials Classic to reset the panels to their default locations.
