Have the following palettes open: stroke, pathfinder, align, character (type>character), swatches, and layers.
Stroke Palette = Can change the width of a stroke, change the end caps, or change how the stroke reacts with the points.
Pathfinder Palette = Can unite shapes or create separations in shapes
Align Palette = Can align Shapes or Individual points
Character Palette = go to Window>Type>Character
Swatches Palette = Can hold on to your colors that you consistently use.
Layers Palette = Same as Photoshop
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TOOLS
Black Arrow Tool = moves entire paths
White Arrow Tool = moves points on a path
Color Swatches in Tools Palette = has a FILL (inside of shape) and a STROKE (outline - if any)
Scale Tool = Resizes
Rotate Tool = Rotates
Reflect Tool = Mirrors
When using the above tools, double click on the tool to reveal a pop-up menu where you can input numerical values. You can also click on COPY to copy the object instead of transforming the original.
Paintbrush Tool = Makes paths that you can add a stroke to.
Blob Brush = Makes vector "blobs" or vector shapes from brush strokes
You must make new brushes in the brushes palette for both of these tools.
Erase Tool = Will erase vector shapes
Scissor Tool = Will cut a segment of a vector shape
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MENU ITEMS
Effects Menu = Has tools to allow you to arc or bend shapes.
If you are trying to bend multiple shapes, group them first and Illustrator will bend them together as a whole. If you want to apply your effect, go to Object>Expand Appearance.
Object > Path > Outline Stroke = Will turn the stroke of a path into a shape
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HELPFUL KEY COMMANDS:
Command+C = CopyCommand+F = Paste In Place
Command+D = Duplicate last transformation
Command+G = Makes a group from your layers
To Quickly Copy = Start moving a shape, then hit OPTION. Add the SHIFT key to move it directly horizontal or vertical
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