Transforming shapes into selectable objects is a fundamental aspect of working with Adobe Illustrator. By converting lines, text, or other shapes into objects, you can apply transformations, effects, and manipulations that would otherwise be impossible. This guide will walk you through the process of converting to objects in Adobe Illustrator step-by-step.
Before we delve into the nitty-gritty, let's set the stage. Remember, in Illustrator, every object is composed of one or more anchor points connected by paths. Understanding this will help you grasp why and how conversion to objects is crucial.
Selection and Deselection
Before you can convert an element to an object, you must first select it. This section will guide you through selecting and deselecting elements in Illustrator.
To select an element, simply use the Selection Tool (Black Arrow) and click on the element. For multiple selections, either click on the first element and drag a marquee around other elements (using the Selection Tool) or press and hold the Shift key while selecting each element.
Selection Marquee
The Selection Marquee, or Marquee Tool (M), lets you select a rectangular or elliptical area around an object. This is particularly useful for selecting a cluster of objects at once. To use it, click and drag around the desired area. To select a specific object within the marquee, use the Selection Tool.
When dealing with complex artwork, you might need to select multiple disjointed areas. For such cases, use the Direct Selection Tool (White Arrow) along with holding down the Command key (macOS) or Ctrl key (Windows). Clicking and dragging around an area will only select the specific paths that intersect with your marquee.
Deselecting
To deselect objects, either use the Esc key, the Deselect command (.Edit > Deselect), or press Ctrl + D (Windows) or Command + D (macOS). Alternatively, you can click away from the objects using the Selection Tool. This will remove the bounding box (outline) around them, indicating that they are no longer selected.
Remember, deselecting is important to avoid accidental transformations or manipulations of your artwork. Always ensure you're working with the right object by checking that only the desired object has the bounding box around it.
Converting Lines and Shapes to Objects
Now that you're comfortable with selecting and deselecting elements, let's explore how to convert lines and shapes to objects.
Illustrator initially treats lines and shapes as separate from one another. However, you can combine them to form a single, selectable object. This is where the power of Illustrator truly shines - it allows you to manipulate complex graphics with ease once they're converted into objects.
Combining Shapes
To combine shapes, select them first. This can be multiple lines, a variety of shapes, or any combination thereof. Once selected, use the Unite command (Pathfinder palette > Unite), or press Ctrl + J (Windows) or Command + J (macOS). This will merge all the selected shapes into one, creating a new object.
If you made a mistake or want to undo the combination, use the Undo command (Edit > Undo or Ctrl/Cmd + Z). Remember, once you've combined shapes, you won't be able to edit them individually. However, you can still manipulate the combined object as a whole.
Combining Lines
Combining lines is similar to combining shapes. Select the lines you want to merge, then use the Join command (Object > Path > Join or Ctrl + J for Windows, Command + J for macOS). This will connect the start and end points of selected lines, creating a single, continuous path.
Much like combining shapes, joining lines merges them into a single object. Consequently, you'll need to use the Direct Selection Tool to adjust individual points or segments within the joined line.
And there you have it! You've just mastered the art of converting lines and shapes into selectable objects in Adobe Illustrator. The next time you find yourself working on complex artwork, you'll be well-equipped to tackle it with confidence.
Keep experimenting with the tools and commands mentioned in this tutorial to further refine your skills.