ACG112 Electronic Illustration

Final illustration project: document management

• Use Search and Replace (FreeHand and Illustrator)
  • In Illustrator, select a sample object (e.g., a path with a solid red fill), then use commands in the Edit-->Select submenu (e.g., 'Same Fill Color', which would select any other paths in the document filled with the same exact red).
    • Edit-->Select-->Same Paint Style will select paths when both stroke and fill match the sample in every respect.
    • You can also search for 'trouble' items like 'Stray Points' (an anchor point not connected to any path segments) and 'Masks' (clipping paths). Both of these items are invisible in Preview mode because they are unstroked and unfilled. Both commands seem to work more reliably if no objects are initially selected.
    • Once objects matching your criteria are selected, you can modify them using ordinary tools and commands. There is no special provision for automatic replacement of found objects.
  • In FreeHand, the Edit-->Find And Replace-->Graphics palette offers the same capabilities as Illustrator, plus much more.
    • You can proceed as in Illustrator (select a sample and find matching objects), clicking on the 'Select' tab, then choosing 'Same as Selection' from the 'Attribute' pop-up menu. The 'Match' pop-up menu allows choosing which attributes of the selected object are relevant to the current search.
    • You can search for specific attributes that you enter directly, without first selecting a sample object in the drawing. Click on the 'Select' tab, then make a choice from the 'Attribute' pop-up menu specifying what you want to find.
      • Notice that FreeHand goes beyond rendering attributes (fill and stroke), and allows you to search for specific kinds of objects (e.g. ovals) or effects. You can even find arbitrary shapes, which will match even if transformed (e.g., rotated, scaled).
      • As you make your choices in 'Attribute', the rest of the palette will update to offer suitable options.
      • Because of its multi-page orientation, FreeHand allows you to limit searches to the current page or extend it to the entire document.
    • Finally, you can go beyond selecting and have the program automatically replace or modify found items. Click on the 'Find and Replace' tab, then choose on the left what you want to find, and choose on the right how the found objects should be changed.
• Use Stationery and Startup (Defaults) files (FreeHand and Illustrator)
  • A stationery file is a document that always opens as 'Untitled' or 'Copy'.
    • Stationery files are often called templates, but they should not be confused with images you trace over--such as the templates you created to start off your final project.
    • Stationery files are used to store drawing elements and resources (color swatches, gradients, etc.) that you intend to use frequently.
    • Since the file always opens as a new 'Untitled' document (or is automatically duplicated to a new file), when you attempt to save the new document you are prompted to give it a new name. This way, there are fewer chances that the stationery file will be accidentally overwritten.
    • To create a stationery file, first add the recurring features you want to a new document. Then save and close the document. Finally, select the document's icon in the Finder, use File-->Get Info and turn on the 'Stationery Pad' checkbox at the bottom-right of the dialog.
      • In FreeHand, you can also use File-->Save and choose 'FreeHand Template' from the pop-up menu at the bottom of the Save dialog.
  • You can create specially-named files that will be used as a basis for all new documents:
    • For FreeHand the name of this file is 'FreeHand Defaults', and it must be stored in the FreeHand application folder. This name can be changed in the 'Expert/Document' section of the preferences dialog (File-->Preferences).
    • For Illustrator, the name of the file is 'Adobe Illustrator Startup' file, and it must be stored in the Plug-ins folders inside the Illustrator application folder. This name cannot be changed.
    • Both Illustrator and FreeHand use these defaults files to store only document-specific information. Application settings (such as location and type of open palettes), are stored in preference files in the Preferences folder inside the System folder.
• Use Color filters/xtras (FreeHand and Illustrator)
  • Regular color controls change all selected objects to the exact same color.
  • Color Filters and Xtras change objects colors relative to their initial color. If two of the selected objects were colored differently, they are still different after applying the Filter/Xtra.
• Use Grids and Guides (FreeHand and Illustrator)
• Use Transform and Align palettes (FreeHand and Illustrator)
• Use Named Views (Illustrator)
• Use Saved Colors (FreeHand and Illustrator)
• Use Styles (FreeHand)
• Use Scripts (FreeHand now, Illustrator in future version)