Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
The Illustrator Tools panel contains the tools needed to work through
any Illustrator job, but it's not necessary to click on a tool to access it.
Simply using a letter of the alphabet can access all of Illustrator's
tools. For example, pressing the P key switches to the Pen tool, and
pressing the T key switches to the Type tool. In addition, if a button
has more than one tool available, clicking the arrow on the right side
of the tool menu displays all the tools in a small panel for easy access.
When you display the small panel, you can click the arrow on the right
edge to change the menu to a panel, which stays open. You can click
the Close button to dismiss it. You can refer to Adobe Illustrator CS6
Keyboard Shortcuts (available for download on the web at
www.perspection.com
)
for more information on all the letter assign-
ments for the various tools. To really get efficient in Illustrator, you
need to learn to use both hands. Use one hand for your mouse or draw-
ing tablet, and the other on the keyboard to make quick changes of
tools and options. Think of playing Illustrator like playing a pi-
ano—you need to use both hands.
