Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
an application based on HTML code. Since iOS devices don't permit Flash, Adobe
Edge provides the means to create files you can display on most devices and
browsers, including the iPhone and iPad. If you're familiar with Flash, you'll find it
easy to learn to use Adobe Edge.
Animate with Graphic Symbols
If you use Illustrator layers to create an animation that doesn't need to be tweened in
Flash, try importing the layers as keyframes in a Graphic Symbol. The animation is
complete as soon as you insert a frame on the Timeline for every keyframe
(Illustrator layer).
9-slice scaling in Illustrator
Enable 9-slice scaling on symbols to allow you to protect outside areas of a symbol,
such as its corners, from becoming distorted when transformed in Illustrator.
Symbols and guides
When aligning a symbol to an object or guide, be aware that its content, not just its
bounding box, can snap to align with objects and guides. Choose this option from the
Transform panel menu, and turn on Smart Guides to assist you.
CREATING ANIMATION WITH LAYERS
You can use Illustrator layers to design a sequence for an animation, or export it to
another program for further manipulation. You can also place the parts of objects
you want to animate on top-level layers, instead of a sequence. For best results,
export in .ai format when possible.
To create layers so each object (or layer) can be manipulated/animated separately in
another program, such as After Effects, choose Release to Layers (Sequence).
To create the animation in Illustrator before exporting it (similar to onion-skinning),
choose the Build option; the bottom layer's object gets placed on every layer, with the
next object placed on every layer except the first layer, and so on, until all the objects
are placed on the top layer and the animation sequence is complete.
To create a composition to import into After Effects, use the Video & Film Document
Profile. This creates two artboards—one large artboard that serves as a “scratch” area
on which you can place objects for later use in After Effects, and one sized for your
chosen video format. To retain each artboard and the layers, create a multi-layered
file and save with Create PDF Compatible File enabled.
RELATED TIPS
No Preview or Place option?
Disabling the PDF-compatible file option when you save in .ai will create a smaller
file, but it will also create a file that you can only use from within that particular
version of Illustrator or later. Most applications—including Adobe applications such
as InDesign, Photoshop, Acrobat, and Adobe Reader—can't open or place the file
with a preview. If you need to open, view, or place it outside of Illustrator, save a file
with Create PDF Compatible File enabled; it's on by default.
Getting it into Illustrator
From most programs, and on most platforms, you can Save As, or Print and Save As
a PDF document. Illustrator will open any PDF document (if there are multiple pages,
it will ask you which one you want). Your objects and text might be broken up, but
everything should be in there.
Ideas—an Adobe Touch app
Ideas is an Illustrator-compatible vector app for iOS and Android devices that offers
up to 10 layers plus one image layer, multiple undos, and drawing tools that create
art similar to the Blob Brush. Use the Creative Cloud or send a copy by email for
further development in Illustrator. See an example of Brian Yapp's Adobe Ideas art
later in this chapter.
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