Clean Up...
Before going to print or upload the project make sure: Stray Point, Unpainted Objects and Empty Text Path are cleaned up and not part of the final image.
Split Into A Grid
Easy way to create a grid or divide an object into rows & Columns.
1. Draw an Object. 2. Object>Path>Split Into Grid. 3. Select number of Rows and Columns & add Guides. 4. Double Click on an Object to Isolate. 5. Recolor, change shape.
Object Mosaic
Object Mosaic Filter will add Rows and Columns on top of the pixel based image.
The image cannot be linked to the file. You will need to embed it before applying the filter. This will allow you to create effects without changing the original, & can be a fast way to create colors from an image.
Live Paint
Live Paint allows you to paint objects by the visual boundaries that they form and not by their structure. This will allow you to paint areas that are not physically closed or semi-closed. Live Paint will let you paint based on appearance and by using the Live Paint Selection tool you can apply different attributes and edit it if needed.
Object>Live Paint>Make Shortcut: Command Option X. Control Alt X. Or use the Live Paint Bucket (K) to make a Live Paint Group.
Creating Live Paint group using 4 lines to create a middle area that looks like a closed object. The structure is 4 lines only. The appearance shows a closed shape.
Add extra areas to the Live Paint group by merging the new line, adding it to the group or isolating the shapes and than adding line.
Opacity Mask
Opacity Mask Vs. Clipping Mask:
Opacity Mask and Clipping Mask are two of the most used tools in Illustrator workflow. They allow you to reveal or hide artwork without deleting any paths.
Clipping Mask is applied against all paths/objects within a layer. Opacity Masks are gray-scale Maps applied against individual paths/objects only. The only exception is that an Opacity Mask may be applied against a set of objects if they are grouped.
Creating An Opacity Mask
1. Create a shape or type. 2. Select the object and activate the Transparency (Opacity) panel. 3. In the Transparency panel click on Make Mask button and choose Unclip. 4. Activate the mask, draw inside the mask or paste into it any image or object. 5. Apply as many effects as you prefer to the mask. 6. Select the object to get out of the Opacity Mask option.
Variation: Use blending modes, Opacity levels. Explore the image below the mask to reveal texture.
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