Chapter 5. Objects Basics

In Illustrator, paths (objects) are composed of anchor points connected by straight and/or curved line segments. Paths can be open or closed. Rectangles and ovals are closed paths (they have no endpoints); lines are open paths. As you'll learn in Chapter 8, any path can be reshaped.

In this chapter, first you will learn how to delete objects, for future reference. Then you will learn how to create objects quickly using the Rectangle, Ellipse, Rounded Rectangle, Polygon, Star, Flare, Line Segment, Arc Segment, Spiral, Rectangular Grid, and Polar Grid tools. And finally, you will learn how to draw in a freehand style using the Pencil tool. Once you've learned the basics in this chapter, don't miss these other important chapters: 6, Select/Copy; 7, Transform; 8, Reshape; and 9, Fill & Stroke.