Key Terminology

Before we dive into Adobe Illustrator, let's review some key terms. If you're familiar with Adobe Photoshop, you'll recognize many of these:

Resolution

Resolution refers to the amount of detail an image holds, measured in pixels per inch (PPI) or dots per inch (DPI). Higher resolution means more detail and sharper image quality.

File Types

File types are various formats in which an image can be saved. Common Illustrator file types include:

• AI: Adobe Illustrator document, retains layers and other editable features;
• JPEG: common format for photos, compresses image data to reduce file size;
• PNG: supports transparency, useful for web graphics;
• TIFF: high-quality image format, often used for print;
• SVG: stands for scalable vector graphics. It's an XML-based file format designed for two-dimensional vector graphics, ideal for web use due to its scalability and flexibility;
• PDF: widely used for sharing documents while preserving formatting and layout across devices.

Artboard

The artboard is the canvas area where you create and edit your artwork, similar to a blank page in a word processor. Illustrator documents can contain multiple artboards, allowing you to work on different layouts within a single file.

Anchor Point

An anchor point is a point on a path that defines its shape. Paths are made up of multiple anchor points connected by lines or curves.

Vector Graphics

Vector graphics use mathematical equations to define shapes and lines, allowing them to be scaled infinitely without losing quality. Illustrator is primarily a vector-based software, and SVG files are a common vector format.

Pen Tool

The pen tool is used to create precise paths, lines, and curves by placing anchor points and adjusting their handles.

Path

A path is a line created by connecting anchor points. Paths can be straight or curved and form the basis of vector shapes in Illustrator.

Bezier Curve

A bezier curve is a type of curve defined by anchor points and control handles. The pen tool is commonly used to create and adjust bezier curves.

Pixel

A pixel is the smallest unit of a digital image, representing a single point of color. Images are made up of millions of pixels arranged in a grid.

Raster

Raster graphics are images composed of pixels, including photos and scanned images. Each pixel has a defined color and position.

Stroke

A stroke is the outline or border applied to a path or shape. You can adjust the color, thickness, and style of strokes.

Fill

A fill is the interior color or pattern applied to a shape or path. Fills can be solid colors, gradients, or patterns.

Shape Tools

Shape tools are used to quickly create basic geometric shapes like rectangles, circles, polygons, and stars.

Rendering

Rendering is the process of generating a final image from a 2D or 3D model by applying effects, lighting, and textures to produce a realistic or stylized image.

Image Size vs. Document Size

• Image Size in Pixels: the dimensions of an image expressed in pixels, affecting detail and file size;
• Document Size in Inches/Centimeters: the physical dimensions of an image when printed, used with resolution (PPI) to determine print quality and size.

Now, let's get technical!

Color Mode

Color mode refers to the way colors are represented in a digital image. Common color modes in Illustrator include:

• RGB (Red, Green, Blue): used for digital displays; colors are created by combining red, green, and blue light;
• CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key/Black): used for print; colors are created by mixing these four inks;
• Grayscale: represents shades of gray; useful for black and white designs.