Use the Selection and Direct Selection Tools Adobe Illustrator

Edited by vanessa, Rushell, Dougie

Hello and welcome to VisiHow. In this video, we are going to look at how to manipulate basic shapes in Adobe Illustrator. Once you have learned how to create a new document in Adobe Illustrator and how to create basic shapes, then you are ready to watch this video.

How to use the selection and direct selection tools in Adobe Illustrator.mp4-canvas303 038407.jpg

Steps

  1. 1
    The first tool we are going to use is the "Selection Tool"
    .
    It is the first tool in the toolbar, and it looks like a black arrow. You can use this tool to select any shape by simply clicking on the shape.
    How to use the selection and direct selection tools in Adobe Illustrator.mp4-canvas29 032723.jpg
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  2. 2
    Once you have selected a shape, click, hold and drag the shape to move it
    .
    To delete a shape, select the shape and press the delete key on your keyboard. Press "Ctrl" plus z to undo any of the changes you have made.
    How to use the selection and direct selection tools in Adobe Illustrator.mp4-canvas50 963532.jpg
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  3. 3
    Right beside the "Selection Tool" is the "Direct Selection Tool"
    .
    This tool is used to select specific parts of a shape.
    How to use the selection and direct selection tools in Adobe Illustrator.mp4-canvas80 892622.jpg
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  4. 4
    Click, hold and drag down to make a box covering a portion of a shape to select that part of the shape
    .
    You can then delete this portion of the shape or move it around.
    How to use the selection and direct selection tools in Adobe Illustrator.mp4-canvas96 394265.jpg
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  5. 5
    To zoom in, press "Ctrl" along with the plus sign on your keyboard
    .
    How to use the selection and direct selection tools in Adobe Illustrator.mp4-canvas120 530251.jpg
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  6. 6
    With the "Direct Selection Tool", you can skew some of the shapes
    .
    You can drag one point of this triangle up to change the shape of it.
    How to use the selection and direct selection tools in Adobe Illustrator.mp4-canvas168 790613.jpg
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  7. 7
    With the "Selection Tool", you can make the shape bigger or smaller
    .
    Click on one of the anchors, the small white squares, and drag it inwards or outwards depending on what size you want. This may distort the look of the shape.
    How to use the selection and direct selection tools in Adobe Illustrator.mp4-canvas215 569497.jpg
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  8. 8
    Another way of scaling the shape is to click one of the anchors, then hold down the shift key as you drag it inwards or outwards
    .
    This way does not distort the shape.
    How to use the selection and direct selection tools in Adobe Illustrator.mp4-canvas244 233568.jpg
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  9. 9
    You can also duplicate a shape using the "Selection Tool"
    .
    To do this, hold down the "Alt" key on your keyboard, then click and drag the shape.
    How to use the selection and direct selection tools in Adobe Illustrator.mp4-canvas265 240106.jpg
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  10. 10
    You have learned some basic manipulation strategies using Adobe Illustrator
    .
    If you have any questions or comments, post them in the section below. Thank you for watching VisiHow. Have a great day!
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Video: Use the Selection and Direct Selection Tools Adobe Illustrator

If you have problems with any of the steps in this article, please ask a question for more help, or post in the comments section below.

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Categories : Software

Recent edits by: Rushell, vanessa

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