CAD Hacks

Since I've been using Photoshop/ Illustrator for the past couple of days I've learned quite a few hacks. Most importantly, while tracing or drawing an object, always draw each element as a separate object and then group (G) all the elements. This makes filling in the object much easier as it's a complete object. Gradation also becomes much easier.

Another important tool is the Pencil Tool (N). Whilst drawing on illustrator, the best tool to use for flow-y objects is the pencil tool versus the pen tool (P). The pen tool creates harsh edges while it is much quicker and smoother to draw using the pencil tool, especially if you have a drawing tablet (wacom). This makes life so much simpler.

So far the best shortcut is by far clicking on to the object with the selection tool (V) and then pressing down Alt (option) and dragging the object to copy it. Holding down Shift + Alt to keep it in proportion also saves alot of time as mentioned earlier. The preview option while mirroring an object is my newest favourite! Transform - Reflect (Choose Horizontal/ Vertical) on preview and then you can instantly copy, instead of command c+ v and then command t to rotate the object around. The nudge tool is pretty helpful too, hold down shift + arrow key (L or R) this keeps the object in the same line of proportion and speed up the shifting move (again mentioned previously, but can't get over how easy it is!)

Another neat hack is to always lock the image you work on by pressing command + 2, by doing this you don't need to go on the layer and click lock, it automatically locks the selected area and drawing onto it on a single layer becomes easier. This is because sometimes multiple layers actually make the drawing process harder rather than simpler.