Illustrator 09 Fill Stroke

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The difference in vector graphic or vector images compared to pixel type of images or raster images (jpeg, png, bmp, gif, psd, etc.) are the rendering method used by the graphic applications itself such as Adobe Illustrator. Normally any vector graphic editor used Fill & Stroke, to render and shaped the graphic art. There will be no pixel created, rendering done by mathematical value of the software engine. Therefore vector graphics are always high resolution and scalable to any size at the same time remain the byte size.




After you master the Pen Tool and Shape Tools tutorial, you should know the core of vector graphic - Fill & Stroke, because this is the main element that will inspire you on how to create vector illustrations, how to fill colors, gradients and playing with stroke.


Fill
The Color inside the compound of a graphic shape.2 types of Fill colors, Solid and Gradient Fill.
Fill Color using Swatches

To fill an object, open up your Swatches Palette. Select your object and pick any color from the swatches.

Fill Color using Color Picker


Another way to fill color is by double clicking on the Fill in your Tool Palette. A Color Picker window will appear and you can pick your color.


Stroke

Path or the outline created (using Pen Tool or other drawing tool) that formed the graphic shape.Stroke is actually the value of path when it applied with color & thickness value.Adding Stroke & Fill using Control Palette

You can also easily change fill, stroke color and stroke weight by accessing your Control Palette at the top of your artboard.

Stroke Styles - Caps


The Stroke Caps determine the start and end points of a stroke. This applies to open paths only. You can choose between a Butt, Round, or Projecting cap.

Stroke Styles - Miter Limit


The stroke’s Miter Limit specifies the appearance for the joins in a shape. Notice how the joins look after we applied different miter settings to the stars.

These are some very basic knowledge to know about Fill & Stroke. On the next post later we will come back to show more on how to make Fill Gradient for your artworks.

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