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    2D Shapes

                     Adobe Illustrator provides several tools to create and manipulate
                     vector shapes, making it easy to design logos, icons and illustrations.
                     Below is a guide on how to create and customize shapes. Illustrator
                     has basic shape tools for creating common geometric shapes. These
                     tools can be found in the Tools Panel. Right click on Rectangle Tool
                     (M) to see different shape tools.

                     Some of the basic shape tools are as follows:

                     1. Rectangle Tool (M): Draws squares and rectangles.
                     2. Ellipse Tool (L): Creates circles and ovals.

                     3. Polygon Tool: Generates polygons with customizable sides.

                     4. Star Tool: Creates stars with adjustable points.
                     5. Line Segment Tool (\): Draws straight lines.

                     To use different shape tools, follow the given steps:

                     Step  1   Select  the desired  shape  tool
                               from the toolbar.

                     Step  2   Click and drag on the artboard
                               to create the shape.

                     Step  3   Hold Shift while dragging to
                               constrain proportions
                               (e.g., perfect square or circle).

                     Compound Shapes

                     A  compound  shape  is  a  combination  of
                     two or more vector shapes that interact with each other using Boolean operations (Add, Subtract,
                     Intersect, Exclude). They remain editable and can be reversed or modified at any time.

                     To create a compound shape, follow the given steps:

                     Step  1   Draw two or more overlapping shapes using Shape Tools, select all the shapes you want
                               to combine (Shift + Click each shape or drag with the Selection Tool (V)).

                     Step  2   Click on Window   Pathfinder from Application Bar to access shape operations.

                     Step  3   There are four modes for compound shapes, you may select any on the basis of your
                               requirement.
                               •  Unite: It merges all selected shapes into one. The overlapping areas blend together.

                               •  Minus Front: It subtracts the top shape from the bottom shape. It is useful for creating
                                  cutouts or holes in objects.

                                                                                         Introduction to Adobe Illustrator  43

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