Illustrator in Easy Steps gives you the essential building blocks you need to use the software efficiently, to expand your understanding of its rich features and to master its full potential. The opening chapters of the book focus on the basics and build skills needed to underpin your understanding of the product. These include the interface, techniques for creating, editing and manipulating basic shapes, selecting and arranging objects and working with layers, along with important controls for creating and applying colour. Then, this primer moves on to cover: type, transformations, the pen tool and anchor points; giving you the understanding and control you need to work efficiently with paths. Also examined are more advanced features such as the exciting 3D capabilities, as well as gradients and gradient meshes.