Operation Manual
109
USING ILLUSTRATOR
Drawing
Last updated 11/8/2011
As you work with symbol sets, keep in mind that the symbolism tools affect only the symbol or symbols selected in the
Symbols panel. For example, if you create a mixed symbol instance set that represents a meadow with grass and
flowers, you can change the orientation of just the grass by selecting the grass symbol in the Symbols panel and then
using the Symbol Spinner tool. To change the size of both the grass and the flowers, select both symbols in the Symbols
panel and then use the Symbol Sizer tool.
Note: When you select a mixed symbol set on the artboard, the symbol instance most recently added to the set is
automatically selected in the Symbols panel.
Create symbol sets
The Symbol Sprayer acts like a particle sprayer—letting you add a large number of identical objects to the artboard at
one time. For example, use the symbol sprayer to add hundreds of grass blades, wildflowers, bees, or snowflakes.
More Help topics
“Symbolism tool gallery” on page 24
“Symbolism tool options” on page 111
Spray sets of symbol instances onto artwork
1 Select a symbol in the Symbols panel, and then select the Symbol Sprayer tool .
2 Click or drag where you want the symbol instances to appear.
Add or delete symbol instances from an existing set
1 Select the existing symbol set.
2 Select the Symbol Sprayer tool and a symbol in the Symbols panel.
3 Do one of the following:
• To add symbol instances, click or drag where you want the new instances to appear.
• To delete symbol instances, hold down Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac OS) as you click or drag where you want
to remove instances.
Modify symbol instances in a symbol set
You use the symbolism tools to modify multiple symbol instances in a set. For example, you can disperse instances
over a larger area using the Symbol Scruncher tool or gradually tinting the color of instances to make them look more
realistic.
Although you can use symbolism tools on individual symbol instances, they are most effective when used on symbol
sets. When working with individual symbol instances, most of these tasks are easily accomplished using the tools and
commands you use on regular objects.
More Help topics
“Symbolism tool gallery” on page 24
“Symbolism tool options” on page 111
Change stacking order of symbol instances in a set
1 Select the Symbol Shifter tool .