| email: robert shufflebotham

How to create a symmetrical shape in Adobe Illustrator 

1 : This Illustrator tutorial uses the Pen tool and the Anchor point tool as a starting point for creating a symmetrical shape

Very often when you work in Illustrator, you can start off with a very simpple object, in this example a couple of straight line segments, then manipulate the object, using anchor points and direction handles, to create a more visually interesting and complex path.

 

Illustrator CC 2018 | mp4 | 2:57min

 

 

2 : Reflecting a copy of the original shape and then joining anchor points to create a closed path

Using Shift and Alt/option modifier keys in conjunction with the Reflect tool, you can make a mirror image of the original path. Then, it's just a matter of selecting and joining anchor points to form a closed path.

 

Illustrator CC 2018 | mp4 | 4:27min

 

 

3 : Using the Shear tool and Reflect tool to create symmetrical tail fins for the rocket

Shear and Reflect are two poweful transformations, very often used with the Shift modifier key to constrain the transformation to 45 degree angles, and the Alt or option key to make a copy of the object.

 

Illustrator CC 2018 | mp4 | 2:37min

 

 

4 : Uniting or merging the shapes to create a composite rocket

You can use controls in the Pathfinder panel, or the Shape Builder tool to merge shapes to form the final composite path for this symmetrical shape.

 

Illustrator CC 2018 | mp4 | 6:39min

 

 

 

 

Also by robert shufflebotham

Photoshop in easy steps book cover

 

Available from:    Amazon.com (USA)   |    Amazon.co.uk (UK)

first published 1994. Consistently rated **** on Amazon

 

 

open quote An excellent course where we learnt a lot and were able to use our new skills on interesting examples. close quote

 

Kelly Downes, Marketing Assistant
Reed Business Information, Sutton
Photoshop training course

open quote Brilliant! Very informative and an excellent manner and teaching skills. Very patient! close quote

 

Ruth Kilby, Designer
Euromark, Oxford
InDesign training course

open quote Robert is an excellent trainer, very thoughtful & a calm approach to delivery. Every question asked, he was able to answer & demonstrate close quote

K H, Marketing Officer
Oxford Brookes University
InDesign CS6 training course

 

open quote Robert explained things very clearly and is patient and very encouraging. close quote

 

Roger Myhill, Marketing Manager Audience Development
Reed Business Information, Sutton
Dreamweaver training