Adobe Autopsy
Q1
What are the uses and benefits of using Illustrator? (include an understanding of vector graphics)
Unlike programs using raster graphics, Illustrator is a vector graphics based program which uses mathematic equation to draw it’s shapes and text that allows the graphics created in this program to be scaled to any size without any loss in quality or resolution and It’s mainly used for things such as logos, diagrams, promotional material and cartoons.
It’s files sizes are smaller in comparison to other programs in the adobe creative suite, it has an array of tools and features that allow the user to freely manipulate type by creating outlines from text and easily draw clean lines with the pen and brush tools which make it a very good program to use for both Illustration and typography based posters.
Q2
What are the uses and benefits of using InDesign?
InDesign’s main use is publishing magazines, books, leaflets and anything of the sort as well as digital publications such as e-books, it’s very useful for this kind of work due to it’s tools and features that allow the user to work on mutiple pages at once and the book feature allows the work to be spread out between different people and be assembled later and It’s file size when exported as a PDF is smaller in comparison to other adobe programs which makes it easier to send, share and use.
Q3
What are the uses and benefits of using PhotoShop? (include an understanding of pixels and resolutions)
Photoshop is a raster graphics software which means the images, shapes and text used in it are created using a series of many small pixels in a rectangular grid, due to this if Graphics created in photoshop have a low amount of pixels they can turn out looking low resolution and poor in quality however if an image uses more pixels it will look much clearer. It’s main use is photo editing and manipulation such as fixing the colour or retouching photos however it can also be used for Animation, Architecture, Web Design & Graphic Design Mock Ups.
Q4
What are the limitations of each of the software?
Illustrator - Illustrator is a program used to create artwork, not edit it and because of this Illustartor can be somewhat limited in how much it allows the user to edit thier work compared to programs like photoshop. Due to Illustrator being a vector based program, artwork created in it is often made using simple shapes and therefore creating photo relaistic digital paintings is nearly impossible or at least requires alot of skill and patience.
Photoshop - Since photoshop is raster based and mostly an editing software, creating artwork, though not the impossible or particularly bad can end up looking poor in quality.
InDesign - InDesign is mainly used for laying out existing images and text, therefore actually creating detailed artwork in this program isn’t one of it’s strong points. InDesign links images and artwork by default without actually embedding them, due to this it can be very easy to lose linked files unless the user packages thier work or manually embeds all images and artwork which can result in a large file size.
Q5
Keyboard shortcuts:
Cut – ⌘ X
Copy – ⌘ C
Paste – ⌘ V
Paste in place - Shift ⌘ V
Paste in front - ⌘ F
Type create outlines – Shift ⌘ O
Place in InDesign - ⌘ D
Group - ⌘ G
Ungroup – Shift ⌘ G
Save - ⌘ S
Zoom out – ⌘ -
Zoom in - ⌘ +
Fit in window - ⌘ 0
Undo - ⌘ Z
Select all – ⌘ A
Spellcheck - ⌘ I
What is the spacebar used for?
Enables the Hand Tool so when you click and drag it moves the screen.
What is shift used for?
Many Purposes such as Keeping an images ratio when resizing, creating straight lines with the brush tool and can be used in combination with the undo tool to step backwards.
What is alt used for?
Alt is used for many different tools as the alternate function tool, for example with the cloning tool it is used to select a source point.
What key do you hold down to add more items to your selection?
Hold Shift and click on the items you wish to select.
Q6
Describe how you would create a triangle in Illustrator - simple step by step points
- Click and hold the rectangular shape tool, then select the polygon tool
- Click once with the polygon tool to bring up the edit menu
- In the menu change the amount of sides to 3 and click Ok
- Click and Drag to create a Triangle
Q7
Describe how you would create type on a path and then change the start point and the location of the type?
- Use pen tool to create a path.
- Select the Type on a Path tool and click on the path.
- Type out anything.
- Use two lines on either end of the path to adjust the start and stop points.
- Use the line in the middle to adjust the type’s location.
Q8
What are Pantone colours and how would you find your pantone colours in Illustrator?
Pantone Colours are each specified by a single number and look exactly the same on every screen and will print the same from any printer, pantone colours can be found in Illustrator underneath the regular colours and are indicated by a small circle in the bottom right corner of the icon.
Q9
What is the difference between anchor points and paths?
A path is a line created between two anchor points and the achor points indicate where a path begins, ends or changes direction.
Q10
What is a compound path and when would you need to use it?
Compound paths are when multiple paths/ objects are fused together and act as a grouped object, every path inherets the colour of the backmost path. Compound paths can be used to create a hole in a shape that reveals whatever is in the background.
Q11
What colour mode and image resolution would you use for Print graphics?
You’d use the CMYK Colour Mode and the image resolution standard is 300 ppi
Q12
What colour mode and image resolution would you use for Online graphics?
You’d use the RGB Colour Mode and most would set the resolution to 72 ppi
Q13
What measurement system is used for type? Pt (Point Size)
What size font is 1 inch tall? 72 Pt
What size font is 2 inches tall? 144 Pt
What size font is 1/2 inch tall? 36 Pt
Q14
What does justified mean?
Justified is a kind of text alignment, Justified text is spaced so the left and right sides of the text box both have a straight edge, it works by adding white space in each line so all the lines are the same length.
When would you use it?
It can often be found in publication like magazines and newspapers which use multiple columns of text.
Q15
How do you create an image or graphic with a transparent background?
If the Image/ Graphic has a transparent background, export it as a PNG file to keep its transparency
Q16
What is the best way to select an object/part to isolate it from the background using photoshop?
The best way to isloate part of an image is to use the appropriate selection tool to roughly select the part of the image then go Layer > Layer Selection > Reveal Selection.
Why this way?
Because using a mask dosent delete the hidden part of the layer and you can use the brush tool to refine your selection.
Q17
What is bleed and how can you set it up in InDesign?
The bleed refers to the guides around a page that are used to ensure no unprinted edges occur in the final printed version. It can be set up when opening a new document in the “Bleed & Slug” section of the document set up window or it can be changed later by clicking File > Document Setup.
Q18
What key do you use to select a source point for the clone tool?
Click the Clone tool and hold down Alt to enable the source point selection tool.
Q19
What are the measurements for the following paper sizes A5, A4, A3, A2?
A2 - 420 x 594 mm
A3 - 297 x 240 mm
A4 - 210 x 297 mm
A5 - 148 x 210 mm
Q20
List at least 5 specific things you have learnt during the digital studies module? and how will these benefit you in the future?
1. I’ve learned how to Illustarate in Illustrator using the pen and shape tools, this could be helpful in future if i ever needed to create a logo or icon for a client.
2. I Learned how to manipulate and create fonts using illustrator, this can become helpful in future if i can’t find a good font.
3. I’ve learned a fair bit about how to create publications in InDesign, this will help me in future if a client asks me to lay out a publication for them.
4. I’ve learned how to create swatches in Illustrator, this can help save time when making patterns in future projects.
5. I’ve learned how to improve an images imperfections in photoshop, this could prove helpful in future in case i ever have a project that invloves photography.








