Page 23 - CS6_AI_Look_Inside.pdf

7. Select the Rounded Rectangle tool in the Tools panel.
When you choose a nested tool, that variation becomes the default option in the
Tools panel. You don’t need to access the nested menu to select the Rounded Rectangle
tool again as long as the application remains open. (If you quit and relaunch Illustrator,
the regular Rectangle tool again becomes the default tool in that position.)

8. Move the cursor to the right of the top edge of the existing shape.

9. When you see a green line connected to the top edge of the first shape, click,
hold down the mouse button, and drag down and right to begin creating a
second shape. Do not release the mouse button. Note:
The green line is a function of the Smart Guides feature, which provides instant Cursor feedback and
feedback while you draw. As you drag, notice the cursor feedback showing the size of the Smart Guides provide
new shape. Also notice that as you drag near the bottom edge of the first shape, a Smart precise control over what
Guide appears to indicate your position.
you’re creating — as
The Smart Guide shows you where individual objects and in
to click to align the top edges of relation to other objects
the new and existing shapes. on the artboard.

The nested tool variant
becomes the default
option in the Tools panel. Click here…

…and drag
down and right.

The second green line As you drag, the cursor
identifies the bottom feedback shows the
edge of the first shape. dimensions of the new shape.

10. While still holding down the mouse button, press the Shift key. When the
cursor feedback shows both Width and Height values of 108 pt, release the
mouse button to create the second shape.
Pressing Shift constrains the shape to equal height and width. Although you can Note:
accomplish the same result by carefully monitoring the cursor feedback, pressing the If you do something
Shift key makes the process faster and easier. wrong, or aren’t happy
with your results, press
When you release the mouse Command/Control-Z to
button, the second shape is undo the last action you
created (constrained to equal took.
height and width).

Project 1: International Symbols 31