You can change the format in Illustrator primarily by adjusting document setup settings, which control artboard size, orientation, and other key characteristics.
Here's a breakdown of how to modify different aspects of your document's format:
1. Changing Artboard Size and Orientation:
- Access Document Setup: Go to File > Document Setup. This opens the Document Setup dialog box.
- Adjust Artboard Dimensions: In the dialog box, you can modify the width and height of your artboard. You can also select a preset size from the "Size" dropdown menu.
- Change Orientation: Choose between Portrait (vertical) or Landscape (horizontal) orientation.
2. Other Document Setup Options:
The Document Setup dialog also lets you control other format-related settings:
- Units: Change the units of measurement (e.g., inches, millimeters, pixels) to suit your needs.
- Bleed: Set the bleed area for printing purposes. Bleed ensures that your artwork extends slightly beyond the trim edge of the printed page, preventing white edges.
- Transparency Grid Options: Customize the appearance of the transparency grid.
3. Using the Artboard Tool:
Another method for resizing and manipulating artboards is using the Artboard tool:
- Select the Artboard Tool: Click on the Artboard Tool (it looks like a rectangular icon with a crosshair) in the Tools panel.
- Directly Resize and Position: With the Artboard Tool selected, you can directly click on and drag the edges and corners of the artboard to resize it. You can also click and drag within the artboard to reposition it.
- Artboard Properties Panel: When an artboard is selected with the Artboard Tool, the Properties panel (Window > Properties) displays artboard-specific settings where you can precisely adjust its dimensions, position, and presets.
Example:
Let's say you want to change an existing document from a portrait letter size (8.5 x 11 inches) to a landscape A4 size (210 x 297 millimeters).
- Go to File > Document Setup.
- In the Document Setup dialog box, change the Units to Millimeters.
- Enter 297 mm for Width and 210 mm for Height.
- Select Landscape orientation.
- Click OK.
Important Considerations:
- Existing Artwork: Resizing the artboard won't automatically scale your artwork. You might need to manually resize and reposition elements to fit the new dimensions.
- Multiple Artboards: If your document contains multiple artboards, the Document Setup changes may apply to all artboards or only the selected one, depending on the setting. The Artboard tool is ideal for managing individual artboards.
