How do you change the outline of a shape in Illustrator?

To change the outline (stroke) of a shape in Adobe Illustrator, follow these steps:

1. Select the Shape: Use either the Selection Tool (V) (to select the entire object) or the Direct Selection Tool (A) (to select specific anchor points or paths of the shape).

2. Access the Stroke Settings: You can access the stroke settings in several places:

   • Toolbar: Look for the Fill and Stroke boxes near the bottom of the toolbar. The Stroke box is usually behind the Fill box.
   • Properties Panel: This panel (Window > Properties) provides comprehensive controls for the selected object, including stroke options.
   • Control Panel: Located at the top of the Illustrator window, this panel dynamically displays options based on your selection, often including stroke settings.
   • Color Panel: (Window > Color) Also provides stroke options.

3. Modify the Stroke:

   • Stroke Color: Click the Stroke box (in the toolbar, Properties panel, or Color Panel) to choose a new color for the outline. You can select from swatches, color sliders, or enter a specific color value.
   • Stroke Weight: Adjust the stroke weight (thickness) using the "Stroke" panel (Window > Stroke) or the stroke weight dropdown in the Properties or Control panel. You can enter a specific value in points (pt) or use the up/down arrows to increment/decrement the weight.
   • Stroke Style: In the "Stroke" panel, you can also modify the stroke's style, including:
     • Cap: Determines the appearance of the stroke ends (Butt Cap, Round Cap, Projecting Cap).
     • Corner: Determines the appearance of the stroke corners (Miter Join, Round Join, Bevel Join).
     • Align Stroke: Choose whether the stroke is aligned to the center, inside, or outside of the path.
     • Dashed Line: Create a dashed or dotted stroke by checking the "Dashed Line" box and adjusting the dash and gap values.
     • Profile: Apply a variable width profile to the stroke, creating tapered or stylized effects.

Example:

Let's say you have a blue square with a black outline, and you want to change the outline to red and increase its thickness.

1. Select the square using the Selection Tool (V).
2. In the Toolbar, click the Stroke box.
3. Choose red as the new stroke color.
4. In the Properties panel or the Stroke panel, increase the stroke weight from, say, 1 pt to 5 pt.

Now, your square has a red outline that is thicker than before.