The primary tool to create shapes in Adobe Illustrator is the Shape Tool.
The Shape Toolset in Illustrator provides you with various options to create vector shapes directly on your artboard. Located in the left toolbar, usually represented by a rectangle icon, it houses several fundamental shape options.
Here's a breakdown of the shapes available within the Shape Tool:
- Rectangle Tool: Creates rectangles and squares.
- Rounded Rectangle Tool: Creates rectangles and squares with rounded corners.
- Ellipse Tool: Creates ellipses and circles.
- Polygon Tool: Creates polygons with a specified number of sides.
- Star Tool: Creates stars with adjustable points and radii.
- Flare Tool: Creates lens flare effects (though often used less frequently than the other shapes).
To access these different shapes, click and hold the Shape Tool icon in the toolbar until the menu expands, revealing all available options. Selecting one allows you to click and drag on the artboard to create the desired shape. Holding the Shift key while dragging often constrains the proportions (e.g., creating a perfect square or circle).
