You can change the page layout in Adobe Illustrator primarily by adjusting the artboard orientation, size, and position using the Artboard tool and control panel.
Changing Document Orientation
One of the main aspects of page layout is the document's orientation. Here's how you change it:
- Select the Artboard Tool: Activate the Artboard Tool from the toolbar. This tool allows you to manipulate the artboard, which represents your page.
- Use the Control Panel: With the Artboard Tool selected, the control panel at the top of the screen will display artboard options.
- Change Orientation: In the control panel, you can switch between "Portrait" and "Landscape" orientations. The artboard will rotate accordingly, changing the page layout.
Additional Artboard Adjustments
Besides orientation, you can further customize your layout:
- Artboard Size: Use the control panel to specify exact dimensions (width and height) of the artboard. You can adjust the size to match your desired output dimensions.
- Artboard Position: Adjust the X and Y coordinates in the control panel to move the artboard on the canvas. This helps manage the layout relative to other artboards.
- Adding and Removing Artboards: Use the Artboard tool to create multiple artboards on the canvas, and delete artboards when not needed. This is particularly useful for multi-page documents.
Practical Example
Let's say you are designing a brochure. You might:
- Start with a single portrait-oriented artboard.
- Then add more artboards to design the other pages.
- Adjust the size and the position to ensure your brochure layout flows seamlessly.
- You could switch from a portrait to landscape orientation in the control panel if the design requires it.
By using these features, you can change the page layout in Illustrator to best suit your creative needs. Remember that changes to the artboard do not affect the content, they just change the page it sits on.
