You can change drawing modes in Adobe Illustrator using the Shift+D keyboard shortcut. This allows you to quickly switch between Normal, Draw Behind, and Draw Inside drawing modes. Let's explore these modes in more detail.
Understanding Illustrator's Drawing Modes
Illustrator offers three distinct drawing modes that affect how new objects interact with existing artwork:
-
Normal Draw Mode: This is the default mode. New objects are drawn on top of existing objects, layering them in the order you create them.
-
Draw Behind Mode: In this mode, new objects are drawn behind the selected object or all objects if nothing is selected. This is useful for adding backgrounds or elements that should appear underneath existing artwork.
-
Draw Inside Mode: This mode allows you to draw inside a selected object, effectively creating a clipping mask. Any new artwork you create will be contained within the boundaries of the selected shape. This mode is indicated by a dotted outline around the selected object.
How to Change Drawing Modes
Here's a step-by-step guide on switching drawing modes:
-
Select an Object (Optional): If you want to use the Draw Behind or Draw Inside modes with a specific object, select that object first. If no object is selected and you use draw behind, your new object will be behind all objects.
-
Use the Keyboard Shortcut: Press Shift+D repeatedly to cycle through the three drawing modes: Normal, Draw Behind, and Draw Inside.
-
Observe the Indicator: Look for the drawing mode icon on the left side of the toolbar. It will change depending on the active mode:
- Normal: A standard cursor icon.
- Draw Behind: A cursor icon with a white square behind a black square.
- Draw Inside: A cursor icon with a dotted square surrounding it.
-
Alternatively, use the toolbar: If you prefer a visual approach, you can also manually change modes using the Drawing Modes button on the left toolbar. Click the icon to cycle through the modes.
Example Scenario: Adding a Shadow
Let's say you want to add a shadow behind a shape:
- Select the shape.
- Press Shift+D until you are in Draw Behind mode.
- Draw a shape representing the shadow. It will automatically be placed behind the selected shape.
- Adjust the shadow's color and position as needed.
By mastering these drawing modes and utilizing the quick Shift+D shortcut, you can significantly improve your workflow and efficiency in Adobe Illustrator.
