Moving the "Perspective Grid Tool" typically refers to manipulating the elements of the perspective grid itself within your Adobe Illustrator document, rather than moving the tool icon in the toolbar. The Perspective Grid Tool (Shift+P) allows you to adjust the position and properties of the grid's components.
Moving Elements of the Perspective Grid
When the Perspective Grid Tool is active, you can directly interact with the various parts of the grid overlay on your artboard. You can move vanishing points, the horizon line, the grid origin, and the ground level plane.
Manipulating Key Grid Components
To move specific parts of the perspective grid, ensure the Perspective Grid Tool (Shift+P) is selected. Handles and controls will appear on the grid that allow for manipulation.
Moving Vanishing Points
Vanishing points determine the perspective angles for the left and right sides of your grid.
- Select the Perspective Grid Tool (Shift+P).
- Hover over one of the vanishing points (usually located at the ends of the horizon line). The cursor may change to indicate you can drag.
- Click and drag the vanishing point to a new location on your artboard.
Important Note: As seen in a video reference (around 2:55 mark), when you move one of the vanishing points, the other might remain in its original position by default, affecting the overall angle and depth of the perspective grid.
Moving the Horizon Line
The horizon line represents the viewer's eye level.
- With the Perspective Grid Tool (Shift+P) active, find the handle on the horizon line (often a small circle or square).
- Click and drag this handle up or down to adjust the height of the horizon.
Moving the Grid Origin
The grid origin is the point where the ground level, horizon line, and vertical lines intersect. It serves as a central reference for the grid.
- With the Perspective Grid Tool (Shift+P) active, locate the handle at the grid origin.
- Click and drag this handle to move the entire grid system (or the point of intersection) to a different position on your artboard.
Moving the Ground Level
The ground level line defines the base of the perspective grid planes.
- With the Perspective Grid Tool (Shift+P) active, find the handle on the ground level line.
- Click and drag this handle up or down to adjust the position of the ground plane relative to the horizon line.
Undoing Grid Movements
If you make a move that you don't want, you can easily undo it using the standard keyboard shortcut. As demonstrated in the referenced video snippet, pressing Command + Z (on macOS) or Ctrl + Z (on Windows) will revert the last action, including movements of grid elements like vanishing points.
Summary of Movable Grid Elements
| Grid Element | How to Move | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vanishing Points | Drag handles with Perspective Grid Tool. | Moving one may not move the other symmetrically by default. |
| Horizon Line | Drag handle with Perspective Grid Tool. | Adjusts eye level. |
| Grid Origin | Drag handle with Perspective Grid Tool. | Affects the central intersection point of the grid. |
| Ground Level | Drag handle with Perspective Grid Tool. | Adjusts the base plane's position relative to the horizon. |
By utilizing the handles and controls provided by the Perspective Grid Tool, you gain precise control over the layout and perspective of your grid in Adobe Illustrator.
