Selection Basics

Selection Basics

The Selection Tool (V) and Direct Selection Tool (A) are the two primary selection tools used for selecting text, shapes, and objects in Illustrator. 

When to use

These two primary selection tools are used to select and move text, shapes, and objects. 

Instructions

Using the Selection Tool 

• Use your Selection Tool (V) to select each of the artboards in your Artboard Panel and delete them by clicking the trash can icon.
• Delete all of the artboards except for one.
• With your last artboard selected, press Command/Ctrl+0 to Fit to Screen.
• Close out of your Artboards Panel.

Creating Rectangles and Squares

• Grab your Rectangle Tool (M) from the toolbar. 
• Click and drag to create a rectangular shape in any size or length. 
• Create another rectangle, but this time while holding the Shift Key on the keyboard to constrain the proportions making it a square.
• Delete the first shape by selecting it with your Selection Tool (V) and pressing 'Delete' on the keyboard.
• Select your square shape with the Selection Tool (V) and click and drag outwards from any of the handles to change the shape. 

Rounding Corners

• Move your cursor over any of the four corners of the shape, and once your cursor changes you can rotate the square.
• Repeat this, but this time hold the Shift Key to rotate your square by increments of 45°.
• Use your Selection Tool (V) to click on the small white circle on the inside of any of the four corners and drag inwards to round all of the corners together. 
• Undo this by pressing Command/Ctrl+Z on the keyboard.
• Click on the small white circle on the inside of any of the four corners, and then click on the small white circle in the opposite corner. You can now click and drag inwards to round only the two corners that you have selected. 

Manipulating Points Using The Direct Selection Tool

• Switch to your Direct Selection Tool (A) and click on either of the points in your shape that haven't been rounded.
• Click and drag the point to manipulate that one corner.
• Continue to try rounding corners, rotating shapes, and manipulating the points. 

Hints & tips

• Fit any artboard to your screen by using the keyboard shortcut Command/Ctrl+0. 
• The shortcut for the Rectangle Tool is 'M' on the keyboard.
• Holding the Shift Key while dragging out a shape will constrain its proportions.
• You can round individual corners of a square, or round all of them at the same time.
• The Selection Tool (V) selects your main shapes, while the Direct Selection Tool (A) can be used to select individual points on a shape or object.