Creating vector artwork with Adobe Illustrator is a great way to make images for the web, particularly icons and logos. SVG, or Scalable Vector Graphics, is a type of vector image that is ideal for web use. It’s lightweight, but can be scaled to any size without losing quality. It’s also a great choice for icons, logos, and other graphics that need to be crisp and clear at any resolution.
In this tutorial, we’ll look at how to create SVG icons in Illustrator. We’ll also look at how to optimize our artwork before exporting it, and how to save the final SVG file. Let’s get started!
1. Set Up Your Artboard
The first step is to create a new document in Illustrator. Choose File > New, and set the Width and Height to the size you want your icon to be. The Units should be set to Pixels, since this is what most web graphics are measured in.
You should also make sure that Align New Objects to Pixel Grid is enabled. This will make sure that all of your paths are lined up with the pixel grid, which helps keep your artwork crisp and clean. You can enable it by clicking on Object > Align > Align to Pixel Grid.
If you’re creating an icon with a transparent background, you can also enable Transparency Grid by clicking the View > Show Transparency Grid menu item. This will make it easier to see any transparent edges when you’re creating shapes.
2. Create Your Vector Artwork
Now it’s time to create your artwork. You can use a variety of tools to create shapes, including the Rectangle, Ellipse, or Pen tools. You can also use the Shape Builder tool to combine shapes, or the Pathfinder panel to divide and intersect shapes.
Once you’ve finished creating your artwork, you should make sure to check it for any stray points or overlapping shapes. You can use the Direct Selection tool to select any points that need to be deleted, or use the Pathfinder panel to combine overlapping shapes.
3. Color Your Artwork
Once you’ve finished creating your artwork, it’s time to add some color. You can use the Fill and Stroke colors in the Tools panel to add color to your artwork. If you’re working with multiple colors, you can use the Swatches panel to store colors for easy access.
You can also use the Gradient panel to add gradients to your artwork. This is a great way to add a bit of depth and texture to your artwork, and can make your icons look more realistic.
4. Set Up Your Export Options
Once you’ve finished coloring your artwork, you can set up your export options. To do this, choose File > Export > Export As. In the Export dialog, choose SVG as the format and click Export.
In the SVG Options dialog, make sure to check the Use Artboards option. This will make sure that your artwork is exported at the correct size. You should also check the Responsive option, which will make sure that your artwork will scale correctly on different devices.
Finally, click Export All to save the SVG file. Your icon is now ready to be used on the web!
Conclusion
Creating SVG icons in Illustrator is a great way to make crisp, clean artwork for the web. By following the steps in this tutorial, you’ll be able to create your own SVG icons in no time. Just remember to set up your artboard correctly, create your artwork, color it, and set up your export options before exporting the final SVG file.
Do you have any questions about creating SVG icons in Illustrator? Let us know in the comments below!