The example above shows how the width tool can be used to create an ornate horizontal break for a spirits company. This approach works great for custom typography that aims to read as elegant and custom. By using the width tool, specific segments of the stroke and be thickened to create a calligraphic look. In the example above, a single stroke can be used to create the “skeleton” of the “H” in the monogram for Hansen Photography. The width tool in actionīy now, you’re probably imagining all of the possible uses of the width tool, but let’s go a step further and take a look at some real life design examples where the width tool would come in handy. Notice how the stroke profile applies itself proportionally to strokes of all different sizes and curves. The image above shows what it looks like to apply our stroke profile to a handful of different strokes. To add a new profile, select your modified stroke and choose the “Add to Profiles” option in the Profile dropdown of the Stroke window. This makes stroke profiles not only a handy creative feature but an efficient one as well.Īs shown in the example above, your stroke profiles can be viewed by opening the Stroke window and clicking the Profile dropdown. What’s great about width profiles is that they can be applied to any stroke no matter the angle, curvature or length. In simpler terms, a profile is a preset that saves width modifications you’ve made to a stroke.
Saving and applying width profilesĪ width profile is a stored vector algorithm that holds information about width points along a stroke path. In other words, holding Alt allows you to expand or contract only one side of a stroke rather than both at once. Strokes can be modified asymmetrically by holding Alt while dragging a width point. The ends of a stroke can also be pulled down to make pointed ends. Width points created with the width tool can be slid along the stroke to fine tune your width profile. Pull up or down on these points to expand or contract that segment of the stroke.
To adjust the width of a stroke, click and hold any point along the stroke path. To use the Illustrator width tool, select the button in the toolbar or hold Shift+W. In the examples below, we will start with a basic horizontal stroke and show you different ways to modify it with the width tool. To start out, let’s check out the basic functions of the width tool.
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In this article, we will be covering the basics of the width tool as well as some practical examples that put it to good use! How to use the width tool The Adobe Illustrator width tool is a must have for creating borders, horizontal breaks, ornate designs, custom typography and more! Not only does it allow you to create and save custom stroke profiles, but it contributes to an efficient and time effective work flow.
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