How to Close Multiple Paths in Illustrator

Many vector stock sites such as istockphoto require that all paths in your illustration must be closed before submitting. I like to add some fine detail to my vector graphics, a lot of times quickly drawing circles or small texture shapes zoomed in with the pencil tool. Unfortunately all these paths are left open, even though the appear to be closed when zoomed out. Here is a quick fix to close all your open paths:

1. Draw details on your illustration, not worrying about open paths
2. Use the selection plugin which can be downloaded here.  Select all open paths
   Which selects all the open paths!
3. Use another illustrator script to close all open paths.  Make sure all the paths you want to close are selected.  Download the script here.  (Install the script by unzipping, and putting the files in your illustrator/presets/scripts folder.)  Then run the script by navigating to File/Scripts/[Script Name] or by selecting “Other Script” and manually navigating to it.
4. This produces closed paths acceptable by all stock vector illustration sites!
   

Note: If you need to smooth out the connected path, use the Smooth Tool  (hold down on the Pencil Tool, or undock the Pencil palate).  Draw over the section of the path that needs smoothing.

The graphics presented here are very primitive but hopefully you can see the application this technique can have, plus all your illustrations are now stock site friendly!

Edit:  I used this technique in the red candles detailed drawing, it definately speeds up my workflow in illustrator.

Free Pattern Download

You can download this seamless pattern and use it in vector illustrations for free!

How I made it (using AI CS2):

1. Start with an art board of known size, I used 6 in. x 6 in.
2. Add elements to the left side of the art board, so they overlap the edge.
3. Copy the elements that overlap the edge to the other side (Hit Return, Distance = 6 in, Angle = 0.)
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3, except across the top and bottom edge (set Angle = -90).
5. Fill in the middle of the art board with elements.
6. Draw a 6 in. x 6 in. rectangle without stroke or fill (Hold the Alt or Option key with the rectangle tool selected to set the size in AI).
7. Use align window with “align to artboard” option to position the rectangle over the edges of the art board.
8. Select everything, and use the pathfinder crop command.
9. To clean up, draw another rectangle on the side without stroke or fill, and then choose Select/Same/Stroke & Fill, then hit delete.
10. Done!

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 United States License.

Thank you to Track6 for the tips!

Back to Basics: Using the Pen Tool, Part I

Whether one is completely new to vector art or a seasoned veteran, it is imperative that the pen tool is being used to it’s full potential. Unleashing the full power of the pen tool within Adobe Illustrator will allow an artist to quickly and accurately draw lines and curves to perfection! Let’s take a closer look at the pen tool - a vector artist’s weapon of choice.

1. Open a new document in Adobe Illustrator.
2. Select the pen tool (Hotkey = P), then click and drag downward to make the first point of your curve (Left Click + Hold Shift). Notice how this only creates a single point. The light-blue line drawn is a directional line, which is used to create curves.
3. While holding shift, click to the right of the first point and drag upward. Release the handle when it is horizontally aligned with the first handle. This creates a nice balanced curve. Notice how using shift while creating points will place them horizontally or vertically aligned, or at any 45 degree angle in between.
4. Shift + right click to the right of the second point, dragging down to position point #3’s handle in line with point #2’s handle. This technique can be used to make beautiful symmetrical curves:
   
5. Deselect the curve (Command + Shift + A)
6. Start a new curve in similar fashion; click, drag downward, and release, creating a new point.
7. Shift + Click to the right of the first point, dragging upward while making sure to hold shift to keep the directional line vertically aligned. Instead of releasing when point #1 and #2’s bottom handles are aligned, press Alt to break the directional line into separate components. While still suppressing the left mouse button and shift, swing the independent handle to lie directly on top of it’s “sister” handle and release.
8. Shift + Click to the right of the second point, dragging up to align the handles of point two and three, creating this figure:
   
9. Now using the same concept, begin a new object by using the pen tool, click in a new drawing space, and drag down. Then create point two by Shift + Click to the right of point #1, and dragging the handle upward to align it with point #1’s handle. Without releasing the left mouse button, press Alt to break your handles apart, and create 45 degree angle. Still holding shift, create another curve similar to this:
10. By repeating this same idea, one can create an array of curves to resemble flower petals. Duplicate the layer, rotate it slightly, add a center circle and some color fills, and have a flower in no time!
    
11. Using Alt to break directional lines into two independent halves on the fly can really speed up one’s work! This can be very helpful when tracing around a rough edge, or anytime a rough corner is necessary. Please note: Smooth curves can also be modified by using the direct selection tool (Hotkey = A). Alt + Click on a handle and it may be dragged wherever the heart desires!
12. Similarly, the Shift option is great way to keep points aligned, especially when smart guides are turned off (Command + U to activate smart guides). I hope this tutorial helps! Stay tuned, Back to Basics: Using the Pen Tool, Part II is in the making!