17 Templates
What is a template?
In adobe Illustrator, a template, with a few exceptions, is like a normal illustrator file. The most noticeable difference between the two rows is the extension. A normal illustrator file is saved with the .ai extension, instead a template is saved with AIT format. It can be opened, saved, copied and edited as a normal file.
What can a template do?
The template provides users with a place to start. They not only offer a starting point, but also force the team to be a team.
A properly used template will increase efficiency by instilling standardization. The rules created are enforced because the template comes pre-set with layers, styles and more. Because these drawing attributes are pre-installed, it also creates work efficiency. And since these features are predefined, they are applied and enforced automatically.
Efficiency
One of the biggest problems with working with AI, or work in general, is inefficient practices. The reason AI was invented was because it can make design work easier. The biggest advantage of AI over a drawing board is that it reduces the amount of time and effort it takes to get the job done repetitively.
Efficiency is also obtained through the templates because there is no need to configure your file. Canvas settings, layers, styles, and brushes can be embedded into a template. The previous creation of these characteristics means that later users will not have to waste their time.
Standardization
The same characteristics of the template that increase efficiency also create standardization. They also apply and enforce standards. All drawings must be created from company templates, to ensure that each user creates a drawing that reflects the company, not the taste of an illustrator. If multiple people work on a project, this will be the most likely way that each file is equally configured. Each user will use the same layers, same colors, same brushes, everything, or at least almost everything. Users are more likely to use what already exists than to create their own versions of layers, brushes, colors, and so on successively. And although some adjustments change from time to time, it will be much easier to control it.
How to use them
Creating an AI file is one thing, but how should it be used? That may seem like a strange question, but it really is not. A template will not do any good if users do not know how to use it. The easiest way is
:::: how to access to the teamplete tutorial must be writen::::::::::
(how to download the template, how to save in the computer, how to open it)
When you select a template with the New Template command, Illustrator creates a new document with the content and settings identical to those of the template, but leaves the original template file intact.
How to create it
Types of stencils, brushes, graphs, layers, guides, work tables.
- Open a new or existing document (select RGB).
- Customize the document in one of the following ways:
- Views: Configure the document window as you want it to appear in the new documents you create from the template. This includes the magnification level, scroll position, ruler origin, guides, grids, crop areas, and View menu options.
- Layer Structure: For example, create layers named ‘Text’, ‘Guides’ or ‘Images’ if that’s how you usually work.
- Symbols: Draw or import any artwork you want to appear in new documents created from the template.
- Samples: Import the colors of the collection for which we created the template.
- Styles: Delete old styles or import new styles.
- Brushes: Use the ones that come by default or create new brushes for specific purposes.
- Default Fill and Stroke: These can be changed by redefining the ‘Default’ style in the Graphic Styles panel.
- Rulers: Turn them on, set them to the units you usually want displayed.
- Artboards: From number and size to indentation.
- illustraStock colors and brushes should always be present in all templates. You can also import preset actions from a variety of libraries.
- Create the desired chart layouts and add them to the Chart Layout dialog box. You can also import preset graphic designs.
Set the desired options in the Document Setup dialog boxes and Print Options.
- Look over all the content panels (Swatches, Symbols etc..) and clean out anything you know you will NEVER use.
- Choose File> Save As Template.
- In the Save As dialog box, select a location for the file, type a file name, and click Save.
Illustrator saves the AIT file (Adobe Illustrator Template).
A template may not be good for all uses. That’s why you may need a different template for each situation. And, in turn, we offer secondary templates to facilitate the work in concrete situations.
When creating a template file or files, keep it simple. Only put in it what is commonly used. Again, don’t overdo it. If you aren’t using a template file, you are wasting your time, the company’s time, and your client’s time.
Adapted from Brenda Sutherland, Illustrator Drum Major – Adobe illustrator templates.