The “ALT” (alternate keyboard) key is used to access alternate characters and symbols in Illustrator. For example, if you want to create a Symbol called “Heart”, you would first type the letter “h” on the keyboard, but then hold down the “ALT” key and hit the “E” key. This would create the symbol “Heart”.
The Control key (Ctrl) is a modifier key on most keyboards. When used with the left hand, it activates the Ctrl keystroke combination, which typically produces a command or function in a program. In Illustrator, the Ctrl keystroke combination causes the rulers to display as guides, and the Transform tool’s Select and Anchor buttons to become active.
The command y in Illustrator is used to make the selected object (or objects) fill the entire document.
The command R in Illustrator is used to create a path. A path is a vector graphic that you can use to represent the outline of an object or the outline of a selection. You can use paths to create illustrations, graphics, and logos.
Ctrl B (control break) is a keyboard shortcut used in many graphic design applications, such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, to enter the “break” mode. This temporarily suspends the current operation of the application so that you can take a break or make changes to your work. When you exit the break mode, any changes you made will be saved automatically.
When using Illustrator, Ctrl F (command + F) is used to find and select a font. When you open the Fonts panel, the first thing you’ll see is a list of all the fonts installed on your computer. If you want to select a specific font, just click on it and it will be automatically selected.
Ctrl U is used to copy text from one document to another.
In Windows, when you want to copy (Ctrl+C) a graphic from one document to another, that is the default keyboard shortcut. Illustrator users can also use the Ctrl D keyboard shortcut to do the same thing. When you press Ctrl D, Illustrator copies the graphic currently selected in your document to the clipboard.
When you press Ctrl 3 (Command 3 on a Mac), Illustrator enters “Edit > Copy Paths” mode. This lets you easily copy paths between different objects in your artwork.
Ctrl and V are keyboard shortcuts that allow you to copy and paste the text. When you press Ctrl+V, Windows will try to use the best possible method to copy the text, including using the Cut or Copy commands on the current file if they are available. If you press Ctrl+V while a text selection is active, Windows will instead copy the selection to the Clipboard.
