Add Borders in Illustrator

Adobe System's Illustrator is a graphics editing software that is available for Windows and Mac Operating Systems. It is a popular application for typography and 3D logo creation. Through the use of layers, different elements of a document can be changed independently. Symbols, colors and borders can be added to an Adobe Illustrator layer to create a distinct look. A border is a great way to frame a text box or entire document. This article will demonstrate how to add borders in Illustrator.

Steps

  1. Open your Adobe Illustrator application.
  2. Open an existing document or create a new print or web document in the dialogue box that pops up.
  3. Select the layer to which you want to add a border, if it already exists.
    • You must make sure the box that you add the border to is 1 inch (2.54 cm) from all sides of the page. Borders are often added on the background layer, which may be the bottom layer on your list. Note: most background layers are not at least 1 inch (2.54 cm) from the edges so it may be easier to create a new box above the background.
  4. Select the "Rectangle" tool from your main vertical toolbar to the left of your document, to create a new box with a border. The rectangle tool looks like an empty square.
  5. Click in the upper left hand corner of where you want the box to be and drag down and across to create the framework for your border.
  6. Name the rectangular layer you just created. You may want to name it "Border" so you can easily select it if you want to change the border.
  7. Click on the selection tool (the triangular cursor) to change the size of your box and to select options for your border.
  8. Click on the color palette. This is the first option on the vertical toolbar to the right of your document. There are 2 squares layered on top of each other in different colors. The front box is the color of the box, and the square behind that box shows your border.
  9. Click on that bottom border box and select a color from the color choices at the bottom of the color box. You will also see options for black and white. Click on the "Color Guide" tab on the Colors box to see more options.
  10. Add patterns by clicking on the "Swatches" menu below the color palette and guide. This is the third option from the top on your right vertical toolbar. You can also click "Window" on the top horizontal toolbar, and click "Swatches."
  11. Add brush strokes by clicking on the "Brushes" menu. This is the fourth option from the top on your right vertical toolbar. You can also click "Window" on the horizontal toolbar and click "Brushes."
  12. Change the thickness of your border by selecting the "Stroke" box. The icon has approximately 4 horizontal lines of different sizes. This can also be found under the Window menu. Choose the thickness by selecting a point thickness from the "Weight" drop down menu.
  13. Save your Illustrator document and return to the Border layer at any time to change it.



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Sources and Citations

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