Skip to content Skip to site navigation Skip to service navigation

Adobe Illustrator: 5 Essentials for Beginners

New session times will be displayed below upon confirmation.

Most Technology Training classes will be delivered online until further notice.

Before each sesson, Tech Training will provide a Zoom link for live online classes, along with any required class materials.



In this beginning-level course, you will learn how to hit the ground running in Adobe Illustrator, including best practices for creating and setting up a document, selecting and navigating Illustrator, and creating a time-saving library.

Course Prerequisites: None

Course Description
In this beginning-level course, you will learn how to hit the ground running in Adobe Illustrator. We will cover:

  • The ins and outs of document setup
  • Selection tools and how to use them
  • How to navigate through the interface and customize it for your project needs
  • How to access and create time-saving libraries
  • The ease of importing files

Even if you've used Illustrator before, you will learn additional productivity gems in this thorough lecture. This knowledge will give you and your vector creations a strong foundation for success.

Course Goals

  • Understand the Adobe Illustrator interface and best navigation processes.
  • Correctly set up a document for specific projects
  • Differentiate between selection tool options and use them efficiently
  • Access and create custom groups and libraries
  • Know the difference between placing and linking files
  • Demonstrate your understanding of the course topics by passing the learning assessment

This course welcomes a beginning to intermediate range of learners, from those who have never opened the application to those that have experience with Illustrator but would like a refresher and new tips.

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

  • Identify essential Adobe Illustrator functions, including document setup, importing files, and navigation
  • Summarize the best workflow for starting a project and file management
  • Use selection tools that best suit particular needs
  • Differentiate between color, font, brushes, shapes, texture groups, and libraries

This course is a demonstrative lecture with no activity submission requirements. There will be requests for participation and discussion, and handouts will be provided. Note-taking and questions are encouraged.

Technology Requirement: Have access to Adobe Illustrator on your device. Trial download information will be shared with enrolled learners before the start of the class.

Rebekah A Venturini

I am a professional graphic designer and artist. I am an MFA graduate from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and received a BA from the University of California, Santa Cruz.

Custom training workshops are available for this program

Technology training sessions structured around individual or group learning objectives. Learn more about custom training


University IT Technology Training sessions are available to a wide range of participants, including Stanford University staff, faculty, students, and employees of Stanford Hospitals & Clinics, such as Stanford Health Care, Stanford Health Care Tri-Valley, Stanford Medicine Partners, and Stanford Medicine Children's Health.

Additionally, some of these programs are open to interested individuals not affiliated with Stanford, allowing for broader community engagement and learning opportunities.