 |
|
Illustrator Project - Creating and Editing ClipArtThe Illustrator Projects build on skills covered in our Illustrator guides (PDFs). What's so special about Office ClipArt?One of the great things about Microsoft Office ClipArt is that all the files are vector graphics. This means that they are very small in terms of file size (usually under 15Kb), and they can be stretched or shrunk to any size without losing clarity. Making your own ClipArtAny Illustrator file can be saved as a vector graphic for use in Office. Simply go to the File menu, and select Export.... In the save dialog box, set the "Save As Type" box to "Windows Metafile (*.WMF)". Then give the file a name and save it to your computer. To use the file in Office, go to the Insert menu, choose Picture, and From File.... Then select your .wmf file and click "Insert". Now you can move or resize this picture in your Office document without losing any quality! Editing existing ClipArtFound some clipart that’s almost, but not quite, what you want? You can edit it in Illustrator! Some clipart may be directly openable by Illustrator. To test this, go to the File menu in Illustrator, choose Open..., and make sure that the "Files of Type" box is set to "All Formats". If you can find your file on this menu, it will open directly in Illustrator. More often, you'll have to start by inserting the clipart image into an Office document. Then select the image, and copy it (Edit > Copy). Open a new Illustrator document and paste in the clipart (Edit > Paste). Use the Direct-Selection tool to select individual items in the picture, and change their color, shape, etc. When finished, save a copy of your artwork as an Illustrator document, and then go to the File menu, and select Export.... In the save dialog box, set the "Save As Type" box to "Windows Metafile (*.WMF)". Then give the file a name and save it to your computer. You can also use this method to produce a jpeg or gif file for Web use. Remember, some - but not all - clipart is approved for any non-profit use. Other clipart may restrict your ability to edit or distribute. If you are engaged in profit-making activities, you'll need to create graphics from scratch (or hire your own graphic designer)! |
|
 |
|