Do You Have to Have an Artboard in AI CC?
Adobe Illustrator CC is a powerful tool for creating vector graphics and illustrations, and many users are familiar with its use of artboards. Artboards are essentially the “canvases” within Illustrator where you can create and organize your designs. However, the question arises: Do you really have to have an artboard in Illustrator CC?
The simple answer is no, you don’t have to have an artboard in Illustrator CC. In fact, Illustrator allows you to work without artboards if you prefer. This can be useful for certain types of designs or workflows.
When to Work Without Artboards
There are several scenarios in which working without artboards in Illustrator can be beneficial. For instance, if you’re working on a single, self-contained graphic that doesn’t require multiple canvases, you can easily work without artboards. This is also helpful when creating assets for web or app design, as you don’t necessarily need the restraints of an artboard for these purposes.
Additionally, when creating patterns or seamless textures, working without artboards can give you more flexibility in designing and previewing your pattern. It allows you to see the seamless repeat of your design more clearly without the constraints of an artboard’s boundaries.
Furthermore, working without artboards can also be useful when you want to design freely without being confined to a specific canvas size. This is particularly helpful when creating experimental art or freeform illustrations.
How to Work Without Artboards
To work without artboards in Adobe Illustrator CC, you can simply open a new document and then delete the default artboard by selecting it and pressing the Delete key. Without a defined artboard, you can freely create and draw within the “infinite canvas” of the Illustrator workspace.
However, it’s important to note that even when working without artboards, you can still create your own bounding boxes to define the area of your design. This can be helpful for organizing and exporting your work, especially when it needs to fit within a specific size constraint.
Ultimately, the choice of whether to work with or without artboards in Illustrator CC depends on your specific design needs and preferences. As with any creative tool, it’s important to explore and experiment with different workflows to find the method that works best for you and your projects. Whether you opt to work within the confines of an artboard or prefer the freedom of an unbounded canvas, Illustrator CC offers the flexibility to accommodate your design processes.
