Changing the background color in Adobe Illustrator 6 may seem like a simple task, but it can make a big difference in the presentation and impact of your designs. Whether you’re working on a logo, poster, or any other graphic project, the background color sets the tone and can greatly influence the overall look of your artwork. In this article, we will explore the various methods for changing the background color in Adobe Illustrator 6.
Method 1: Using the Artboard Tool
One of the easiest ways to change the background color in Illustrator 6 is by using the Artboard Tool. This tool allows you to create and modify artboards, which serve as the background for your artwork. To change the background color using the Artboard Tool, follow these steps:
1. Select the Artboard Tool from the Tools panel.
2. Click on the artboard you want to change the background color for.
3. In the Control panel, locate the Fill option and choose the desired color from the color swatches or use the color picker tool to select a custom color.
Method 2: Using the Rectangle Tool
Another method for changing the background color in Illustrator 6 is by using the Rectangle Tool to create a colored shape that serves as the background. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Select the Rectangle Tool from the Tools panel.
2. Click and drag to create a rectangle that covers the entire artboard.
3. In the Control panel, choose the Fill color for the rectangle to set the background color.
Method 3: Using the Appearance Panel
The Appearance panel in Illustrator 6 allows you to add and modify various attributes of a selected object, including its fill color. To change the background color using the Appearance panel:
1. Select the artboard or any existing shape that you want to change the background color for.
2. Go to the Window menu and select Appearance to open the Appearance panel.
3. In the Appearance panel, click on the Fill option and choose the desired color from the color swatches or use the color picker tool to select a custom color.
Method 4: Using the Layers Panel
If your artwork consists of multiple layers, you can change the background color by applying a color fill to the bottom layer. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Open the Layers panel and select the bottom layer that serves as the background.
2. Click on the small square next to the word “Lock” to target the layer for editing.
3. With the layer targeted, choose the desired color from the color swatches or use the color picker tool to select a custom color to fill the layer.
In conclusion, changing the background color in Adobe Illustrator 6 can be done using various methods such as using the Artboard Tool, Rectangle Tool, Appearance Panel, or Layers Panel. Mastering these methods will enable you to efficiently and creatively customize the background color of your artwork, giving you greater control over the visual impact of your designs. So, next time you’re working on a project in Illustrator 6, don’t hesitate to experiment with different background color options to achieve the perfect look for your designs.
