If you’re a digital artist or a designer, you probably use Adobe Illustrator to create stunning graphics and illustrations. One common issue that users encounter is the limited size of the eraser tool in Adobe Illustrator. The default eraser size in AI can be restrictive when working on large-scale projects, making it time-consuming and difficult to achieve the desired precision and efficiency. However, there are some workarounds and techniques that you can employ to increase the eraser size in Adobe Illustrator.
1. Utilize the “Blob Brush” tool:
One way to work around the eraser size limitation in AI is to use the “Blob Brush” tool instead of using the eraser. The Blob Brush tool allows you to paint with filled shapes rather than strokes, and it can be used to create and edit artwork without the need for a separate eraser. You can adjust the size of the Blob Brush tool to create larger brush strokes and use it to paint over unwanted areas to effectively “erase” parts of your artwork.
2. Utilize Clipping Masks:
Another technique to work around the eraser size limitation is to use clipping masks. You can create a new shape that covers the area you want to “erase” and then use that shape as a clipping mask to hide the unwanted parts of your artwork. This allows you to effectively “erase” larger areas of your artwork without being confined to the default eraser size.
3. Use the Scissors Tool:
The Scissors tool in Adobe Illustrator can also be used to “erase” unwanted parts of your artwork. By using the Scissors tool to cut unwanted shapes or paths into smaller segments, you can effectively remove them without being limited by the default eraser size.
4. Utilize the Pathfinder Panel:
The Pathfinder panel in Adobe Illustrator offers various tools that can help you combine and “erase” shapes to achieve the desired results. By using the “Minus Front” option in the Pathfinder panel, you can effectively “erase” one shape from another, allowing you to work around the eraser size limitation.
5. Use the Knife Tool:
The Knife tool in Adobe Illustrator can be used to cut shapes and paths, allowing you to effectively “erase” unwanted areas without being restricted by the default eraser size. By carefully using the Knife tool, you can achieve precise and controlled “erasing” of parts of your artwork.
Overall, while Adobe Illustrator’s default eraser tool has its limitations in terms of size, there are several workarounds and techniques that you can employ to effectively increase the eraser size in AI. By utilizing tools such as the Blob Brush, clipping masks, Scissors tool, Pathfinder panel, and Knife tool, you can work around the eraser size limitation and achieve the desired results in your digital artwork and designs. With these techniques, you can enhance your workflow and achieve greater precision and efficiency in Adobe Illustrator.
