Astute graphics plugins

Isometric projection in Adobe Illustrator, we highly recommend creating your own isometric actions (as listed above). This allows you to make and select a shape or group of shapes and press the Play button in the Actions panel to convert the artwork instantly. If you are not afraid of plugins and extensions, then maybe you could try the Nimbling 30 SSR Extension from the Adobe Exchange. Self-described as: “A rudimentary panel that allows you to quickly deform your shapes in the 30º Axonometry (Sometimes falsely called isometry).” Once you’ve installed the Nimbling SSR extension from the Creative Cloud, you can find it in your Illustrator by navigating up to Window > Extensions > Nimbling 30 SSR.The panel has 3 buttons which perform the actions of converting your shapes to be a top, left and right axonometric projection. Adobe Illustrator’s native 3D and Materials panel (Window > 3D and Materials) also gives you options to transform an object into an Isometric preset as a live Effect. Live Effects are non-destructive, which means they can be hidden or removed easily without destroying the shape’s original geometry. Tips and tricks for drawing in isometric perspective with Astute Graphics PluginsAstute Graphics has hundreds of tools and functions for Adobe Illustrator that can speed up your workflow. We wanted to cover a few of the tips and tricks we like to use when working in isometrics.If you want to try Astute Graphics for free, no card details required just an email address, then register today

All Selected AG Block Shadows. AG OffsetAG Offset is a Live Effect from Astute Graphics that can create multiple offsets on both closed and open paths in Adobe Illustrator. In our example, we’ve used AG Offset to create a compound shape that’s true to the isometric perspective. For example, to create the lip of the mug we can use the AG offset tool to accurately create a copy inside our original shape. It can be any distance you want, and you can also use the panel to enter an exact value. This means there’s no guess work and you don’t have to confine yourself to the grid, or risk resizing the object and mishandling the proportions when scaled down. Snap to CollisionsSnapping objects in Adobe Illustrator can be extremely tricky and Smart Guides can be a help and a hindrance. The Snap to Collisions tool by Astute Graphics does exactly that. You can move and duplicate objects, and the tool will snap to existing objects. The tool also highlights the point at which it’s snapping, giving you higher control over moving objects. There is no need for eyeball alignment in your work. Get greater precision and work smarter not harder with the Astute Graphics tool suite. Tangent Line ToolThe Tangent Line tool is part of the Astute Graphics suite for Adobe Illustrator that creates straight paths that are tangent to one or two existing paths. Being able to draw out and snap to another object in Illustrator is not possible

Top 10 Best Illustrator Plugins for DesignersPlugins can help you improve your workflow and streamline your design process, whether you are a beginner or an expert designer.Designers can use different plugins with Adobe Illustrator to help them get the job done quicker and more efficiently. Some of the plugins are free, while others are paid. Some plugins are only for specific versions of Illustrator. For example, some plugins work only with Adobe Illustrator CS6. Before you start using plugins, check whether the plugin works with the version of Illustrator that you are currently using.In this post, I will share some of my favourite Illustrator plugins to help designers make life easier.Elevating Symbol Usage with Third-Party Plug-Ins in Adobe IllustratorExploring the capabilities of symbols in graphic design is made easier and more versatile with the help of specialised third-party plug-ins. These tools provide unique functionalities that extend beyond Adobe Illustrator's native features, allowing designers to achieve innovative results quickly.Transforming Symbols into BrushesOne such plug-in enables artists to convert symbols into dynamic brush strokes akin to dabs and bristles. This functionality lets designers paint with symbols, seamlessly integrating images, text, and intricate patterns into their artwork. Imagine the freedom of applying varying textures and painting styles to symbols with unprecedented precision.Crafting Textures and PatternsAnother powerful plug-in focuses on generating textures and designing intricate patterns using symbols. This tool offers many options for layering, randomising, and distributing symbols. With these capabilities, designers can craft compelling visuals, introduce animations, and easily manage complex patterns to suit their creative needs.Unlocking Advanced Manipulation TechniquesFor those who thrive on manipulating symbols with advanced designs, specialised plug-ins offer grid constructions, spirals, zoom effects, and randomised layouts. These tools empower users to manipulate symbols innovatively, from creating elaborate circular compositions to experimenting with symmetry and balance for unique artistic expressions.Designing Eye-Catching HeadlinesLastly, specific plug-ins are tailored to enhance typography by transforming symbols into stunning banner and headline designs. These plug-ins provide myriad customisation options, enabling the creation of bold and memorable typographic elements using the symbols palette. These capabilities allow designers to produce professional-grade visuals that captivate and communicate effectively.By integrating these third-party plug-ins into Adobe Illustrator, artists and designers can vastly expand their creative toolkit, enabling diverse applications of symbols that transcend traditional boundaries. Whether for producing intricate patterns or eye-catching typography, the enhanced functionality provided by these tools unlocks endless creative possibilities.1: Astute GraphicsAstute Graphics is a software provider that focuses on vector graphics design. They specialise in Illustrator plugins that allow designers to create new vector shapes and export those creations to use in other software programs. Their products allow designers to edit, resize, and add effects to vector files. The firm has provided Illustrator plugins that help designers work with more advanced features, such as gradient meshes and curves.They make the process of designing more fun. This is done by providing the tools to make on-the-fly changes and boost productivity. This saves time and money, making it easier for our customers to meet tight deadlines

Was that X6 was the first for 64bit.My mom is/was a fan of Painter and they have gone to just 1 seat, but does allow for activation/deactivation. Don't know why DRAW doesn't (or it may not with 2017 and 2018, I dunno). #13 I think you're right about X5 having serial number activation. Version X3 didn't require it.I have run into activation issues from time to time with various programs. I've had to email Corel and Astute Graphics a couple different times about activation issues. In Astute Graphics' case its Illustrator plug-ins have a limited number of activations. However, their customer service is usually Johnny on the spot about resetting it if they see you're a registered customer.Adobe Creative Cloud has minor annoyances. Usually it works fine as long as the computer is connected to the Internet and allows the software to phone home periodically. BTW, Typekit doesn't work unless it has constant Internet access to sync fonts. Every once in awhile you have to sign into your account through the CC panel. I usually have to sign in far more often when using Adobe's web site.It's obvious Corel is trying to push its customer base into a revolving subscription program like Adobe Creative Cloud. You'll pay $99 for each yearly upgrade to CorelDRAW through their subscription model version paying double the price for a traditional upgrade. #14 In Astute Graphics' case its Illustrator plug-ins have a limited number of activations. However, their customer service is usually Johnny on the spot about resetting it if they see you're a registered customer. I don't think I've hit that limit yet. Although, I've deactivate them as well, but I don't know if their server is setup for that, even though there is a deactivation on their plugins.I'm a big fan of those

AG Block Shadow is an Astute Graphics live effect that adds block shadows (also known as solid shadows) to paths, text, or placed images. Controlled by a panel and a tool, the shadows have many parameters which can be changed, such as the length, gap, and angle; whether to use a vanishing point; and whether the shadow picks up its color from the artwork or has an independent color. AG Block Shadow is part of the Stylism plugin.As with most live effects, AG Block Shadow appears in the main menu, under Effect > Stylism > AG Block Shadow. It can also be applied directly from the Appearance panel using the “Add New Effect” button at the bottom of the panel. However, easier ways to apply the live effect are by using the Apply button on the AG Block Shadow panel, or by clicking on an object with the AG Block Shadow tool. The AG Block Shadow tool appears in Illustrator’s main toolbar (which must be in Advanced mode: View > Toolbars > Advanced), stacked under the Stylism tool. As with other stacked tools, click and hold on the top tool icon to display the tools stacked under it. AG Block Shadow Tool Location The AG Block Shadow tool’s cursor is a crosshair, except when previewing a new shadow or adjusting an existing shadow, in which case it appears as an arrowhead with a shadow: AG Block Shadow Tool Cursors AG Block Shadow Tool Operations As the AG Block Shadow tool has several keypresses for certain operations, we suggest installing the free Astute Graphics plugin Astute Buddy, which creates a panel that dynamically updates to inform you of the various keys which can be pressed in the tool’s current context.The AG Block Shadow tool is works in conjunction with the associated