Design Software Start

Year 9 Technology — Adobe Illustrator Introduction

Name:

Date:

🖥️ Part 1: Key Concepts — Adobe Illustrator Interface

Use your cheat sheet to help you! These questions check your understanding of the software interface.

1. Adobe Illustrator is a vector-based design programme. What does this mean? Circle the best answer.

Images are made from pixels that can blur when enlarged

Images are made from mathematical paths that stay sharp at any size

Images can only be used for photography editing

Images are saved as Word documents

2. Match the Illustrator interface area to its correct description. Draw a line to connect each term to its meaning.

Toolbar

Menu Bar

Workspace / Artboard

Panels

The white area where you create your design

Contains tools like the selection arrow and shape tools

Windows on the right showing colour, layers, and properties

Rows of drop-down options at the top (File, Edit, Object…)

3. Which keyboard shortcut is used to undo an action in Adobe Illustrator?

Ctrl + C

Ctrl + Z

Ctrl + S

Ctrl + G

4. Which of the following are basic shape tools in Adobe Illustrator? Tick ALL that apply.

Rectangle Tool

Crop Tool

Ellipse Tool

Polygon Tool

Healing Brush Tool

✏️ Part 2: Practical Understanding — Tools in Action

Answer in your own words. There is no single right answer — show your thinking!

5. Describe the steps you would take to create a rectangle in Adobe Illustrator. Write them in order below.

Step 1: _____________________________________________________________

Step 2: _____________________________________________________________

Step 3: _____________________________________________________________

6. What does the Group function do, and why might it be useful when designing a Matariki-inspired composition?

7. 🌟 Extension: How could you use the Polygon Tool to represent a star shape linked to Matariki? Describe what settings or steps you might try.

8. Sketch or label a simple diagram of the Adobe Illustrator workspace below. Try to include: Toolbar, Menu Bar, Artboard, and Panels. (Use your cheat sheet if needed!)

💭 Part 3: Reflection — Exit Ticket

Be honest — this helps your teacher plan the next lesson to support you!

9. Name two Illustrator tools you used or learned about today.

Tool 1: _____________________________ Tool 2: _____________________________

10. Describe one thing you found easy and one thing you found challenging in today's lesson.

Easy:

Challenging:

11. What is one skill you would like to learn or explore more in the next design software lesson?

12. How confident do you feel using Adobe Illustrator right now? Circle your answer.

🌱 Just starting — I need more help

🌿 Getting there — I understand the basics

🌟 Confident — I could help a classmate

📎 Scaffolding reminder: If you're stuck on any question, check your Adobe Illustrator Cheat Sheet, ask a classmate, or raise your hand for teacher support. All questions are welcome!