Symbols

Symbols are different than an object that is assembled using shapes and paths, grouped together, then copied and pasted when needed in a document. A symbol is an object that can be reused. The advantages of using a symbol instead of copying and pasting a grouped object multiple times is that a symbol can be edited and all instances of the symbol will reflect the edits. Symbols can be scaled, rotated, and resized using the Symbol tools. Using symbols can save you time and reduce file size.

Creating Symbols

Create or use the artwork you want to make into a symbol. I usually group all the pieces of the artwork together so none are left behind when the symbol is created. Open the Symbols panel from the Window menu. Drag the artwork into the Symbols panel. A dialog box will open; name the symbol and choose Graphic from the dropdown menu.

Using Symbols and Symbol Tools

Each single occurrence of a symbol is called an instance. Single symbols can be added to the composition by dragging them from the Symbols panel onto the artboard. They can also be added by using the Symbols panel dropdown menu and choosing Place Symbol Instance. Each instance of a symbol can be scaled, rotated, flipped, and skewed and still retain the link to the original symbol. Again, this means when the original symbol is edited, all instances of that symbol will reflect the edits.

Editing Symbols

To edit a symbol, double-click on it in the Symbols panel, make any edits to the symbol and hit the Escape key. You can also click on the upper-left corner of the open window and click on the right arrow next to the name of the symbol to exit symbol editing.

At the bottom-left corner of the Symbols panel is the library icon. Click on the Library icon to open up a set of symbols that is part of Illustrator. There are numerous Symbol Libraries to choose from and all are easy to access.

Replace Symbol

Replacing a symbol with another symbol can be done by selecting the instance of the symbol and choosing a different symbol from the Replace Symbol dropdown menu in the control bar. There is no Replace Symbol menu in the Properties panel. Multiple instances of a symbol can be selected and replaced at the same time.

Break a Link to a Symbol

Breaking a Link to a symbol can be done from the Symbols panel dropdown menu. Select the instance of the symbol and chose Break Link to Symbol in the Properties panel to break a link. This will convert the instance of the selected symbol back to an editable object that is no longer linked to the symbol in the Symbols panel.

Symbol Tools

You can drag and drop the symbol from the Symbols panel and duplicate it on the artboard to create multiple instances just like you would with grouped artwork.

You can add multiple symbols quickly; select the symbol and choose the Symbol Sprayer tool from the toolbar. “Spray” the symbol like you would using a can of spray paint onto the artboard. Several other duplicate instances of the symbol will appear.

Nested with the Symbol Sprayer tool is the Shifter, Scruncher, Sizer, Spinner, Stainer, Screener, and Styler tools. All of these tools will edit the selected instances of the symbols on the artboard. To set the settings of each tool, double-click on the tool in the toolbar.

Once the Options for the Symbol tools are set, choose the symbol you want to spray on the artboard with the Symbol Sprayer tool. Spray away; the faster you move the mouse the more space will appear between each instance of the symbol. The slower you move the mouse the more the instances will build on each other.

Dynamic Symbols

Dynamic Symbols are symbols that share a master shape, but individual instances of the symbol can have dynamically modified appearances, such as rotating, skewing, scaling, or flipping. If the master shape is modified, symbol instances reflect the edits, but maintain their own modifications as well.