Master Inverse Color Effect in Adobe Illustrator

Master Inverse Color Effect in Adobe Illustrator

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Creating the Background
  3. Locking the Text and Duplicating the Background
  4. Creating a Rectangle for the Invert Effect
  5. Using the Pathfinder to Cut the Background
  6. Inverting the Colors of the Shape
  7. Cutting Out the Desired Pieces
  8. Adjusting the Size and Position of the Rectangles
  9. Creating a Compound Path
  10. Cutting the Rectangles Out of the Background
  11. Conclusion

Creating an Invert Color Effect in Illustrator

In this tutorial, we will explore how to Create an invert color effect in Illustrator. This effect can be used to add visual interest and depth to your designs. We will start by creating the background using layers and colored elements. Then, we will lock the text and duplicate the background to ensure it doesn't move while we work. Next, we will create a rectangle that will serve as the base for the invert effect. Utilizing the Pathfinder tool, we will cut the background to the size of the rectangle. To achieve the desired effect, we will invert the colors of the shape. Afterward, we will cut out the pieces of the background needed for the effect. Adjustments will be made to the size and position of these pieces to ensure they fit perfectly. Finally, we will create a compound path and cut the rectangles out of the background. By following these steps, you can easily achieve an eye-catching invert color effect in your Illustrator designs.

So let's get started and unlock your creativity with this exciting technique!

Introduction

Welcome to this Illustrator tutorial where we will dive into the fascinating world of creating an invert color effect. This effect can add an element of surprise and uniqueness to your designs. So, let's Roll up our sleeves and begin the Journey towards mastering this technique.

Creating the Background

In order to create the invert color effect, we first need to establish a visually captivating background. Think of the background as the canvas on which our design will come to life. To achieve this, we will use layers and colored elements.

To begin, let's simplify our background by making it smaller. This will allow us to speed up the tutorial recording process. If You are interested in creating a similar background from scratch, refer to my tutorial on creating texture backgrounds in Illustrator.

Now that we have our background, let's move on to the exciting part – adding the invert color effect to our design.

Locking the Text and Duplicating the Background

Before we proceed, it's essential to ensure that the text remains stationary while we work on the background. To do this, we'll lock the text to fix its position.

Next, we'll create a duplicate of the background layer. This duplicate will serve as a reference while we work on the invert color effect. To make a duplicate, simply select the entire layer and drag it onto the new icon.

Now that we have a locked text layer and a duplicate background layer, we can move on to the next steps.

Creating a Rectangle for the Invert Effect

To create the invert effect, we need to define the area where we want the effect to be applied. We'll do this by creating a rectangle that covers the desired text.

Using the rectangle tool, simply click and drag over the text to create a rectangle of the desired size. This rectangle will act as the base for our invert effect.

Using the Pathfinder to Cut the Background

Now that we have our rectangle, we need to cut the background to fit its Dimensions. To achieve this, we'll utilize the powerful Pathfinder tool in Illustrator.

Open the Pathfinder dialog by going to Window > Pathfinder. Next, select both the rectangle and the duplicate background pieces. In the Pathfinder dialog, click on the "crop" option. This will remove the excess background, leaving only the part that corresponds to the rectangle shape.

By carefully aligning the rectangle with the text and employing the Pathfinder tool, we have successfully cut out a piece of the background that aligns perfectly with the text.

Inverting the Colors of the Shape

The next step is to invert the colors of the shape we've created. This will give the background a captivating and eye-catching look.

Select the shape and go to Edit > Edit Colors > Invert Colors. This action will reverse the colors, resulting in a striking Blue on orange look. Click away from the shape to see the result.

Now, when we turn the original background layer back on, we can see the desirable inverse effect that we were aiming for.

Cutting Out the Desired Pieces

In our design, we might want to incorporate the invert effect in specific areas. To achieve this, we'll need to cut out the desired pieces from the background.

Let's start by locking down the other layers to make our workflow smoother. Next, create another rectangle to gauge the amount of space needed for the desired effect. Align this rectangle with the underlying rectangle to ensure neatness.

Duplicate the rectangle shape two more times and move them down while keeping the Height consistent. To fit the word "Illustrator," we might need to widen the shape slightly.

Before proceeding, let's change the text color to white so we can accurately assess the final appearance of our rectangles. Lock the text layer again to avoid any accidental modifications.

By carefully adjusting the size and position of the rectangles, we can ensure that they correspond perfectly with the desired areas.

Creating a Compound Path

Now that we have the correctly sized and positioned rectangles, we need to create a compound path that will allow us to cut them out of the background.

Select all three rectangles together and go to Object > Compound Path > Make. This action merges them into a single path layer, which we can then use to cut through the background.

Cutting the Rectangles Out of the Background

With the compound path selected, we'll cut out the rectangles from the background. To do this, select both the compound path and the group that contains the background.

Click on the crop tool for the Second time, and voila! We have precisely cut out the three pieces from the background, achieving the desired invert color effect.

Click away from the objects to appreciate the final result. The background now seamlessly runs through the illustration, transforming it into a visually captivating piece.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully learned how to create an invert color effect in Illustrator. This technique will undoubtedly add depth and visual interest to your designs, making them stand out from the crowd.

Remember to experiment with various colors and shapes to create unique effects that suit your style. With practice, you will master this technique and unleash your creativity with confidence.

Thank you for joining me in this tutorial. Stay tuned for more exciting tutorials on my YouTube Channel, and feel free to subscribe to stay updated with the latest videos. For additional tips, tricks, and tutorials on various applications like Photoshop, Lightroom, and Illustrator, visit my Website at projectwoman.com.

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