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Using symbolism tools


    Symbols are art objects you create and store in the Symbols palette (see Working with symbols). Use symbolism tools to create and edit symbol instances or sets of symbol instances. Sets of instances are created using the symbol sprayer tool (see Using the symbol sprayer tool). You can create mixed sets of symbol instances by using the symbol sprayer tool with one symbol and then using it again with another symbol.

    Symbolism tools affect only the symbol or symbols selected in the Symbols palette. For example, if you create a mixed symbol instance set that represents a meadow with grass and flowers, you can change the orientation of just the grass by selecting the grass symbol in the Symbols palette and then using the symbol spinner tool. To change the size of both the grass and the flowers, select both symbols in the Symbols palette and then use the symbol sizer tool.

    Note: When you select a mixed symbol instance set on the artboard, the symbol instance most recently added to the set is automatically selected in the Symbols palette.

    You can use symbolism tools to change the density, color, location, size, rotation, transparency, or style of symbol sets.

    Illustration of symbol features with these callouts: A. Symbols palette B. Symbol instance C. Symbol instance set
    Symbol features A. Symbols palette B. Symbol instance C. Symbol instance set

    After you select one symbolism tool, you can quickly switch between tools using the interactive tool menu. You can also switch between symbolism tools and set options for different symbolism tools within the Symbolism Tool Options dialog box.

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