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This is one of the simplest and easiest tutorials on Illustrator.

We’ll explore the Generative Recolor to give our artwork a new color and vibe.

What is Generative Recolor in Adobe Illustrator?

Generative Recolor is an exciting AI-powered feature in Adobe Illustrator that allows you to discover new color schemes using simple prompts.

This tutorial walks you through the steps of using Generative Recolor effectively, ensuring that you can enhance your vector artwork with ease.

Let’s jump straight to our tutorial!

Step 1: Preparing Your Vector Artwork

Before starting our tutorial, you need to ensure that you have a vector artwork ready to work with. Generative Recolor will not work with raster images such as PNG or JEPG.

Step 2: Selecting Your Vector Artwork

Once you open/create your vector graphic in Illustrator, the next step is to group and select it.

On a Mac press Command + A, PC Press Control + A to select all.

Next, press Command + G on Mac, and Control + G on PC to group your selection.

Step 3: Accessing Generative Recolor

To access the Generative Recolor feature, navigate to the top menu and click on Edit.

From there, select Edit Colors and choose Generative Recolor.

Alternatively, if you have your artwork selected, you can access the recolor option directly from Contextual Task Bars, if you have it enabled. Find the icon that looks like a color wheel.

Generative Recolor

After clicking the Generative Recolor, Illustrator will open a dedicated panel for all the Ai recolor features.

Step 4: Using the Sample Prompts

Generative Recolor allows you to explore various color schemes through prompts. For instance, let’s try the prompt Summer by the Sea. When you click on this sample, Illustrator generates a selection of color schemes that align with this theme.

Gen Recolor Options

Step 5: Generating New Color Schemes

If you are not satisfied with the initial options provided, you can click the Generate button again. This action will regenerate the previous prompt and offer you new color schemes to choose from.

You can keep experimenting with different prompts until you find a color scheme that resonates with your design.

Step 6: Creating Custom Prompts

Besides using sample prompts, you can also create your own. For example, typing in Autumn as a prompt might yield a yellowish/orangish color palette.

Similarly, you can try prompts like pop art or gothic to explore different themes and aesthetics.

Gothic
Yellow Tint

Step 7: Experimenting with Variations

As you explore the various color prompts, Illustrator retains the initial options provided, allowing you to build upon them. You can keep adding new prompts and see how they enhance your existing color schemes. This iterative process is a unique aspect of AI prompting and can lead to unexpected and delightful results.

Variations

Step 8: Finalizing Your Color Palette

Once you find a color scheme that you like, you can finalize it by selecting it from the generated options. This feature saves you time and effort by eliminating the need to manually sift through numerous colors in Illustrator.

Instead, you can simply prompt the AI and let it provide you with tailored options.

You are all done!

In conclusion, the Generative Recolor tool in Adobe Illustrator offers a powerful and innovative approach to color management, enabling users to effortlessly transform their designs with just a few clicks. By harnessing the capabilities of this feature, you can enhance your creative workflow and produce visually striking artwork that stands out.

Embrace this technology to streamline your projects and bring your vision to life with vibrant colors and dynamic palettes.

Interested in learning more about Illustrator’s AI features? Check out these tutorials:

  1. How to Make a Mockup in Adobe Illustrator
  2. How to Use Generative Shape Fill in Adobe Illustrator
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