In this tutorial, we’ll explore how to effectively share and comment on your designs in Adobe Illustrator. We’ll learn how this feature enhances collaboration with your colleagues and clients.
Before we start with the tutorial let’s review why this feature is beneficial.
Why should you share and comment in Illustrator?
- As stated above, it improves collaboration with team members and clients.
- It makes it easy to get feedback and make adjustments to your artwork.
- You do everything in one place and don’t need any extra note taking software and back-and-forth emails.
Now that we have reviewed why this feature is important, let’s get started with our tutorial and make the most out of your Illustrator experience.
Step 1: Saving Your File as a Cloud Document
To begin using the share feature, first, you need to save your file as a cloud document. This is essential because the sharing capabilities rely on cloud storage.
To do so, go to the top menu of the illustrator and click File > Save as > Save Cloud Document.
The file will be saved with a .aic extension and if you notice now you have a little cloud icon in front of the file name in the Illustrator dashboard. This indicates that it is an Adobe Illustrator Cloud Document.
This step is vital for accessing the sharing options later!
Step 2: Accessing the Share Options
Once your document is saved in the cloud, you can access the share options.
Click on the blue share icon in the top right corner.
Step 3: Copying the Share Link
The next step is to create a link. Click on the Create Link button. This will create your cloud link.
After that, click on the “Copy” next to your link.
This share link is essential for collaboration, as it provides a direct way for others to view or comment on your work. Make sure to distribute this link to your collaborators, ensuring they have the necessary access to your designs.
After the link is created Illustrator will give you new options. Review the options below and invite your team members from the “Who has access” section. See the screenshot below.
Share for Review Options
Illustrator provides you with the following options in the Share panel:
- Link name
- Artboards
- All
- Range
- Who can access
- The option to invite team members or clients by entering their Creative Cloud email addresses.
- Alternatively, you can choose to allow anyone with the link to view the document.
This flexibility helps streamline the sharing process, catering to different collaboration needs.
- Invite people
- Link
- Copy the link
- More options, the three dots
- Create a new review link
- Link Settings. If you click you will get the following options.
- Create a new review link
- Allow anyone with a link to comment
- Require password to access
- Delete review link
- Manage review links
Step 4: Opening the Comments Panel
With the document shared, it’s time to engage with the comments feature. Open the comments panel by navigating to the Window menu and selecting Comments.
This panel allows you to add feedback or notes related to specific parts of your design.
Comments can be added by you or anyone with whom you’ve shared the document.
This interactive feature enhances communication and makes it easy to track discussions about your design. Each comment can be associated with specific elements, providing context to your collaborators.
Step 5: Adding Comments to Your Work
Once you have opened the comments panel, it’s time to start adding comments to your design. This feature allows both you and your collaborators to provide feedback on specific elements within the document.
You can do this in two ways.
Option 1:
Type your note in the comments area inside the illustrator. For example, we’ll type “Change the rocket color red to yellow.” in the comments section and click Share.
See the screenshot below.
Option 2: (Recommended)
A better way to work is to open the cloud link Illustrator provides. Select the pin icon (or you can use the draw shape icon if you prefer), and put the pin wherever you want in the design to comment and add your notes. If you go back to Illustrator, this will also be updated there.
The second option ensures that everyone understands the exact part of the design being discussed and it is especially useful for gathering feedback from clients or team members who may not have Illustrator installed.
Step 8: Reviewing Comments in Illustrator
After receiving comments, you can review them directly in Illustrator. This integration keeps everything centralized, allowing for efficient feedback management.
Navigate back to the comments panel in Illustrator to see all the feedback listed. Each comment will be linked to the corresponding part of the design, making it easy to address specific points during your revisions.
Final Tips for Effective Collaboration
To ensure effective collaboration when using the share and comment features, consider the following tips:
- Be Clear and Concise: When adding comments, be specific about what you are referring to. This clarity helps avoid misunderstandings.
- Encourage Feedback: Prompt your collaborators to share their thoughts. The more input you receive, the better your design can become.
- Regularly Check Comments: Make it a habit to review comments frequently. This ensures you stay updated with feedback and can make timely adjustments.
- Use Visual References: When commenting, if applicable, attach visuals or examples that can help clarify your point.
- Summarize Feedback: After a round of comments, summarize the key points for your team. This ensures everyone is on the same page moving forward.
By following these tips, you’ll foster a collaborative environment that enhances the creative process. Remember, the goal is to utilize the share and comment illustrator features to streamline your workflow and improve the final product.
