As opposed to the bitmap process of photoshop, illustrator makes use of vector graphics.
This involves the mathematical calculations of primitives, linear and geometric expressions, resulting in art work that can be infinitely scaled without the threat of pixelation.
While bitmap design is confined to resolution demands (such as the standard screen ppi of 72) vector is invariant regardless of scale.
Bitmap exploits a visual illusion, based on the brain assuming that densely packed pixels are actual planes of colour.
When setting up a new document, the measurements are generally in centimetres or millimetres, raster effects refers to the ppi used by any bitmap-based effects.
The document is surrounded by an expanse of gray, this can be used for planning, development and reference.
Smart guides may be turned off via the options, as they may become cumbersome.
Part 2
As well as the pen tool, the shape tool may be used as a quick short cut to create precise shapes.
The use of 'shift' will allow for perfect circles and squares.
Using 'alt' will expand the shapes from the centre, rather than dragging them out from the corner.
Clicking once will give the option to manually input the exact proportions of the new shape.
Anchor points can be added to simple shapes for manipulative purposes.
Using the anchor point conversion tool you may change the properties of existing points.
The pathfinder shape modes can generate exciting new shapes from the overlapping of fairly vanilla shapes.
shift + cmd + v will paste in place, rather than in a random position on the canvas.
The width tool may be used to directly modify the appearance of strokes.
Expanding the appearance will draw a new path around the outside of a shape.
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