Adobe Illustrator 2025 has introduced a more intuitive interface and enhanced tools, making it easier than ever to create stunning vector shapes. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced designer, creating a star in Illustrator is a fundamental skill that can be used for logos, icons, patterns, and more.

Method 1: Using the Star Tool

The Star Tool is the quickest and most efficient way to create a star in Illustrator. Here’s how you can do it:

Step 1: Select the Star Tool

1. Open Adobe Illustrator 2025 and create a new document.
2. Select the Star Tool from the Toolbar. If you don’t see it, click and hold the Rectangle Tool to reveal hidden shape tools.

Step 2: Create the Star

1. Click once on the canvas to open the Star Tool Options dialog box.
2. Set the Radius 1 (outer radius) and Radius 2 (inner radius) to control the shape of your star.
3. Choose the number of points for your star. A typical star has 5 points, but you can create stars with more or fewer points.
4. Click OK, and your star will appear on the artboard.

Alternatively, you can click and drag on the canvas to manually create a star. While dragging:

• Hold Shift to keep the star upright.
• Use the Up or Down arrow keys to increase or decrease the number of points.
• Hold Ctrl (Windows) / Command (Mac) to adjust the inner radius dynamically.

Method 2: Customizing the Star

Once your star is created, you can further customize it using Illustrator’s tools:

Adjusting Star Points Manually

• Select the Direct Selection Tool (A) and click on an anchor point to move it.
• Use the Transform Panel to scale the star proportionally.

Adding Stroke and Fill

• Go to the Properties Panel and choose a Fill Color and Stroke Color.
• Adjust the stroke width for a bolder or thinner outline.
• Try Dashed Stroke effects for a unique look.

Using the Shape Builder Tool

• Select your star and press Shift + M to activate the Shape Builder Tool.
• Click and drag to merge or remove sections of your star for a custom design.

Method 3: Creating a Star with the Polygon Tool

For a different approach, you can use the Polygon Tool:

1. Select the Polygon Tool from the Toolbar.
2. Click on the canvas and set the number of sides to 5.
3. Use the Direct Selection Tool (A) to make the shape star-like.

Conclusion

Creating a star in Adobe Illustrator 2025 is a simple yet powerful skill that can enhance your design projects. Whether you use the Star Tool, customize it with the Direct Selection Tool, or experiment with Stroke and Fill effects, you can create professional-looking stars in no time.

Try these techniques today and let your creativity shine!

Bonus Tip

For a more dynamic look, try applying a Gradient Fill or a Drop Shadow Effect from the Effects Panel to make your star stand out!