How to Use Paper Textures in Illustrator

How to Use Paper Textures in Illustrator

Not sure how to best use your new paper textures? We're here to help!

Follow the video below for step-by-step instructions on how to use paper textures in Adobe Illustrator. We will be using the Paper Boy paper textures that come with every purchase of the ColorLab Comic Color Kit.

Can't Watch the Video? Here's what you missed

  1. Open a paper texture in Illustrator. The paper texture and effects are in a folder in the layers panel. You will color on the yellow, red, blue, and black layers which are already set to Multiply.
  2. Be sure to add any new layers below the paper and effects folder. Add your artwork by: (A) selecting a pen brush and beginning to draw. (B) select File>Place and add in a sketch to trace or color in.
  3. Adjust the texture depth by clicking the Adjustments icon on that layer. Now open the Adjustments Panel. Adjust the Opacity slider until you get your desired texture depth.
  4. Adjust the ink effects by clicking the Adjustments icon on that layer. Now open the Adjustments Panel. Adjust the Opacity slider until you get the desired ink effects.

Be sure to check out the ColorLab Color Chart if you ever need help formulating colors.

Create in color

The ColorLab Comic Color Kit, halftone brushes that make it easy to add authentic color and shading that look like they came straight off the presses. Get it today and present your work in glorious technicolor!


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