Expert: Amy - 8/4/2005

Question
Hi Amy,

Can you tell me if it is possible to load all the default palettes on the right-hand side in illustrator CS. I know in Photoshop you can use: Window/Workspace/Reset Palette Locations. Which sets all the default palettes up automatically. Does illustrator have the same functionality, or do I need to choose each one separately. And if so which ones are the defaults. As I am new to illustrator.

Thanks
Rob


Answer
Good morning Rob!

Palette location in Illustrator is saved in the AIPrefs file.  This means that where your palettes are when you Quit Illustrator is where they'll be when you start Illustrator the next time. At least that's how it is in v.9 and 10.  CS *may* have changed this but I don't know for sure.

That's about all there is to it. Just hide the ones you don't want and put the ones you *do* want where you want them and leave them there.

Unfortunately, one of the first steps in troubleshooting Illustrator when something goes wrong is to delete the AIPrefs file...which is then rebuilt on next launch... losing all these environment settings.

What I've done is to create a "backup" AIPrefs file and keep it somewhere safe on my machine.  That way, if I ever need to troubleshoot, I can then replace the fresh AIPrefs file with my backup and all my settings return.  Every few weeks (okay, months), I re-create that backup file, just in case I have made improvements to my work environment that I want to keep.

Since you are new to Illustrator and sound like you want to know your stuff, go to google and do a search on:

customizing Illustrator working environment

You will find links to some interesting PDF files that contain info on setting up THE ILLUSTRATOR ENVIRONMENT.

Have fun working!
-Amy