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A Plug-in (or add-on, extension) is a software component that adds a specific feature or tool(s) to an existing computer program e.g. Adobe Illustrator. This is the most popular vector graphics editor that has many features and tools, which might be not enough for certain processes, moreover, not all the tools are easy to use. Plug-ins help us to work in Illustrator faster, more comfortably, and even eliminate the need for use of other applications, such as bitmap editors. Let’s look at some of the must-have features of the plug-ins…
 Most often, artists and designers have to work with vector paths and their elements: anchor points and handles. Unfortunately, Adobe Illustrator does not have features that allow precise work with them. Xtreampath has 33 drawing and editing tools that create and edit the shape of paths, keeping us away from the hard work with handles. For example, the Multi-Arc tool creates curved path segments, each arc adding three smooth anchor points to the path. Click to establish the path’s starting point, the click and drag to add an arc.
I am convinced that Pathscribe, Extend Path and Smart Remove Brush Tools of VectorScribe plug-in are the best solutions for work with vector paths. These tools have many intelligent and precision features that ensure absolute control. The Smart Remove Brush Tool is every user’s dream, as it allows you to remove extra points, not significantly changing the shape of paths in accordance with the specified tolerance.
VectorScribe also has many other features and tools that, for sure, will make your work easier.
Although recent releases of Adobe Illustrator have Pattern Maker feature, but it is far from perfection and is not able to create all the possible types of symmetry for seamless patterns. SymmetryWorks plug-in will give you the opportunity to create absolutely all 17 kinds of seamless patterns using multiple tools and panel.
If we are talking about symmetry, we must remember that Illustrator has no reflection feature in the relation to the axes. But you can get this feature, if you install MirrorMe plug-in, which will provide a dynamic symmetry to objects from 1 to 72 axes.
You can read full version of this article on AstuteGraphics.com....
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