There are many ways to create a marker in Adobe Illustrator, but this might be one of the quickest. It only takes three paths, some text for the imprint and a 3D effect to create a semi-realistic and freely rotatable marker. So let’s get started!

Final Image Preview

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Tutorial Details

• Program: Adobe Illustrator CS3
• Difficulty: Beginner
• Estimated Completion Time: 30 minutes

Below is the final image we will be working towards.

Step 1

Use the Pen Tool (P) to draw the following path. You will need it for the marker itself as well as for its cap. Set the Width to approximately 5 mm and the Height to approximately 12 mm.

Step 2

Use the Convert Anchor Point Tool (Shift + C) to round the two corners as seen below.

Step 3

Duplicate your path (drag it to the side while pressing the Alt key). Then use the Direct Selection Tool (A), select the two lower Anchor Points of the duplicated path and stretch the shape to a Length of approximately 70 mm.

Step 4

Use the Pen Tool (P) to draw the tip of the marker. The Height is approximately 20 mm. Select both elements of the marker and group them (Command + G).

Step 5

Select the cap (the first path), place it next to the tip of the marker and flip it horizontally (Object > Transform > Mirror).

Step 6

Select the Add Anchor Points Tool (+) and add two new Anchor Points to the path: one at the left side and one at the top. Then use the Direct Selection Tool (A) to move the upper-left Anchor Point as seen below.

Step 7

Remove all outlines and fill the shaft of your marker with a light gray (K=10) and the tip and cap with red.

Step 8

Use a black and bold Sans-serif font for the text of the imprint. You could even add additional elements like a barcode if you want. Placing it vertically and adjusting its size at this stage is useful.

Step 9

Group (Command + G) all elements of the imprint and drag and drop it into the Symbols Palette to create a new symbol.

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