Adobe Illustrator is a powerful design program that is ideal for creating and manipulating vector graphics for laser and vinyl cutting, plasma cutting, and many other manufacturing and digital fabrication applications.
Unlike raster-based programs that store images as pixels, Illustrator works with mathematical paths and curves, meaning designs can be scaled to any size without losing quality or sharpness — a critical advantage when precision is required.
Illustrator’s robust set of tools allows designers and fabricators to create clean, exact outlines, intricate patterns, and complex shapes that translate directly into machine-readable files.
Features like the Pen tool, PathFinder operations, and node editing give users precise control over every anchor point and curve in a design. And other tools make it relatively easy to convert art made via more traditional methods into digital formats ready for high volume reproduction. Illustator supports industry-standard file formats such as .SVG, .DXF, .EPS, and .AI, which are widely accepted by laser cutters, vinyl plotters, plasma tables, CNC routers, and waterjet machines.
Here at Generator we offer regular Illustrator workshops to help anyone learn the fundamentals of vector design and get the most out of Adobe Illustrator for their making, fabrication, and design projects.
Whether you’re new to the software, looking to sharpen existing skills, or seeking help with a specific project or challenge, our offerings have you covered.
Illustrator Skills Workshop – $75
The first option is an introductory skills workshop for never-evers, or users who are relatively new to Illustrator. The goal of the intro workshop is for participants to leave with a strong foundation in essential Illustrator tools/skills/shortcuts so they can efficiently create or modify designs for use with Generator’s laser, vinyl, and plasma CNC machines. We’ll slowly step through the entire interface touching on best practices and the most common tools. If there is time at the end we can dig into project specific questions.
Illustrator Project Support – $20
The second option is a project support workshop where individuals can receive help working through specific challenges or processes. This option is great if you’re wrestling with a tricky vector, trying to clean up a design for cutting, or just want another set of eyes on your work.
Spring/Summer 2026 Schedule
- Adobe Illustrator Skills Workshop – Wednesday, April 8 from 6-8pm
- Adobe Illustrator Project Support – Wednesday, April 15 from 6-8pm
- Adobe Illustrator Skills Workshop – Tuesday, May 19 from 6-8pm
- Adobe Illustrator Project Support – Sunday, June 14 from 6-8pm
- Adobe Illustrator Skills Workshop – Tuesday, July 21 from 6-8pm
- Adobe Illustrator Project Support – Sunday, August 23 from 6-8pm























































