Creating dotted lines in Adobe Illustrator is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Create a Path

1. Open Adobe Illustrator and create a new document.
2. Select the Pen Tool (P) or any other shape tool (like the Line Tool (/) or the Rectangle Tool (M)) to create a path or shape where you want the dotted line to appear.

Step 2: Open the Stroke Panel

1. Go to Window > Stroke to open the Stroke panel if it is not already visible.

Step 3: Adjust Stroke Settings

1. Select the path or shape you created.
2. In the Stroke panel, set the Weight of the stroke to the desired thickness.
3. Check the “Dashed Line” box.

Step 4: Customize the Dotted Line

1. Set the first Dash value to 0 (this will create the dots).
2. Set the Gap value to the desired distance between dots.

• For example, setting Dash to 0 and Gap to 5 will create dots with 5 points of space between each dot.

Step 5: Additional Customization (Optional)

1. You can further customize the dotted line by adjusting the Cap settings.

• Butt Cap: Creates square-ended dots.
• Round Cap: Creates rounded dots.
• Projecting Cap: Extends the dots slightly beyond the anchor points.

Example

1. Draw a Line: Select the Line Tool (/) and draw a straight line.
2. Stroke Panel: Open the Stroke panel (Window > Stroke).
3. Enable Dashed Line: Check “Dashed Line.”
4. Set Dash and Gap: Set Dash to 0 and Gap to 10.

You should now see a line of dots with 10 points of space between them.

If you want to create a more complex pattern, you can add multiple dash and gap values. For instance, setting Dash to 0, Gap to 5, Dash to 0, and Gap to 10 will create a pattern of dots with alternating gaps of 5 and 10 points.

Summary

• Draw your path or shape.
• Open the Stroke panel.
• Check “Dashed Line.”
• Set Dash to 0 and adjust Gap for spacing.
• Customize further with Cap settings if needed.

This method allows for easy creation of dotted lines in Illustrator.

For those looking for a youtube tutorial… here it is!