5.5 Dimension Tool and Mockups

5.5 Dimension Tool and Mockups

Quick Summary: The 2025 exam guide adds two design aids to objective 3.2: the Dimension tool (3.2.f), which draws live measurement annotations for distance, angle, and radius, and Mockup (3.2.g), which applies vector art to a photograph of a real object so the art follows the object's curves.

Why Dimensions Matter

Packaging dielines, signage, exhibit graphics, and developer specification sheets all need measurements that other people can read. Before the Dimension tool, designers drew measurement lines and typed numbers by hand, and those numbers were easy to get wrong after a resize. The Dimension tool creates dimension objects whose labels come from the measured geometry.

Dimension Tool vs. Measure Tool

Using the Dimension Tool

1. Select the Dimension tool. If it is not visible, open Edit Toolbar at the bottom of the toolbar and drag it into place.
2. In the taskbar that appears, choose a dimension type:
   • Linear Dimension — the distance between two points, such as a box panel's width
   • Angular Dimension — the angle between two edges, such as a dust flap's taper
   • Radial Dimension — the radius of a curved edge, such as a rounded corner
3. Click the points or edges you want to measure and move the pointer to position the dimension line. Smart Guides help you land precisely on anchor points and edges.
4. Open Tool Options from the taskbar, or double-click the tool, to change how dimension objects look.

Dimension Tool Options

Production Tips

• Put dimensions on their own layer, then turn off Print in that layer's options or hide the layer before producing final art, so measurements never appear on the printed piece.
• Choose a precision that matches the job: whole millimeters for a large sign, two decimals in inches for a carton.
• Use Smart Guides and Snap to Point so dimensions start and end exactly on anchor points.

Mockups

A mockup shows a client how a logo, label, or pattern will look on a real product such as a T-shirt, mug, or package. Illustrator's Mockup feature adjusts the vector art to fit the curves and edges of the object in a raster image.

Create a Mockup With Your Own Image

1. Open the Mockup panel.
2. Place a raster photograph of the product. Linked Illustrator files are not supported for mockups, so embed them first.
3. Select the vector art and the image together with the Selection tool.
4. Click Create Mockup in the Mockup panel. Illustrator wraps the art onto the product surface.
5. Drag the art to reposition it on the object.

Create a Mockup With a Template

Select only the vector art and click Preview Mockup. The Mockup panel previews your art on its free image templates, and you can choose one to work with.

Edit and Release

• After a mockup is created, the vector art becomes a symbol, which gives you more editing options.
• In the Properties panel, choose Edit Mockup Group to transform the whole mockup, Edit Image to change the photo, or Edit Content to move or resize the art on the product.
• Double-click the mockup group to enter isolation mode, then double-click the art to edit the symbol itself.
• To undo the effect, select the mockup and click Release in the Mockup panel.

Limitations and Good Practice

• A mockup cannot use multiple images.
• In mainland China and Russia, Mockup requires installing Illustrator add-ons from the Creative Cloud desktop app.
• Mockups are presentation pieces. Production files for the printer or developer come from the original artwork, not from the mockup.
• Respect image rights: use product photos you are licensed to use, as covered in Chapter 2.