Contextual Task Bar in Illustrator 2025 — Quick Actions when you need them
We’ve introduced the Contextual Task Bar to make your workflow faster and more intuitive. This floating bar appears near the object you select and gives you quick access to the most relevant next actions—so you can stay focused on your design without digging through menus.
Ways to use the Contextual Task Bar
Start new documents easily
When you create a new document, the Contextual Task Bar provides quick access to essential tools like Draw (Pencil) for sketching, Generate Vectors for ideation, and Place Image for imports. It helps you move from a blank page to a workable concept much faster.
Create, style, and generate shapes
When adding shapes, the bar surfaces controls like Gen Shape Fill, Edit Path, Fill, and Stroke, letting you style and tweak properties as soon as they’re placed. Selecting shapes or paths brings up the same quick styling tools so you can refine designs rapidly.
You can also use Generate Vectors to brainstorm scenes or icons, then switch to Edit Path to refine your design and Lock Object to safeguard against unintended modifications.
Edit paths and anchor points
With the Direct Selection tool, you’ll see options to simplify paths, smooth curves, and cut or connect endpoints, along with anchor conversion tools for precise shaping.
Selecting an open path reveals Join Path for closing shapes and Edit Path for more precise adjustments to anchor points.
Compound paths also present Edit Path, Fill, Stroke, and Release options to help you refine or break apart complex shapes.
Organize and repeat objects
Use Group to combine multiple objects and Align to arrange them precisely, and use Ungroup, Isolate group, and Recolor to make targeted adjustments.
Create various repeating patterns with Repeat Object, or use Duplicate Object to create fast copies for exploring variations.
Create and edit clipping masks
Creating a clipping mask with vector objects allows you to use the Edit Mask feature to edit in isolation mode and Release to remove the mask. You can also apply Gen Shape Fill within the mask.
Selecting both images and vectors with the Selection tool reveals Clip Mask.
Manage artboards
When using the Artboard tool, the Contextual Task Bar reveals options to resize, duplicate, and export artboards. This keeps layout adjustments centralized and easy to manage.
Trace images
Selecting images displays options like Image Trace, Retype, and Crop Image, along with controls for embedding, relinking, or editing in Photoshop. You can also quickly expand traced artwork from the bar to refine vector results without navigating through menus.
Format and convert text
Selecting text opens controls to adjust fonts, styles, sizing, and fill. You can convert between Point Type, Area Type, and Type on a Path, or outline text to work with it like other vector shapes.
Create and edit mockups
When selecting an image and a vector together, you can use Create Mockup, allowing you to place vector art onto objects seamlessly. After creating the mockup, the mockup group reveals Edit Content, Release, and Edit Symbol options so you can revise or separate elements with precision.
Tips
- Quickly switch to the Fully Panel for the Quick Action you’re working on by choosing Show Properties from the “More menu.”
- Hide or show the bar anytime by going to Window > Contextual Task Bar.
- Reset the bar’s position from the “More Menu” or pin it for consistent access.
Try it now
Update Illustrator and see how the Contextual Task Bar streamlines your workflow. The Contextual Task Bar is available in Illustrator v27.9 and later, with improvements in v29.
We'd love to hear from you
Have you tried it? Share your thoughts, tips, or questions in the comments—we’re listening and your feedback helps us make Illustrator better for everyone.
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