◆ Illustrator · layout

Page Layout

Lay out a permit board combining scaled plans, schedules and energy summaries for submission: set a single A1 artboard…

2heights
28tasks
10roles do it
See the prompt↓More layout workflows

The same job, four prompts

do it · improve it · decide · become
AExecute — “help me do it”Lay out a permit board combining scaled plans, schedules and energy summaries for submission:…+
Lay out a permit board combining scaled plans, schedules and energy summaries for submission: set a single A1 artboard, place scaled plan PDFs in frames, add a schedules table and energy summary block, and export a single multi-page PDF for upload.
when the reply comes backPush once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part, and to say what it assumed.
BImprove — “do it better”Before I submit to the building authority, reduce review friction: label each plan with scale…+
Before I submit to the building authority, reduce review friction: label each plan with scale and sheet number, place the energy-calculation summary top-right with clear citations, cross-reference schedule items to plan callouts, include a compliance checklist, and output a flattened PDF with searchable text for key figures.
when the reply comes backPush once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part, and to say what it assumed.

How to do it

the tool · the steps · what to avoid
The tool
Artboards Panel

The Artboards panel helps you manage multiple design canvases within a single Illustrator document.

  1. 1

    Select Window > Artboards to open the panel.

  2. 2

    Select the Artboard Tool from the Toolbar.

    NoteYou can also press Shift+O to activate the Artboard Tool.

  3. 3

    Drag on the canvas to create a new artboard.

  4. 4

    Click the New Artboard button in the Artboards panel to add a new artboard.

  5. 5

    Double-click to the right of an artboard's name in the panel to center it on your screen.

  6. 6

    Drag artboard names in the Artboards panel to reorder them.

  7. 7

    Select Rearrange All Artboards from the panel menu.

    Best practiceTo avoid artboard numbering issues, periodically close and reopen Illustrator, especially after long sessions or many tabs.

  8. 8

    Select desired options in the Rearrange All Artboards dialog.

  9. 9

    Click OK to apply the arrangement.

Use the Artboards panel to name, reorder, and navigate your artboards efficiently.

While Illustrator's scripting capabilities allow for some artboard manipulation, direct panel interactions are typically manual.

Glossary

words on this page
Rearrange All ArtboardsAn option to automatically organize and space multiple artboards on the canvas.ExampleYou click Rearrange All Artboards to neatly align and space out all your design variations.
Artboard ToolA tool used to create, resize, and reposition artboards within your document.ExampleYou grab this tool to make your poster design area wider or move it to a new spot.
Panel menuA menu within a panel that provides additional options and commands specific to that panel's functions.ExampleClicking the small icon in the Brushes panel reveals options like 'New Brush' or 'Delete Brush'.

The real tasks

8 of them
Lay out a permit board that combines scaled plans, schedules and energy-calculation summaries for review submission.
Produce a multi-page finding aid layout that arranges accession information, scope-and-content notes, and box listings for researchers to read and print.
Lay out a one-page executive snapshot that places the month’s revenue, top customers, and alerts in a clear reading order.
Lay out a one‑page quick reference of reporting steps that managers can print and pin at workstations.
Lay out a multi-page field manual with standard page templates, callouts, and labeled diagrams for technicians.
Lay out a multi-page specification booklet that combines callouts, materials lists, and scaled drawings for suppliers.
Lay out a one-page procedural checklist the clerkship staff will use at arraignments.
Align and optimise cover graphics for multi-page pleadings so pagination and margins meet court submission standards.

Who does this

10 roles
Business Intelligence AnalystCompliance ManagerLegal AdvisorQuality Control Analyst (Biotech)Regulatory Affairs AnalystArchitectArchivistConservation ScientistIndustrial DesignerLaw Clerk

Questions people ask

honest answers

Because you rarely think 'I want the redaction tool'. You think 'I have to share this without leaking the client's details'. Start from the need, and the feature finds you.

Real. Every job here was drawn from what people in real roles were actually seen doing in Illustrator — not a feature checklist.

No. Each page gives you a ready prompt you can paste into an AI assistant, plus the plain steps to do it yourself. Start with either — the goal is the finished job, not the tool.