Change the Blend

After you’ve created a blend (and it’s still "live"), you can change the number of steps in the blend mode by going to the Object menu and choosing Blend>Blend Options (or double-clicking the Blend tool in the Toolbox).

In the dialog, change the number of specified steps and the Blend will update. An even quicker way is to check the Preview box and use the Up and Down arrow keys for an instant update.

Move Points as You Draw

With the Pen tool, you can change your mind about the positioning of the anchor points as you draw. Without letting go of the mouse button after you click to add a point to your path, press the Spacebar and drag to move the active anchor point. Let go of the Spacebar to continue drawing with the Pen tool.

Spirograph

With many of the drawing tools, you can create multiple shapes by holding down the tilde key (~) as you drag. It’s an interesting way to create wire frame shapes – or a computerized spirograph. (Make sure you let go of the mouse button before you let go of the tilde key, or all of your framework will disappear and you’ll be left with one object.).

Position Shapes as You Draw

With many of the shape tools, you can change the position of the shape while you create it on the artboard. Simply hold down the spacebar to "interrupt" the tool you’re using, allowing you to move the shape.

Spray On, Spray Off

To add symbols to a document, choose a symbol from the Symbols palette, then use the Symbol Sprayer tool to add symbols where you want them. With the Symbol Sprayer tool active, you can remove active symbols by pressing Option, which effectively turns the Symbol Sprayer tool into a symbol eraser.