In the upper-right corner of Illustrator, select the search icon, select Help > Illustrator Help, or press F1 to open the discover panel.
Last updated on
10 February 2026
Learn how to access and use the Discover panel to find tools, tutorials, and quick actions that help you work more efficiently in Adobe Illustrator.
Use and manage the Discover panel
In the Discover panel search bar, type the keyword to find tools, in-app tutorials, and articles that help you build your skills. When you select a tool or menu item from the search results, a blue coach mark appears to show you its location in the interface.
To return to the previous page, use the arrow icon or select the home icon in the Discover panel to start over.
To configure the Discover panel preferences, select the settings icon in the lower-right corner of the panel and then select Preferences to access the following options:
- Location coach marks: Select to control whether the panel shows the location of tools in the interface.
- Quick select: Select to determine whether pressing Enter selects the top result or shows all results.
To exit the Discover panel, press Esc.
Explore tool tips and tool techniques
Find important information quickly with optimized search results. Find tools quickly and learn to use them with the help of Tool Tips and Techniques.
- Tool Tip: Gives an idea about using the tool.
- Tool Technique: Gives step-by-step instructions on how to use the tool.
Hover over any tool in the toolbar to see a brief description of the tool.
Select Learn more on the tool tip to access detailed step-by-step instructions for using the tool.
Apply Quick Actions
Quick actions are available within the Discover panel to complete workflow with a single click. Select Browse> Quick actions, to find the list of quick actions that you can apply to your objects.
The quick action changes are applied automatically if the object is selected. If you want to learn more about Quick actions, select the icon.
Select Browse > Quick Actions in the Discover panel to view available quick actions.
Select the object in your document that you want to apply the quick action to.
Choose a quick action from the list, such as Convert sketch into vector or Neon glow text.
Select Apply to instantly apply the effect to your selected object.
Here is the list of quick actions in Illustrator that you can explore:
- Convert sketch into vector: Converts hand-drawn sketches to vector artwork.
- Recolor: Applies a random color theme to your artwork.
- Retro text: Gives your text a vintage look.
- Neon glow text: Gives your text a neon glow effect.
- Old school: Gives your text an old-school look
Configure Discover panel preferences
Select the settings icon in the lower-right corner of the Discover panel.
Select Preferences from the menu.
Enable or disable Location coach marks to control whether the panel shows the location of tools in the interface.
Enable or disable Quick select to determine whether pressing Enter selects the top result or shows all results.
Select outside the preferences panel to close it and apply your changes.
The Discover panel helps you work more efficiently by providing instant access to the information and tools you need, right when you need them.
Watch this 2 minute 55 seconds video on how to make the most of Illustrator's native search panel.
