In Adobe Illustrator, what does the term 'path' refer to?

The term 'path' in Adobe Illustrator refers to a line or a curve defined by anchor points. Paths are fundamental elements in vector graphics design because they determine the shape and form of objects. Each path is composed of a series of points (anchor points) connected by segments (either straight lines or curves).

When creating artwork, designers use paths to construct shapes, outlines, and intricate designs. The beauty of paths lies in their ability to be manipulated; users can add, remove, or adjust anchor points to refine the shape as needed. Since paths are vector-based, they can be scaled infinitely without loss of quality, making them ideal for graphic design.

In contrast, a filled shape is a visual result of a closed path filled with color, but it does not define what a path itself is. A group of layers pertains to how artwork is organized within Illustrator, and a style applied to the object refers to visual effects or appearances that can be applied to enhance designs. These concepts are important but do not capture the essence of what a path means in the context of vector graphics.