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4,0/5

Illustrator Reviews

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Adobe Illustrator is a vector graphics editor and design software by Adobe Systems. It enables users to create and modify logos, illustrations, and graphic designs with accuracy and versatility. Key features include typography, drawing tools, color processing, and creative effects. It is extensively used by graphic designers, web designers, visual artists, and professional illustrators.
  • 01 What is Illustrator?
  • 02 Pros and cons from reviewers
  • 03 Main features
  • 04 How Illustrator compare to similar software?
  • 05 Who is Illustrator best for according to our reviewers?
  • 06 Illustrator Reviews

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01 What is Illustrator?

Adobe Illustrator is a top-tier vector graphics software used globally by professionals to create artwork, illustrations, and graphic designs. It's part of Adobe's Creative Cloud suite and allows users to design logos, icons, typography, and complex illustrations for various mediums. The software offers sophisticated drawing tools, natural brushes, and time-saving features like live trace and live color. It produces files in layers for independent editing and supports cross-media design for optimal display on any screen size or print. It's highly customizable and integrates well with other Adobe products. Special promotions are currently available for Adobe Illustrator and similar professional-grade software.

02 Pros and cons from reviewers

Pros from reviewers

  • Exceptional tool for vector and illustration designs
    Illustrator is highly professional and provides the best tools for creating vector and illustration designs, allowing creativity to flourish. It is suitable for various design tasks, including web design and branding for t-shirts or other items

  • Adapts to the needs of graphic designers
    Illustrator is constantly adapting to the needs of graphic designers. It offers a range of features and applications, allowing users to create any graphic and paint as realistically as with a real brush

  • Beginner-friendly and offers endless possibilities
    Illustrator is relatively beginner-friendly, allowing for gradual skill improvement. It provides endless possibilities and ongoing learning chances, making it highly intuitive and a top pick from the Adobe suite.

  • Interactive interface and excellent editing tools
    Illustrator features an interactive interface and excellent editing tools. It also offers professional methods for shaping and coloring forms, stunning templates, brushes, and the easy ability to import and export files

  • Matured and reliable software
    As an old software, Illustrator has matured over time, making it one of the best vector programs out there with numerous features and minimal bugs. It works well with After Effects for animation

Cons from reviewers

  • High cost and subscription model
    Illustrator is an expensive software with a subscription model. This means users cannot simply buy the program and use it until they need to upgrade, but instead have to pay more in the long run. This can be a major downside for users on a budget

  • Complexity and steep learning curve
    Illustrator is a highly complex software with a steep learning curve. Even after years of use, users may still discover new features and functionalities. This can be overwhelming for beginners and may result in amateurish work if not properly mastered

  • Unfriendly cancellation policy and customer service
    Illustrator's cancellation policy and customer service have been criticized by users. The software does not allow users to disable auto-renewal and charges an early cancellation fee. Users have also reported difficulties in contacting customer service and resolving issues.

  • Limited animation features
    Illustrator falls short in animation features. It is designed to be used with other programs like After Effects and Premiere Pro for animation, which can be inconvenient for users who want an all-in-one solution

  • Unnecessarily complex features
    Some features in Illustrator are unnecessarily complex compared to other vector programs. This can make the software less user-friendly and more difficult to navigate

03 Main features

N/A

Free Plan

No

Advanced typography tools

Integration with the Adobe suite

Vector-based design

Layer management

Wide range of brushes

04 How Illustrator compare to similar software?

Adobe Express and Adobe Illustrator are two prominent tools in Adobe's creative suite, each designed to cater to different aspects of digital design. Understanding the distinctions between them is essential for selecting the right tool for your design needs.


Adobe Express is tailored for users seeking quick, template-driven design solutions. It's an all-in-one web and mobile application designed for creating social media graphics, short videos, and web pages without requiring extensive design skills. This platform is especially beneficial for marketers, bloggers, and small business owners looking to produce professional-looking content with minimal effort. Adobe Express emphasizes ease of use, offering a vast library of templates and design assets that allow users to create visually appealing content swiftly. It operates on a simplified interface that doesn't require deep knowledge of graphic design principles or software use.


In contrast, Adobe Illustrator is a vector graphics editor...

05 Who is Illustrator best for according to our reviewers?

  • Web Designers
    These users utilize Illustrator for creating and editing web graphics. The software's ability to export and import files easily makes it a top choice for them

  • Animators
    While Illustrator may not be the best for animation, it's still used by animators in conjunction with other Adobe programs like After Effects and Premiere Pro

  • Hobbyists
    These are users who use Illustrator for personal projects or as a hobby. They appreciate the software's user-friendly interface and the ability to create realistic graphics and paintings.

  • Graphic Designers
    Professionals who create visual content for various media. They find Illustrator's vector-based tools and features, such as brushes and templates, highly useful for their work

  • Branding Professionals
    These users often use Illustrator for creating logos and branding materials for businesses. The software's professional methods for shaping and coloring forms make it ideal for this purpose

06 Illustrator Reviews

4,0/5

Illustrator rating

Leave a review
  • Russell Garcia

    Exploring Illustrator: A Worthwhile Investment

    I was thrilled to take advantage of the free trial offer for Illustrator! It gave me a chance to explore the software before making a commitment. Yes, there was a fee to cancel, but considering the high-quality features and capabilities of this application, I found it to be a worthwhile investment. I'm definitely looking forward to using this application again. What a dynamic company!

    September 28, 2024

  • Rebecca C

    Exploring Illustrator on an Old Mac: A Journey Towards System Upgrade

    I'm absolutely thrilled to be using Illustrator on my trusty 212 Mac! It's amazing how well it runs, even on older hardware. Over the Christmas period, I found out that Lightroom now requires the latest OSX. While initially, this seemed like a setback, it's actually a fantastic opportunity for me to explore upgrading my system. I've been considering investing in a new Mac for a while now, and this might just be the perfect reason to do so. Plus, the move to a subscription-only service is a brilliant idea! It ensures I always have the latest updates and features at my fingertips. I'm really looking forward to continuing my photo editing journey with Lightroom!

    September 22, 2024

  • Henry N

    Highly Recommended: Adobe Illustrator for Graphic Design Professionals

    Overall, I would highly recommend Adobe Illustrator to any professional in the field of graphic design.

    September 14, 2024

  • Joshua

    Staying Loyal to Adobe: A Long-Term User's Perspective on the Creative Cloud Subscription

    I've been a loyal user of Photoshop for over two decades, even before Adobe acquired Macromedia. Photoshop has always been my go-to tool, and I was a proud owner of Photoshop CS6. When Adobe decided to discontinue updates for CS6 and introduced the Creative Cloud on a subscription basis, I was intrigued and decided to give it a shot in 221. Due to some health issues and time constraints, I thought about cancelling my subscription. To my surprise, I discovered there was an 'early cancellation fee'. However, after 41 months of consistent payments, I realized that I was part of a well-structured payment plan for a product that I had grown to love and use extensively. Upon reading the early cancellation policy, it became clear to me that it was designed to ensure the sustainability of the product and the company. I've been a fan of Adobe's products for a long time, and this experience has only deepened my appreciation for the company and its innovative sales practices. In this day and age, there are numerous alternatives available, some even free. But I would urge everyone to do their research before committing to any product. In my experience, the quality, reliability, and extensive features offered by Adobe's products are well worth the investment. I'm excited to continue my journey with Adobe and look forward to what they have in store for us in the future!

    September 7, 2024

  • Emily Davis

    Simplicity at its Best!

    I use this application weekly and find it extremely user-friendly! I think there are still many features I haven't explored yet. There appear to be numerous shortcut keys, which isn't a problem, just a lot to remember.

    August 31, 2024

  • Ann R

    Appreciating Adobe's Unique Pricing and Customer-Friendly Services

    I absolutely adore the unique pricing schemes for their services. When I decided to modify my Adobe Stock subscription, I was pleasantly surprised to find that I only had to pay 5% of the remaining months' (year's) fee, which essentially encouraged me to continue enjoying their service to get the most out of my investment. This was all for a service that generously provided 1 stock images a month, and I found it thrilling that I had a fresh new set of images each month, keeping things exciting and dynamic. I find this practice innovative and extremely customer-friendly. As soon as the year ended, I eagerly renewed my subscription and I am looking forward to continuing to use their stock services.

    August 27, 2024

  • Garrison G

    Essential Asset for Every Designer: Illustrator

    In my view, Illustrator is a superb tool for any designer. It's relatively beginner-friendly, allowing for gradual skill improvement. I've been using Illustrator for years and I'm constantly learning new methods! It's overall amazing, providing endless possibilities and ongoing learning chances. For me, it's highly intuitive and my top pick from the Adobe suite. I believe nothing else truly matches it. However, its vast capabilities can sometimes make it complicated. It also occasionally crashes without any clear reason.

    August 20, 2024

  • Alexander

    Exemplary Customer Service Experience with Illustrator

    I recently had an experience with Illustrator that really showcased their customer service. A few days before my contract was due for renewal, I decided to cancel it. To my surprise, I received an email stating my account was suspended. I reached out to their team for clarification and they were quick to respond, assuring me they could cancel my account as per my request. It was a relief to know that even if my credit card hadn't expired, they wouldn't have charged me again due to my cancellation. Their business practices really show their commitment to customer satisfaction. It's made me wonder if there are any national agencies I could recommend them to!

    August 12, 2024

  • James D

    Apple's Core: Unleashing Creativity with Illustrator

    I use Illustrator to create logos for myself and my clients, as well as various types of art. This beautifully designed software offers a range of features and applications. Whether I'm designing, animating, or just pursuing a hobby, I can create any graphic and paint as realistically as with a real brush. Illustrator is essential for any serious designer like me. It can be a bit challenging to master, but the learning process is fun and rewarding in many ways. There are some bugs and system errors, but overall, it's great. I chose Adobe Illustrator because it's very professional and well put together. I switched to Adobe Illustrator because its functions were significantly better.

    August 5, 2024

  • Virginia G

    Seamless Integration and Layered Workflow in Adobe

    The integration with other Adobe products like Photoshop and InDesign is seamless, which greatly enhances my workflow. The ability to work in layers is a game changer, allowing me to experiment with different elements without affecting the entire design

    July 29, 2024

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