Adobe Illustrator CC

Popular programs in Graphics Editors

What is Adobe Illustrator CC

Adobe Illustrator, one of Adobe's many software offerings, is designed to allow users the ability to create any type of design, artwork or illustration that they can imagine by utilizing the tools within the vector drawing application. Here's a look at everything you need to know about this software.

Features

There are a myriad of features that are included with the Adobe Illustrator software. For one, you will find that the software comes with a wide range of drawing and color processing tools, filters, gradient effects and brushes, among other tools. The graphics have also been touched up quite a bit since the previous iteration and are more comprehensive than before. One of the most touted features by Adobe is the ability to work on 100 artboards at once. Those who have never used a vector drawing tool before may find themselves lost at how to operate much of the available tools. With so many features included within the software, the numerous icons can create some confusion, though Adobe has attempted to alleviate much of this problem by providing a number of templates from which users can learn about many of the tools contained within the program.

Also, due to the software now being completely formed with Adobe's Creative Cloud, users are able to access a number of other software applications directly from the Adobe Illustrator interface, including that of Photoshop. Users will also find that they can now create comprehensive tiled vector patterns, use gradients with strokes and utilize the easy-to-use Image Trace that was brought about through the creation of an all-new tracing engine. As for other aspects of this software that you should be aware of, the download size is 1.3GB and the price is just over $33. The software is compatible with Windows 8, as well as a number of past windows operating systems. Overall, you will find that there are a large number of tools to tinker around with to create the perfect design or illustration.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• The software is fully documented.
• There are a wide range of new and exciting tools to implement in your designs and artistic creations.
• There are a variety of templates to choose from.
• The graphics have been vastly improved.
• The ability to work on 100 artboards at once is highly useful, particularly for those that work best when multitasking.
• Is now a part of Adobe's Creative Cloud.
• The vector design options are numerous.

Cons

• It may be a bit too difficult to pick up and learn for beginners.
• Many of the best features are difficult to locate and implement.
• The menus are cluttered at times.
• Due to the somewhat difficult learning curve, the 30-day free trial may be too short to make a decision about whether or not the product is right for you.
• The price can be too expensive for those on a budget.