Adobe Illustrator Reviews

“creatively empowering but a bit tough for beginners

Pros

What's really fantastic is how this system empowers us creatively..... the tools for designing our own icons, logos and graphics are genuinely powerful offering a level of depth and control you don't always find without professional software yet it remains surprisingly simple. On top of that the more routine tasks are wonderfully organized. Changing out pictures, resizing them for different platforms or adding our own branding touches is such a simple process that it removes all the usual friction and lets us focus on the visual story we want to tell rather than getting bogged down in complicated editing.

Cons

For beginners the program is quite difficult to learn and it is tough to locate clear, helpful guides that explain all the various functions and instruments available.

“Has precision and power

Pros

For any kind of vector project nothing beats the accuracy and command I get with Illustrator. Logos, icons or illustrations that need to scale up stay perfectly crisp. Plus the layout feels like home, the tools are responsive and it fits right in with my other Adobe applications.

Cons

The one downside is how much it strains my computers power. When working on larger projects it can start to lag or take a long time to save files which is especially noticeable on a laptop.

“easy to pick up and start using

Pros

Picking up Adobe Illustrator was no trouble at all. Since 2020 it's been my tool for crafting logos social media content and marketing materials for various companies.

Cons

Umm the newest version of Adobe Illustrator is causing my laptop to freeze and is using up a huge amount of memory which makes my computer run very slow.

“Creative AI magic in a power-hungry package

Pros

My absolute favorite feature is Recolor Artwork. I can either pick new colors by hand or use the eyedropper to apply a whole new color scheme. The AI that generates vectors is awesome too especially when combined with recoloring. All the different effects, gradients and alignment tools are super helpful. I also rely on setting up my own workspace layouts and using the 3D effects on icons.

Cons

You really need a top of the line laptop to run this software. As an average laptop freezes up when you apply lots of effects. Also the pink guide lines for aligning objects only show up when you are dragging things with the mouse. I feel like if those same guides appeared while using the arrow keys lining things up would be much quicker.

“takes you on a learning adventure

Pros

Everyone gets every single new update and feature the second it comes out. Another great thing is that you are allowed to install and use the Creative Cloud apps on two separate computers.

Cons

Getting the hang of the software takes a significant amount of time and effort. Its ability to work with standard photo files is also quite limited. Some users also face problems with getting exact measurements and placements. On top of that the high price and the extra time it takes to finish projects are two big drawbacks.

“unmatched detail for dedicated designers

Pros

The toolkit for building professional visuals is extremely thorough. The level of detail we can achieve is also outstanding and the quality of the final result is simply the best.

Cons

Its interface can be complicated for new users and the frequent updates can interrupt your work rhythm. It genuinely requires a real learning period.

“the gold standard for scalable graphics

Pros

What really stands out is the pinpoint accuracy and adaptability when making complex graphics that need to be resized. Plus it is the perfect choice for putting together scientific charts, diagrams, posters and illustrations that are ready for professional publishing.

Cons

The program can start to run slowly when you are handling complex documents or if you are using a computer that is not very powerful. Also the monthly or yearly fee is somewhat pricey.

“offers total creative freedom

Pros

With InDesign I had a lot of freedom when putting together complicated documents. What I enjoyed most was how it handled text and object styles. Plus the huge range of font controls and how well it worked with other Adobe programs like Photoshop and Illustrator is what makes it even more special.

Cons

Learning the software took a lot of time particularly at the start. The ongoing cost for the subscription felt quite high too and keep in mind that you need a powerful computer to prevent performance issues.

“the complete vector design solution

Pros

In my opinion this is a really well-rounded program for vector work. It covers all the bases, is user-friendly and opens up a world of creative opportunities.

Cons

It would be better if it included more basic photo-editing choices so we could also work with pixel-based images and make adjustments to pictures.

“Handles any task you throw at it

Pros

This software is absolutely incredible. It is part of my daily work routine and can handle any task I throw at it to get the job done. A feature I find super helpful is how it opens both DXF and DWG files which makes swapping projects with CAD programs really easy. Plus being able to import any picture and draw new lines right over the top of it is another big plus.

Cons

Let me tell you that it is not the most basic too and getting used to it takes a bit of effort. Plus I'd prefer if the drawing tools felt more like other 2D CAD programs but it still gets the job done. Making custom shapes with rounded corners and line segments is also tricky though it's possible with patience.

“professional tools feel surprisingly simple

Pros

Even with all its professional-level tools it ends up feeling pretty simple after you learn the basics. Plus it is excellent for creating sleek, polished graphics and the color adjustment features give us much finer control over the look. Moving our work over to other Adobe applications is also a completely smooth experience.

Cons

Learning it is not that simple honestly. Just because you are skilled in Photoshop does not make Illustrator a simple tool to use as it's really unique. Aside from that I do not have any major complaints.

“perfect for raising quality standards

Pros

For our companys graphic design needs this program is an ideal fit! We operate in a field that is not known for visual creativity so using Illustrator has been a great way for us to raise the standard for quality in our local market. Plus the cost compared to what you get is especially appealing.

Cons

This is absolutely a challenging program to master. Often creating any kind of graphic can take much longer than you'd think because of how complex the software is.

“powerful and surprisingly easy to master

Pros

Illustrator is a huge program that can feel overwhelming at the start but you get comfortable with it surprisingly fast. There are so many functions that I know I have not even found them all. And they keep adding the latest and greatest new features through updates.

Cons

It took me a decent amount of time to get comfortable with it since it works so differently from Photoshop. However in many aspects I actually find it easier. For instance moving objects around on the artboards or even outside of them is very simple.

“Graphics stay sharp forever

Pros

It is a top-tier tool for graphic design because it is so good at making vectors. Your designs can be scaled up or down forever without losing any sharpness and I like that it comes with a massive toolkit for creating.

Cons

Your computer needs to have plenty of RAM to run this properly. As big or complicated files can cause performance issues like slowdowns or crashes which really disrupts your work. Plus the high cost is another significant downside that I noticed.

“top-tier tool for logo design

Pros

This is a really excellent application for any vector-based project. So I'd absolutely suggest it for things like logo design. Those are the areas where I felt it performed the best during my time using it.

Cons

It demands a lot from your computer like lots of RAM, a fast processor and a good graphics card. Getting the hang of it also took me longer than with other programs I have used.

“ten years of sharp, reliable visuals

Pros

For more than ten years now I have relied on this software without a single problem. The program is quite easy to understand as you go and it's been my essential tool for producing sharp, attention-grabbing visuals.

Cons

A downside is that I cannot animate even simple graphics within the program itself as you have to export your work to different software for that.

“Simple to learn & includes AI tools

Pros

The number one thing about Adobe Illustrator is how simple it is to learn and put to use and now it includes AI tools too. Ever since 2019 I have loved using it to make all sorts of things from social media graphics and logos to YouTube thumbnails.

Cons

It takes up a huge amount of space on my laptop and often runs very slowly which means making things like social media posts and logos takes much longer than it should.

“Combines vectors and photos smoothly

Pros

What's great is the freedom to combine vector artwork and photo editing in one organized workspace. Plus the fast start-up times and the different ways you can set up multiple artboards are specific things I really enjoy.

Cons

There is a pretty significant learning period and I still have not fully gotten the hang of some of the essential drawing tools which are the whole point of the software.

“Flexible tool for any design work

Pros

This is a remarkably flexible tool for any kind of design work. It packs in all the features required to build awesome website layouts as well as stunning images and artwork.

Cons

The learning curve is unbelievably steep. So staying current with all its features and keeping our skills polished feels almost like having a second full-time job.

“the professional standard for digital art

Pros

What's great is that this software is considered the main tool professionals use for digital art and design. My work mostly involves creating logos and content and I find myself using tools like Image Trace on a daily basis because they are so helpful.

Cons

Getting proficient with it requires a massive amount of effort. Even after using it for over five years I am still discovering new features and learning how to do certain tasks.

“Ideal for high-end business graphics

Pros

This is the ideal choice for creating high-end graphics and icons for business slide decks, brand identity projects and custom merchandise like promotional gifts.

Cons

You really need to put in a good chunk of time to learn how to use this program. While there are lots of detailed tutorials from Adobe and other creators on YouTube it is not software you can just open and start using right away.

“Amazing AI for all design work

Pros

It is an amazing product for all kinds of creation and design work. The artificial intelligence features are really impressive too and I like that it connects and works perfectly with Photoshop and InDesign.

Cons

One thing I noticed is that it does not manage computer memory very efficiently. It would also be helpful if there were more shared keyboard shortcuts and tools between Illustrator and Photoshop.

“Incredibly accurate for polished designs

Pros

This is a highly professional application that offers incredible accuracy for making neat, polished designs. The pen tool is my personal favorite though it has a learning curve but once you master it, it is an extremely strong feature.

Cons

The program is very heavy-duty, takes a while to start up and is not very beginner-friendly. I mean it requires a significant time investment to learn and the cost is also on the higher side.

“Reliable and clear vector graphics

Pros

You can always count on Adobe Illustrator and since it is so common, it works flawlessly with other programs and different file formats. And because everything is built with vectors your artwork stays perfectly clear no matter how big or small you make it. You have complete command over the creative process.

Cons

You might run into occasional glitches or crashes but most of the time it runs smoothly. The other thing to note is that it is only available through a paid subscription.

“excellent for colors and sharp lines

Pros

A big benefit is being able to work with lots of artboards and save countless color samples. It was also really effective for creating smooth, sharp curves and lines.

Cons

The monthly fee is pretty steep. And large files make it run incredibly slowly which really interrupts my work on Zoom calls. So yes those are the parts I like least.

“A comprehensive daily toolkit

Pros

I must say it is an incredibly comprehensive vector toolkit, with precise drawing instruments, support for multiple layers and artboards, smooth integration with other Adobe products and keyboard shortcuts that save a huge amount of time every day.

Cons

It takes a good while to memorize all the advanced commands. The monthly subscription also stings a bit for a small company like ours.

“Simple tools that always getting better

Pros

What I like most is how simple it is to use. Plus the way the tools are always being built and made better is amazing and now getting to learn how to use the new smart computer helper is something I am enjoying.

Cons

Some of the newer tools can be a little difficult to figure out or get comfortable with. And yes the AI features work but like anything, they are not flawless.

“effortless workflow for vector design

Pros

The layout makes sense right away and there are so many functions built just for vector design that the whole creative workflow feels quick and effortless.

Cons

It could be easier to work with regular image files like JPEGs. Plus the tool that converts them to vectors does not always get the details right which annoys me.

“Great for combining and editing images

Pros

I really like how you can put images together with simple click-and-drag actions plus all the editing capabilities available.

Cons

The software can get really slow down by things like very large files or certain preview settings but overall I would say it is okay.

“perfect for large-scale printing jobs

Pros

The vector features and the pre-set options for printing are incredibly thorough. This means designs for banners and large signs will be perfectly prepared and match up correctly when they are sent to the printer.

Cons

It does not run properly on older computers. Like if I try to work on large, detailed projects everything slows to a crawl which can really delay getting work finished.

“AI automates time-consuming tasks

Pros

Adobe Illustrator new artificial intelligence features have completely automated several time-consuming tasks of mine. It also has a great collection of fonts and CAD files and the overall look of the program is really nice.

Cons

New users and people switching from different programs will surely take some time to learn it. And I think cost is another factor people avoid it at times.

“Impossible to learn, no help available

Pros

The completed projects I have seen from other people who use this software for their design work were very cool and made a strong impression on me.

Cons

I just could not figure out how to use the product. I looked up tutorial videos on YouTube but none of them made it any clearer for me.

“provide total creative freedom and control

Pros

Well the amount of detail and control available is unbelievable to me. It offers creators complete liberty to make what they want and since it connects so perfectly with other Adobe apps moving between them feels smooth and integrated.

Cons

The cost can be a real barrier particularly for independent workers or small studios. Also even though it is amazingly capable some of the more complex features can seem a bit daunting when you are new.

“integrates smoothly

Pros

Illustrator is a wonderful application that lets you smoothly move projects to other Adobe programs. I have used it for numerous jobs making stunning visuals both by starting fresh and by editing existing files.

Cons

It is really challenging to use at first but over time you'll gradually get the hang of it.

“the top tool for graphic design

Pros

When it comes to graphic design I would say this is the number one application out there. It is packed with high-end features perfect for logo creation and converting images into vectors.

Cons

As a beginner I am finding the learning process quite steep even with the many tutorial guides that exist.

“Outstanding for desktop publishing

Pros

This is outstanding software for desktop publishing, ideal for both creative projects and touching up photos.

Cons

I have no criticisms as it is an absolutely brilliant piece of design software.

“AI and custom fonts are brilliant

Pros

The most recent version that includes AI tools is brilliant. I am also a big fan of the rewrite feature for designing custom typefaces and lettering.

Cons

Recolor Artwork tool performs poorly with subtle shades of black, white and gray. Also I come to conclusion that the entire program is not really well-suited for fashion design work. And having a built-in Pantone color library is extremely important.

“Interface zooms to fit your project

Pros

It is a great feature how the interface automatically zooms in or out to fit our projects size which really helps speed up our work.

Cons

I do not like that the keyboard shortcuts are not the same as the ones in Photoshop.

“powerful enough to build anything

Pros

You can build pretty much anything you can dream up. It is a seriously powerful piece of software.

Cons

I have a hard time getting good with the pen tool for drawing my own shapes. I wish it was simpler. My current process involves making basic shapes and then combining them with the pathfinder tool. So it would be great if there were more guided tutorials that came with sample images to practice on.

“powerful vector editing but complex for newcomers

Pros

There are so many ways to edit and adjust vector graphics here. The choices for creating gradients are outstanding too. Plus converting images to vectors is a vital feature and turning strokes into shapes is just as important.

Cons

This is not my main program and I find it confusing and more complicated than it needs to be. I am sure it's because it has so many high-level features but I am used to software that feels natural, especially since I know InDesign inside out. Also it is frustrating that even similar tools work differently or have different names here. And it bothers me that it does not work more smoothly with InDesign. Even I do not like the limited options for arranging pages and how much more time-consuming it is to use. Maybe it's because I am not an illustrator by trade.

“the top expert choice for logos

Pros

With Adobe Illustrator's strong tools for vector design, you can make excellent, high-resolution graphics that stay perfectly sharp at any size. Now I know why it is the top choice for experts in the field who focus on logos, artwork and custom lettering.

Cons

The program can be pretty complicated for someone just starting out needing a serious time investment to learn. It also uses a lot of your computers power and can make older machines run very slowly.

“Well-organized for big projects

Pros

The layer setup and collection of tools are really well organized making them highly effective for tackling big, involved projects.

Cons

I feel like the drag and drop feature could be made simpler to use.

“A truly useful and reliable tool

Pros

This has been a really useful and reliable tool for me to make all sorts of things like drawings, brand logos and much more.

Cons

There is not anything major that I dislike about this tool.

“An all-in-one creative studio

Pros

Best part is that it is like an all in one studio. You can retouch photos, work on text layouts and model 3D objects. Tools like the smoothing brush and the pen tool are part of my everyday workflow. The perspective grid is also a big help for visualizing depth and all the tiny adjustments you can make to each tool really boost the final quality.

Cons

I noticed a few glitches that pop up when you try to save your work which can be irritating.

“leading choice for digital art

Pros

Adobe Illustrator has been my program for years and it remains one of the leading software choices for vector design. It runs smoothly even with massive files and with some basic know-how, you can easily design characters, logos, backgrounds, full environments and any other digital art.

Cons

Let me tell you that you need some prior knowledge to use it effectively. The price is also a bit on the high side.

“the graphic artist's fav tool

Pros

Throughout my long career as a graphic artist Illustrator has been my main program. It was always enjoyable to use for making artwork destined for print. Managing the layers and using the toolbox was quite easy too and it also came with a good library of fonts and color palettes.

Cons

It definitely required more time to learn because of the sheer number of things it can do. Mastering all its functions takes a while too but once you do it is fairly basic. However it can start to lag if your computer is older or if you have too many other applications running at the same time.

“A great partner for professional design

Pros

It is a great resource for putting together professional-level designs. It feels like a helpful partner that supports my daily tasks.

Cons

You really need to take a training course to understand how to use it properly. And keep in mind that it is built for professional designers, not for casual, instinctive use.

“Fantastic for sharp clean edges

Pros

Adobe Illustrator is amazing because it allows me to make pictures with super sharp, clean edges and the drawing tool is absolutely fantastic.

Cons

At first it feels very complicated and getting good at it does not happen quickly.

“Massive toolkit and very much approachable

Pros

What's great is how Illustrator packs in a massive set of tools and functions yet still manages to be incredibly approachable and easy to use.

Cons

There are times when it really slows my computer down and the requirement to pay a monthly fee is somewhat annoying.

“Amazing for tracing and labeling pictures

Pros

This is an amazing product that is really skilled at tracing over pictures and adding notes or labels to them.

Cons

Figuring out how the layers work and are organized gets pretty confusing for me a times.