Adobe Illustrator Review
Updated October 27, 2020

Adobe Illustrator Review

Chris Hecox | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User

Overall Satisfaction with Adobe Illustrator CC

I use Illustrator almost every day. I am primarily an animator, but many of the project files I am sent are Illustrator files or can be easily manipulated within Illustrator. It allows me to work with files and prepare them for animation, as well as creating new art files when needed.

Pros

  • Illustrator has tons of options for creation. I feel confident in saying that if you can dream up any sort of 2d design, it can be recreated within Illustrator.
  • Illustrator can handle .pdf files and other types of image files. I find this helpful when I'm working on a number of different file types, so compatibility isn't usually an issue for me with Illustrator.
  • Illustrator has many tools that are easy to use once you've learned some basic understanding of how they can be used. The software is incredibly complex and offers many ways to accomplish whatever design tasks you are interested in.
  • Illustrator offers pretty good compatibility between itself and other Adobe programs, so I've found that to be a great thing when working within the Adobe Suite.

Cons

  • It feels as if Adobe products are all created individually, and as if all of the developers work in different parts of the world. Even though there are great advantages to using these applications in tandem. They don't share keyboard shortcuts, and there are other things that work one way in one program, but work differently in Illustrator.
  • Illustrator is complex and has an incredibly steep learning curve. I've been using it for the last 6 years or so, and I feel I've only scratched the surface. Adobe does an OK job of providing tutorials, but you have to look for them online, and even then, you might find better tutorials on YouTube.
  • I pay for the Creative Suite monthly, and it's great for me, but I also am in the hole for subscribing monthly. It's a boon and a curse.
  • Illustrator is super necessary for my line of work, so for me, it's essential and helps me become a better professional.
Don't let the rating fool you. Illustrator is incredibly usable, but it's not new-user-friendly. You are going to need to spend a long time being tutored or teaching yourself this program. It's excellent once you learn the ins and outs, but it's a long, long road to get there.
Adobe does an OK job of providing online tutorials for using different tools within Illustrator, but honestly, you'll find better or just as good tutorials elsewhere.
I use the Adobe Suite in tandem with one another. They are all useful in their own ways.
Illustrator is great when you need to design 2d pieces, especially if you are animating or printing.

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