Adobe Illustrator CS5 Portable (Free Download)

By Ann Young 24 days ago, Photo Editing Tips

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adobe illustrator cs5 box

As I do not have a lot of experience as an illustrator, I am still on a tight budget and use my old Mac when working on my projects. This is why it’s important for me to use only official software to avoid breaking the law. Even though some users consider downloading the Adobe Illustrator CS5 portable version, this step poses a danger.

Portable programs may come with viruses and malware, which may affect a computer’s performance. Besides, utilizing pirated software is against the law and can result in a hefty fine or a criminal case.

System Requirements

Operating System: Windows XP with Service Pack 3 or Windows 7 with Service Pack 1
CPU: Intel Pentium 4 or AMD Athlon 64 processor
RAM: 1 GB
Storage: 2 GB
Other: 1024x768 display (1280x800 recommended) with 16-bit video card

There are plenty of reasons to use the licensed version of Adobe Illustrator. Even though it might be too expensive for some users, it is important to invest in reliable tools that will help me complete my projects in time.

If you are still in doubt and do not know whether it is worth spending money on this software, you can use a 7-day Illustrator free trial, which will allow you to test out its features.

If you create an account at Adobe Creative Cloud free of charge, you will get access to regular updates of Illustrator CS5 software. Your issues will be solved by a customer support team. I like this program as it allows me to create artworks, illustrations, cartoons, and comics. Since I want to become a professional vector graphics designer and improve my drawing skills, the official version of Adobe Illustrator CS5 is exactly what I need.

Adobe Illustrator CS5 Versions:

Adobe Illustrator CS5 (Latest Version for Windows)

File name:

Illustrator_CS5_Set-Up.exe (download)

File size:

1.7GB

Adobe Illustrator CS5 (Latest Version for Mac)

File name:

Illustrator_CS5_Set-Up.dmg (download)

File size:

1.8GB

Adobe Illustrator CS5 (Windows XP Version)

File name:

AdobeIllustrator_CS5_Set-Up.exe (download)

File size:

1.5GB

Adobe Illustrator CS5 (Windows XP Service Pack 3 Version)

File name:

Illustrator_CS5_Set-Up.exe (download)

File size:

1.5GB

Adobe Illustrator CS5 (Windows 7 Version)

File name:

Illustrator_CS5_Set-Up.exe (download)

File size:

1.8GB

Adobe Illustrator CS5 (Windows 7 Service Pack 1 Version)

File name:

AdobeIllustrator_CS5_Set-Up.exe (download)

File size:

1.9GB

Adobe Illustrator CS5 (Mac 10.5.8 Version)

File name:

Illustrator_CS5_Set-Up.dmg (download)

File size:

1.9GB

Adobe Illustrator CS5 (Mac 10.6 Version)

File name:

Illustrator_CS5_Set-Up.dmg (download)

File size:

2GB

Adobe Illustrator CS5 (Single App Plan)

File name:

Illustrator_CS5_Set-Up.exe (download)

File size:

2GB

Adobe Illustrator CS5 (All Apps Plan)

File name:

Illustrator_CS5_Set-Up.exe (download)

File size:

2GB

Adobe Illustrator CS5 Draw (iOS Version)

File name:

Illustrator_CS5_Set-Up.exe (download)

File size:

45KB

Adobe Illustrator CS5 Draw (Android)

File name:

Illustrator_CS5_Set-Up.exe (download)

File size:

45KB

Adobe Illustrator CS5 Features

adobe illustrator cs5 interface

Beautiful strokes

I could adjust the width and thickness of my brush strokes when using Adobe Illustrator CS5. As I am a beginner, it helped me customize the tools I work with and draw more visually appealing lines. Due to this, I can create basic logos or complex artworks with ease.

In addition, I can add arrowheads and adjust dashes along paths to improve the quality of my illustrations. Besides using in-built tools, I can also download free Illustrator brushes which allow me to give my projects a creative feel.

An extensive library of fonts

When using this software, I can add a lot of beautiful fonts to my illustrations to give them a professional feel and make them more attention-grabbing. Whether I need to create typography elements for a comic book cover or add text to a cartoon strip, I can use the in-built font library to try out different styles and ensure that my designs remain consistent.

After buying Illustrator, I was able to use its extensive collection of fonts and access the Adobe Fonts library available for Illustrator CS5 users.

Pro-level drawing tools

This free graphic design software delivers a powerful performance and comes with handy tools for creating vector graphics. Whether I need to create a sketch or polish my artwork to give it an immaculate feel, I can use this software to create professional-level artwork.

In addition, I can set anchor points, work with curves, create lines, and make shapes in Illustrator CS5.

Non-destructive drawing

When working on my designs and illustrations, it’s important for me to experiment with various creative solutions without worrying that it will affect my source image. Using layers in Adobe Illustrator CS5 lets me edit different details separately and organize them as I see fit.

Besides, I can hide the elements I do not need to use, or edit specific details. Layer editing enables me to enhance different areas of my pictures to create a well-balanced composition. However, if you opt for Adobe Illustrator portable CS5, you may not be able to access the full functionality of this software.

Convoluted UI

If you have never used Adobe Illustrator CS5 before, you might find it challenging to navigate. As a beginner user, I was slow to figure out how to use the available features. For instance, at first, I was unable to understand how to create a new layer.

I wasted a lot of time trying to find this option in the menu. This is why I started to think about using Adobe Illustrator alternatives as they are more intuitive.

Slow performance

When I need to use large files or apply a variety of effects in Adobe Illustrator CS5, my old laptop occasionally freezes as it’s not powerful enough. In such cases, I have to wait until it reacts. This hinders my workflow and causes a lot of frustration, as it becomes impossible for me to complete my tasks on time.

Even when I configure the settings in my OS, the program still fails to deliver a seamless performance. Besides, I had issues with uploading Illustrator icons. The upload process stopped halfway through.

Free Alternatives

If you think about installing Illustrator CS5 portable, perhaps, you haven’t heard about its free legal alternatives. I have compiled a list of the best tools to this portable version that might grab your interest.

1. Inkscape

inkscape adobe illustrator cs5 alternative logo
Pros
  • User-friendly
  • Supported by various platforms
  • Qualitative 2D-drawing
  • Free of charge
  • Open-source app
Cons
  • Out-of-date design
  • Sometimes causes lags

Inkscape is a unique-format free vector graphic software. If you do not have to risk using Illustrator portable CS5, you may opt for this software instead. All the functions are available via a clear and stable UI. It is an open-source, cross-platform editor that works smoothly on Mac, Windows, and Linux OS.

Moreover, each tool provides some useful information. Inkscape features scalable vector graphics which allows designers to successfully create banners, logos, and other media.

2. GIMP

gimp adobe illustrator cs5 alternative logo
Pros
  • Regular updates
  • Cross-platform
  • Flexible and customizable
  • Numerous features and tools
Cons
  • No color support 16 bits per channel

Although GIMP is a free app, it comes with professional tools and features. It is an open-source program that allows users to perform various image post-editing manipulations. Designers may also use its blank templates when working on their projects.

Among its features, you will find such basic ones as color adjustment, gradients, noise reduction, cropping, customizable brushes, and automatic tools for image improvements. If you need layer masks and filters, they are also here. Moreover, GIMP provides an animation package in case you lack any.

3. Gravit Designer

gravit designer adobe illustrator cs5 alternative logo
Pros
  • User-friendly interface
  • Decent PDF import and export
  • Unmatched precision in any unit
  • Particle simulation
Cons
  • Weak stylus support

You may install Gravit Designer on your computer or use its browser-based version. It is supported by almost all OS, like Chrome, Linux, macOS, and Windows. This application is suitable for various purposes, including processing graphics for marketing materials, websites, icons, UI design, presentations, etc.

This tool will help you change your workflow and your approach to image editing. It supports fast prototyping and responsive design with using styles, symbols, anchors, pages, and master pages. You may add multiple effects to the whole image or its parts. In total, Gravit Designer has 28 blending modes and 40 effects.

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