Corel Painter vs Illustrator: Which Software to Choose

Extensive brush control. Brushes are categorized in alphabetical order, so finding the needed one is very easy. Besides, the program has handy filters for brush search. Opening the brush library, you’ll see the ‘like’ button for creating the selection of your favorite brushes. The brush size library provides you with access to the sizes that you need most often. This feature optimizes and accelerates the image painting workflow.

For example, by choosing a ‘watercolor compatible’ filter, you see all the brushes that meet these criteria. The program allows customizing dry media brushes with wet textures right on watercolor layers.

Smart stroke technology. While comparing Corel Painter vs Illustrator, I was really impressed with this feature. It is even more intuitive than a similar option offered by Photoshop. You only need to open the brush property bar and press the Straight Line Strokes. Choose the needed brush and draw straight lines using it. This technology will come in handy if your project involves drawing many architectural constructions when illustrating an urban area.

A grid tool for creating 3D pictures and scenes. Using a perspective grid tool, you can change the horizon level and customize grids. The grid is very convenient and easy to use. Artists can use this tool to paint 3D images without creating their own guidelines.

Convenient color selection. By moving your mouse cursor over the color palette, you will open a full-color wheel to check the brightness and saturation values. That is to say, the color wheel is unified throughout the application.

To select appropriate colors, you can use a color picking method, as well as other helpful options. The color selection can be divided to showcase the current, as well as preceding colors.

Intuitive UI. As Adobe products become reference programs in specific niches, the developers do everything possible to make them easy to use. Illustration is no exception. It has editing tools on the left, and the helpful panels are on the right of the interface. It also contains an upper panel with settings.

The first time you open the program, it may seem complicated, but once you master the tools, you will realize that everything is designed for quick and trouble-free work. It provides quick access to all options and allows handling common tasks with ease.

Scalable artworks. Illustrator uses mathematic equations rather than stored pixels to create fully scalable graphics. Vector graphics aren’t made up of a grid of pixels but of paths. So, even if you need to enlarge an Illustrator image, you can be sure that its quality won’t degrade. So. Creating excellent logos and banners is a breeze.

Rich format support. Adobe Illustrator can manage the most popular formats. Besides, it can handle numerous designs at once. In such a way, artists can quickly export images in different formats and share them with their customers or team.

Image tracing tools. Those who frequently use image tracing tools, should opt for this program in the Corel Painter vs Illustrator battle. With their help, you can transform hand-drawn artworks into scalable vector graphics, process and digitize illustrations made in black ink. There are several functions for tracing, from a black and white version to tracing in the style of a high-fidelity photograph, where all shades are conveyed in separate strokes and objects. Thus, you can edit the smallest details, enjoying full manual control.

Many ready-made materials. Another advantage of Adobe Illustrator is that it offers a vast selection of ready-to-use materials, plugins, textures, and other handy features for producing stunning designs. You can import third-party brushes and free fonts for Adobe Illustrator. Due to the popularity of the program, new materials are added on a regular basis, so you can find everything you need for your work.