Adobe introduced Illustrator 2019 as part of its Creative Cloud suite, making vector design faster and easier. With smarter automation, improved precision tools, and better performance, the official version of Illustrator 2019 helps you take your creative projects to the next level.
Before upgrading to this version of Illustrator, my go-to tool for crafting logos and illustrations was Illustrator CC 2017. While it worked fine, tools like the Gradient Mesh and Pen Tool were tricky to use for detailed designs. Moreover, working on large files with multiple artboards frequently led to performance issues, which disrupted my workflow and decreased productivity.
✔️ Freeform Gradient Tool. A fresh Freeform Gradient tool allows the creation of complex gradients without trouble. This feature makes it easy to add depth and realism to vector art, whether for simple designs or detailed illustrations.
✔️ Global editing. This feature lets you edit repeating elements on multiple artboards at once. It's been a game-changer for branding projects where consistency is important.
✔️ Customizable toolbar. Customizing the toolbar lets me work faster by tailoring it to the project. It's especially useful when switching between text-based designs and illustrations.
✔️ Improved performance. Illustrator 2019 is much faster. Zooming in on high-res graphics and exporting files feels smooth, even with complex projects.
❌ Steep learning curve. Tools like the Pen Tool and Gradient Mesh are powerful but can be tricky to learn without a good understanding of vector design and lots of practice. Many beginners need tutorials or online courses to get the hang of them, which takes time, especially for those who need quick results or are used to simpler design tools.
❌ Dependency on Internet access. Features like cloud syncing and updates need a good internet connection, which can be a problem for users who work offline or have limited access to the web. Also, if the subscription ends, you lose access to the software and can't open or edit your projects until you renew it.
❌ Availability of pirated versions: They are easy to find online, but they can be risky. They might have security problems and won’t get updates. It’s safer and better to use the official tool to avoid these issues and support the developers.
After trying out Illustrator 2019, I’ve found a few areas that could be improved to make it easier and smoother to use. While this version also offers great new features, fixing these issues could make Illustrator even better.
If Illustrator 2019 is too expensive, check these Illustrator alternatives that offer amazing capabilities for vector design without without the high price tag.
Inkscape is a free, open-source tool for creating vector graphics. It's great for things like logo design, technical drawings, and simple vector art. With features like path editing and node tools, it’s a good choice for both beginners and professionals.
Although Krita is mainly a program for digital painting, it also has vector tools for shapes and text. It’s a good option if you want both freehand drawing and some vector features, though it’s not as precise as Illustrator.
Vectr is a lightweight and free graphic design software. Its simple interface makes it beginner-friendly and ideal for creating social media graphics or simple infographics. However, it’s not built for detailed, precision-heavy vector projects.
For creating diagrams and flowcharts instead of traditional vector art, Draw io is an excellent choice. This free, web-based tool specializes in structured design and offers features like SVG export. With seamless Google Drive integration, it’s ideal for collaboration and teamwork.
Perfect for creating logos, DesignEvo is a free vector graphics software that offers multiple templates and simple editing functions. It is ideal for newcomers or anyone seeking swift results, as it doesn’t have a steep learning curve and is simple to use. That said, its functionality is more focused and doesn’t match the versatility of comprehensive vector design software.
