Adobe Illustrator review

Adobe Illustrator remains the reference vector editor, and its main advantage is that the .ai format and Creative Cloud workflow are what many agencies, printers and clients expect. Adobe's help center documents a long list of recent additions: Text to Vector Graphic now lets you pick Firefly Vector 3 or Vector 4 models, Generative Shape Fill can call partner models such as GPT Image 4o and Gemini 2.5, and all generative tools sit behind a single Generative AI button in the toolbar. Image Trace converts raster images to vectors, and Creative Cloud Libraries share colors, graphics and type across Adobe apps. Illustrator runs on desktop, tablet and web, and the desktop version asks for 8 GB of RAM with 16 GB recommended. The cost side is the drawback: Illustrator is sold only as a subscription, generative features use credits, and Adobe's pricing page did not load from our location, so we list the price as pending rather than guess.

Who it is for

professionals who exchange files inside Adobe Creative Cloud

Price

Subscription through Creative Cloud (USD check pending).

US price check pending. See the vendor pricing page.

Key features

• Text to Vector Graphic with Firefly Vector 3 and Vector 4 models
• Generative Shape Fill, including GPT Image 4o and Gemini 2.5 partner models
• Image Trace to vectorize raster images
• Creative Cloud Libraries shared across Adobe apps
• Versions for desktop, tablet and web

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Native .ai format that most print shops and agencies expect
• Strength: Generative AI tools sit in a central Generative AI button in the toolbar
• Strength: Generative credit balance is visible from the Application Bar
• Weakness: Subscription only; no one-time license
• Weakness: USD pricing could not be verified from our location
• Weakness: Generative features draw down generative credits

Key facts

• Platforms: Windows, macOS, iPad, web
• RAM (desktop): 8 GB minimum, 16 GB recommended
• Generative AI: Firefly Text to Vector Graphic
• Pricing: Creative Cloud subscription

Where it ranks

Adobe Illustrator is No. 3 in our Best Vector Graphics Software verdict.