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Adobe Illustrator Changelog

What's new in Adobe Illustrator CC 2024 Build 28.4.1

Apr 1, 2024
  • Refine Text to Vector Graphic output generation:
  • Input reference styles along with text prompts to generate a more refined output.
  • Experience improved pan and zoom:
  • Experience pan and zoom up to 10 times faster.
  • Fixed issues:
  • Preferences get reset after Illustrator update
  • When an image with a color profile different from Illustrator color settings is placed by drag-and-drop, the color values of existing objects are changed.

New in Adobe Illustrator CC 2024 Build 28.3.0 (Feb 29, 2024)

  • Generate color with simple text prompts:
  • Explore endless color combinations. Use Generative Recolor to turn words and concepts into color palettes and apply them to your designs.
  • Identify and edit fonts in any image:
  • With Retype, you can quickly identify and edit any font in an image or outlined vector text. Detect the closest match from Adobe Fonts, swap in new type, and edit the text right in the image.
  • Make realistic mockups in one click:
  • Visualize what your designs will look like in real life with Mockup. Place your vector artwork on a blank product image and it will automatically adjust to corners and curves for realistic results.
  • Create and edit graphics online:
  • Make vector graphics, design with text, and more right in your browser with Illustrator on the web (beta). Open existing projects, upload files, and create totally new work.
  • Learn Illustrator right in the app:
  • Grow your skills with built-in tutorials, tool guides, and creative inspiration right at your fingertips.
  • Intertwine text and objects:
  • Loop, overlap, and weave design elements together with Intertwine to add unique depth to your work.

New in Adobe Illustrator CC 2024 Build 28.0.0 (Oct 11, 2023)

  • Create vectors using Text to Vector Graphic (beta):
  • Quickly generate editable vector graphics with simple text prompts using the power of generative AI.
  • Apply vector art to an image using Mockup (beta):
  • Add vector art to a 2D raster object, and the vector art auto-adjusts onto the object obeying its geometry.
  • Edit static text within images using Retype (beta):
  • Identify the fonts of static text used in raster images and outlined text to edit them as live text.
  • Simplify paths using the Smooth slider:
  • Control the smoothness of paths using a slider.
  • Create shareable links to PDF files using Share for review:
  • Create links to PDF files directly to solicit feedback.

New in Adobe Illustrator CC 2023 Build 27.9.0 (Sep 13, 2023)

  • Recolor vector artwork with ease using Generative Recolor: Quickly transform the colors in vector artwork with simple text prompts.
  • Accelerate creative workflows using Contextual Task Bar: Find the most relevant next actions directly on the canvas with one-click access.
  • Receive local fonts as suggestions when using Retype (Beta): Get matching fonts from the computer for the text within images and outlined text.

New in Adobe Illustrator CC 2023 Build 27.8.1 (Aug 9, 2023)

  • Gather feedback on specific artboards:
  • You have more control over how you solicit feedback on your artwork. You can now share an artboard or a range of artboards for review. Curate your artboards before you send the review link to the stakeholders. If you reorder or delete artboards later, you can easily update the review link.

New in Adobe Illustrator CC 2023 Build 27.8 (Aug 3, 2023)

  • Gather feedback on specific artboards:
  • Share individual artboards or a range of them for review and collect feedback.

New in Adobe Illustrator CC 2023 Build 27.7 (Jun 27, 2023)

  • Search and filter layers with more control:
  • You have more flexibility and control when you search for layers and objects in the Layers panel. You can use the new Guide filter to find guides-enabled objects, and also apply multiple filters at the same time.
  • Explore a user-friendly toolbar with enhanced accessibility:
  • The toolbar drawer (the list of tools you get when you select in the toolbar), is more accessible than ever before. As you navigate through the drawer, your screen reader can read the names of the tools for you.

New in Adobe Illustrator CC 2023 Build 27.6.1 (Jun 8, 2023)

  • Identify fonts in images and outlined text:
  • Retype (Beta) lets you identify the fonts used in raster images and outlined texts, without leaving any scope for guesswork. Next time you come across a font anywhere, take a photo and bring it to Illustrator, and let Retype (Beta) identify the font for you! Once you identify the font, apply it to text instantly and try it out in your design.
  • Use Image Trace with improved workflows:
  • You can now enjoy an improved image trace experience:
  • Get a redesigned Image Trace panel.
  • Image Trace can auto-detect the art type and apply the corresponding tracing preset for you.
  • Use Ignore Color to remove a color of your choice from the tracing result when you choose the Method as Abutting.
  • Use Simplify to reduce the number of anchor points in the tracing result when you choose the Method as Abutting.
  • Search and filter layers and objects with ease:
  • You can type in a layer or object name, or use the layer and object filters in the Layers panel to quickly locate specific layers and objects.
  • Export artwork as a WebP image for use in websites and apps:
  • You can now export your artwork as a WebP image. WebP images are smaller in file size compared to JPEG and PNG while maintaining high image quality, and hence are suitable for websites and mobile apps. Also, with WebP images, you have the flexibility of choosing between lossless and lossy compression as a trade-off between image quality and file size.
  • Retain hyperlinks in exported PDFs:
  • PDF files exported from Illustrator now retain the text and image hyperlinks that you set through the Attributes panel.
  • Retain last used PDF preset as the default:
  • Illustrator remembers the last preset used for saving PDF files and keeps it as the default preset.
  • Set a color model specifically for JPEG Export for Screens:
  • You don't have to change your document's color model just to export JPEG for screens. When you export JPEG for screens, you can set the color model as RGB, CMYK, or Grayscale regardless of the color model of the document. Illustrator retains the last color model used for export until you restart Illustrator.
  • Identify the HEX code of HSB and CMYK colors for accuracy:
  • You can identify the HEX code of HSB and CMYK colors in the Color and Swatches panels, helping you maintain color consistency and accuracy throughout your artwork.

New in Adobe Illustrator CC 2023 Build 27.6 (Jun 7, 2023)

  • Identify fonts in images and outlined text:
  • Retype (Beta) lets you identify the fonts used in raster images and outlined texts, eliminating the need for guesswork. Next time you come across a font anywhere, take a photo and bring it to Illustrator, and let Retype (Beta) identify the font for you! Once you identify the font, apply it to text instantly and try it out in your design.
  • Search and filter layers and objects with ease:
  • You can type in a layer or object name, or use the layer and object filters in the Layers panel to quickly locate specific layers and objects.
  • Export artwork as a WebP image for use in websites and apps:
  • You can now export your artwork as a WebP image. WebP images are smaller in file size compared to JPEG and PNG while maintaining high image quality, and hence are suitable for websites and mobile apps. Also, with WebP images, you have the flexibility of choosing between lossless and lossy compression as a trade-off between image quality and file size.
  • Retain hyperlinks in exported PDFs:
  • PDF files exported from Illustrator now retain the text and image hyperlinks that you set through the Attributes panel.
  • Retain last used PDF preset as the default:
  • Illustrator remembers the last preset used for saving PDF files and keeps it as the default preset.
  • Set a color model specifically for JPEG Export for Screens:
  • You don't have to change your document's color model just to export JPEG for screens. When you export JPEG for screens, you can set the color model as RGB, CMYK, or Grayscale regardless of the color model of the document. Illustrator remembers the last color model used for export until you restart Illustrator.
  • Identify the HEX code of HSB and CMYK colors for accuracy:
  • You can identify the HEX code of HSB and CMYK colors in the Color and Swatches panels, helping you maintain color consistency and accuracy throughout your artwork.
  • Use Image Trace with improved workflows:
  • You can now enjoy an improved image trace experience:
  • Get a redesigned Image Trace panel.
  • Image Trace can auto-detect the art type and apply the corresponding tracing preset for you.
  • Use Ignore Color to remove a color of your choice from the tracing result when you choose the Method as Abutting.
  • Use Simplify to reduce the number of anchor points in the tracing result when you choose the Method as Abutting.

New in Adobe Illustrator CC 2023 Build 27.5 (May 2, 2023)

  • Experience improved app performance:
  • You can now experience better performance with improved live edits and optimized rendering of snapping guides and annotations.

New in Adobe Illustrator CC 2023 Build 27.4 (Mar 23, 2023)

  • Share local or cloud document links with reviewers easily and gather feedback to improve your design.

New in Adobe Illustrator CC 2023 Build 27.3 (Feb 22, 2023)

  • Converting text objects with variable fonts and colored fonts to outlines string is shortened in the processing dialog as you save the Illustrator file
  • [macOS] In Preferences > Performance, the GPU performance option is disabled and displays GPU Performance requires a minimum of 1 GB VRAM message
  • Blending paths with width profiles display inaccurate result
  • Unknown error displays when opening or importing .dxf format archives
  • Incorrect Japanese translation of Arc Lower and Arc Upper options in Warp feature
  • Animated zoom does not work after using the Outline Preview
  • Unable to resize objects using the Selection tool
  • When using the Selection tool on a shape, the bounding box does not show boxes on the edges and corners
  • Inconsistent results on the screen when working on content in Trim View

New in Adobe Illustrator CC 2023 Build 27.2 (Jan 13, 2023)

  • This release includes stability fixes.

New in Adobe Illustrator CC 2023 Build 27.1 (Dec 6, 2022)

  • Taper and twist 3D objects:
  • You can taper and twist extruded, rotated, or inflated objects to enhance the 3D effects.
  • Enhancements to Image Trace:
  • Illustrator improves Image Trace in the following ways:
  • Auto-detects High Fidelity Photo, Low Fidelity Photo, Sketched Art, Line Art, and Logo art types and selects the corresponding preset for you.
  • Provides cleaner output for the Sketched Art preset.
  • Improves the output for small-sized images.
  • Preview color and opacity in real-time:
  • You can live preview color change, opacity change, and new swatch creation.
  • Convert bullets and numbering to editable text:
  • You can convert bullets and numbering to editable text.

New in Adobe Illustrator CC 2023 Build 27.0.1 (Nov 13, 2022)

  • All PNG images are turned into negatives after the document is saved and reopened
  • Next Generation Licensing (NGL) crashes
  • Double extensions are added to packaged PSD links
  • Color blends show inaccurately in isolation mode

New in Adobe Illustrator CC 2023 Build 27.0.0.602 (Oct 19, 2022)

  • Partially overlap objects with Intertwine:
  • Overlap and intersect shapes and text for a unique depth to your logos, lettering, and designs.
  • Share Illustrator documents for review (Beta):
  • Easily share local or cloud document links with reviewers and gather feedback to improve your design.
  • Retain format when pasting text between Illustrator and InDesign:
  • Copy and paste text between InDesign and Illustrator while retaining its formatting and style.
  • Automate complex workflows with Quick actions:
  • Jumpstart your work and save time by applying one-click effects and styles on graphics and text.
  • Explore additional compatible formats to export 3D objects:
  • Export your 3D objects to USD and GLTF formats and take them into other 3D apps of your choice.
  • Improved performance when placing multi-linked files:
  • Experience faster open rates and loading for files that have multiple linked PNG images.
  • Fixed:
  • In Blend modes, Hotkeys don't work for Previous mode and Next mode
  • Send to Current Layer option is disabled when objects across several layers are selected
  • The default color setting for drop shadow shows four colors instead of K100%
  • Items are displayed incorrectly in the History panel
  • Options and controls on the Illustrator user interface disappear

New in Adobe Illustrator CC 2022 v26.4.1 (Aug 2, 2022)

  • Create lists with text:
  • Add variety to the text that you use for your designs by using bulleted and numbered lists.
  • map-artwork
  • Manage states with History panel:
  • Navigate quickly to previous actions to undo, edit, or compare different stages of your design.
  • bevel inflate
  • Expand objects as wireframes:
  • Expand the 3D object as a wireframe to verify the underlying structure for accuracy.
  • Export 3D objects with colors:
  • Export 3D objects along with their colors. Also, export multiple 3D objects as individual elements.
  • shadow enhancement
  • Render map artwork as vector:
  • Render 3D map artworks also as vector graphics along with the 3D objects.

New in Adobe Illustrator CC 2022 v26.4 (Jul 26, 2022)

  • Create lists with text:
  • Add variety to the text that you use for your designs by using bulleted and numbered lists.
  • Manage states with History panel:
  • Navigate quickly to previous actions to undo, edit, or compare different stages of your design.
  • Expand objects as wireframes:
  • Expand the 3D object as a wireframe to verify the underlying structure for accuracy
  • Export 3D objects with colors:
  • Export 3D objects along with their colorsAlso, export multiple 3D objects as individual elements
  • Render map artwork as vector:
  • Render 3D map artworks also as vector graphics along with the 3D objects

New in Adobe Illustrator CC 2022 v26.3.1 (May 17, 2022)

  • Add perspective to 3D objects:
  • Add precise rotation adjustments to 3D objects using Perspective Camera.
  • Automatic file backup:
  • You can now enable automatic backup of files by Illustrator.
  • Drag and drop graphics to 3D panel:
  • To add new graphics, you can now easily drag and drop graphics from the document to the 3D panel.
  • AVIF format support:
  • Illustrator now supports AVIF file format. AVIF is an image file format that uses AV1 compression algorithm.

New in Adobe Illustrator CC 2022 v26.2.1 (Apr 4, 2022)

  • Map artwork over 3D objects using graphics:
  • You can now easily map or place artwork on 3D object surfaces using graphics to create product mockups, designs, and more.

New in Adobe Illustrator CC 2022 v26.1.0 (Mar 11, 2022)

  • Create symmetrical 3D objects with Bevel and Inflate:
  • You can now create symmetrical and realistic 3D objects, by applying 3D types like Bevel and Inflate to both sides of an object.
  • Enhanced productivity with automated 3D object shadow alignment:
  • When working on 3D objects and materials in Illustrator, you can save your time with the automated 3D object shadow alignment. The shadow of your 3D object auto-adjusts to reflect the object's shape as you modify the Lighting options within the 3D and Materials panel. The shadow is auto-adjusted when working on the Ray Tracing mode.
  • Simplified workflows with multi-rotation of 3D objects:
  • Illustrator enables you to rotate multiple 3D objects simultaneously with different 3D properties around their axis. You can either use the Rotation options within the 3D and Materials panel or the widget that appears when you select 3D objects.

New in Adobe Illustrator CC 2021 v26.0 (Oct 26, 2021)

  • Fixed issues:
  • The AdobeXMPScript framework that was used to read XMP data is missing in Illustrator 25.4
  • Pre-typed text cannot be modified using the Fonts style menu in the Properties panel
  • The buttons in the Recolor Artwork panel display incorrect tooltips
  • In the Swatch Options window, the color created in HSB mode displays sliders for RGB
  • The modified unit values in Preferences > Units > General are not saved accurately
  • In CC Libraries, the input, search, and rename functions for double-byte characters do no work
  • In the Properties panel, values within each field cannot be dragged and selected
  • The color picker does not apply the selected color to the object when the gradient slider is selected in the gradient panel
  • When scaleAction Javascript is applied on the selected objects, the objects are deselected

New in Adobe Illustrator CC 2021 v25.4.1.498 (Aug 4, 2021)

  • Outline view reverts to CPU Preview and will not re-engage GPU Preview mode
  • Pasting text on selected text changes the text properties
  • Fill Color (Global/Spot) of Objects is removed when you change any of the stroke properties
  • CC Library panel does not work or freezes when accessed
  • Unexpected behavior is noticed for Pattern swatches in Illustrator 25.3.1
  • When you use Optical Type in version 25.3, the text is displayed without spaces
  • [macOS only] The clipping path with a Japanese name is not recognized and the PSD image is displayed unmasked
  • In Illustrator 25.3.1, a dot is displayed in En Space when Stroke and Round Caps are added to the text
  • Canvas Rotation feature is obstructing Pinch in and Pinch out gestures on the trackpad
  • Learn more tips dialog does not disappear or unable to close
  • Graphics copied from Illustrator 25.3 are inserted in Figma as raster images instead of vector
  • Can’t type ö and ü from German Keyboard
  • Stability fixes.

New in Adobe Illustrator CC 2021 v25.3.0.385 (Jun 17, 2021)

  • Gaussian blur effect does not scale the object
  • Multiple opacities applied on text do not display correctly in GPU preview
  • Attributes panel shows Overprint in mixed selection state
  • Paths drawn using Pencil tool do not appear smooth
  • CC Library panel does not work or freezes when accessed
  • [macOS only] Customized texture effect does not work when uploaded in Illustrator
  • System compatibility report dialog displays when the GPU drivers are up to date
  • Performance / Display issue with rotated line gradients, arrows, and appearances
  • The color setting automatically changes to Emulate Adobe Illustrator 6.0 while switching from Illustrator to Photoshop
  • Upon closing a file in Illustrator, all open files automatically close
  • Text position changes while using Type on path tool
  • Mojikumi set None is saved incorrectly
  • Stability fixes

New in Adobe Illustrator CC 2021 v25.2.0.220 (Feb 9, 2021)

  • Share access and edit cloud documents: Invite your team members to seamlessly collaborate and edit your cloud documents. Cloud documents shared with you can be accessed directly in Illustrator.
  • Snap to Japanese glyph: Use the new Japanese-specific snapping guides to snap your artwork components precisely with the Japanese glyph.
  • System compatibility report on launch: A System Compatibility Report dialog is displayed on launching Illustrator to notify you about system incompatibilities.
  • Stability and performance: Experience better product stability and performance as we fixed many issues in this release that you reported to us.

New in Adobe Illustrator CC 2021 v25.1.0.90 (Jan 12, 2021)

  • Repeat artwork:
  • Instantly create repeat objects and manage their styles. Choose Mirror to create perfectly symmetrical mirror art, Radial to radially distribute an object, and Grid to create multiple copies of an object along a grid.
  • Snap to glyph
  • Enhanced glyph snapping:
  • Glyph snapping feature has been improved to provide you a better experience, specifically when you snap objects to angular guides.

New in Adobe Illustrator CC 2020 25.0.0.60 (Oct 20, 2020)

  • Recolor artwork:
  • Auto-extract color palettes from vector or raster objects and easily apply them to your designs.
  • Enhanced cloud documents:
  • Embed Photoshop cloud documents into Illustrator cloud documents. View, mark, and revert to older versions as needed.
  • Smart glyph snapping:
  • Easily position text and other objects precisely around the boundary of live text using smart glyph guides.
  • Enhanced Type:
  • Set font size based on height references, align objects with visual glyph bounds, and align text vertically in a text frame.

New in Adobe Illustrator CC 2020 24.2 (Jun 16, 2020)

  • Cloud documents:
  • Save your work as cloud documents and access from anywhere Illustrator is installed. Track your version history and revert as needed.
  • 100x canvas:
  • Create your large-format artwork like billboards, bus wraps, signage boards and more on a 100x large canvas area, which provides more design space and ability to scale.
  • Start and finish faster:
  • Document create and save workflows are now quick with the fast loading of New document window and the fast saving of Illustrator cloud documents

New in Adobe Illustrator CC 2018 23.0 (Oct 16, 2018)

  • Freeform gradient:
  • Powered by Adobe Sensei
  • Illustrator now offers a new gradient type called Freeform, which provides new color blending capabilities to create richer and photorealistic gradients that look more natural. Freeform gradient provides you the flexibility to create color stops at any place in your object. You can add, move, and change the color of color stops to seamlessly apply gradients to objects. Creating a freeform gradient fill is a simple and efficient way to create a smooth color gradation.
  • The Freeform gradient type can be applied in two modes:
  • Points: Use this mode to create color stops as independent points in the object.
  • Lines: Use this mode to create color stops over a line segment in the object.
  • Global editing:
  • Powered by Adobe Sensei
  • Illustrator now provides a new Global Edit option, which lets you edit all similar objects globally in one step. This feature comes handy in situations when multiple copies of an object, such as a logo, are present in the documents. To manually edit all such objects one-by-one can be difficult and time-consuming task, and may lead to errors. The Global Edit option helps you edit them globally in a simple and easy manner. You can also use this option to edit similar groups.
  • Visual font browsing:
  • The Character panel now includes the following new and enhanced options:
  • A new tab Find More is provided to let you browse thousands of fonts from hundreds of type foundries from within Illustrator, activate them instantly, and use them in your artwork. Activated fonts are available for use in all Creative Cloud applications.
  • More sample text options are now available in the drop-down list. You can also select a text on the artboard to use as sample text. You can control the size of sample text by selecting the sample text size options.
  • The Show Similar Fonts and Add to Favorites options are available inline for every font. These are displayed when you hover over a font.
  • The Fonts Classification filter is now a drop-down list that shows a sample of the font types, instead of just the font type name.
  • A new Apply Recently Added filter is provided to filter all fonts that are added in the last 30 days.
  • Customizable toolbar:
  • Illustrator now provides two toolbars – Basic and Advanced. The Basic toolbar contains a set of tools that are commonly used while creating illustrations. All other tools are available within the toolbar drawer that you can open by clicking the Edit Toolbar button (...) at the bottom of the toolbar.
  • The Advanced toolbar is a full-fledged toolbar that you can open by choosing Windows > Toolbars > Advanced or select Advanced in the drop-down menu of the drawer.
  • You can also create your own custom toolbars. In any toolbar, you can add, remove, group, or re-order tools according to your requirements.
  • Presentation mode:
  • You can now display the current Illustrator document in a full-screen presentation mode. In this mode, the application menu, panels, guides, grids, and selections are hidden. It is a non-editable mode, in which you can only view and browse through artboards using the arrow keys. Use this mode to present your design ideas.
  • Trim view:
  • Illustrator now provides a new view mode called Trim View, which is useful for previewing how a design would look without guides, grids, or elements that extend beyond the edge of the artboard. In this mode, any artwork falling outside the artboard is clipped and all non-printing objects on the canvas, such as grids and guides is hidden. You can continue to create and edit your artwork in this mode.
  • Scalable user interface:
  • You can now scale the user interface of Illustrator based on your screen resolution. When you launch Illustrator with updated preference settings, it identifies your screen resolution and adjusts the application scale factor accordingly. You can scale the user interface on your screen using the user interface preferences dialog.
  • Faster zoom:
  • The overall zoom performance in Illustrator has been significantly improved. For complex artworks, a temporary raster is now used to enable a faster zooming and panning experience.
  • Content-Aware Crop:
  • Powered by Adobe Sensei
  • (Only on Windows 64-bit and macOS) When you select the Crop Image option to crop an image on the artboard, Illustrator now identifies the visually significant portions of the selected image. A default cropping box is then displayed based on this identified portion of the image. You can adjust the dimensions of this cropping box if needed. Once you are done, you can click Apply in the Properties panel or press Enter (Windows) or Return (macOS) to crop the image.
  • Actual size preview:
  • When you choose View > Actual Size, Illustrator now sets the actual size of the display elements irrespective of your monitor size and resolution. When you perform a 100% zoom for a document, the size of every object in the document is the actual representation of the physical size of the object. For example, if you open a new artboard of A4 size and click Actual Size, the artboard size is changed to an actual A4 sheet.
  • Puppet Warp enhancement:
  • Powered by Adobe Sensei
  • Illustrator now identifies the best areas to transform your artwork and automatically add pins to the artwork. You can also add or delete pins if you want. This feature is enabled by default when the Puppet Warp tool is selected. To disable this feature, deselect the Enable Content Aware Defaults option by choosing Edit > Preferences > General.
  • Home screen:
  • When you launch Illustrator, it now displays a Home screen, which includes the following:
  • A wide range of tutorials to help you quickly learn and understand the concept, workflow, tips, and tricks
  • Popular presets to get you started with the new documents quickly
  • Display and access to your recent documents
  • Create New button to create a new document and Open button to open an existing document
  • The contents of the Home screen are tailored based on your familiarity with Illustrator and your Creative Cloud membership plan
  • Enhanced Properties panel:
  • The Properties panel now includes the following new controls:
  • Variable font options
  • Delete icon for single effects
  • Width Profile option to set width profiles
  • Corner option to change the curve of anchor points
  • Blend Option for blending objects
  • Merge Live Paint button to merge Live Paint groups
  • Animated zoom in Outline mode:
  • In the previous Illustrator versions, when you viewed your artwork as outlines or paths, Illustrator automatically switched from the GPU Preview mode to the CPU Preview mode.
  • Now, the Outline mode is GPU enabled. Viewing artwork in the GPU Outline mode displays smoother paths and reduces the time it takes to redraw the complex artwork on high-density display screens.
  • License Stock images:
  • You can now search for an image in the Libraries panel and send a request to get the licensed version of an image. Choose the image and do the following:
  • In the Libraries panel, iIn the Search Adobe Stock box, type a search string for the image.
  • In the search results, if you place the pointer on the selected image, the License and Save to downloads icon is displayed. Click this icon to get the licensed version of the image.
  • Support for South East Asian scripts:
  • Illustrator now includes the support for five new South East Asian languages, so your documents can include text composed in these scripts: Thai, Burmese, Lao, Sinhalese, and Khmer.

New in Adobe Illustrator CC 2018 22.1.0 (Mar 13, 2018)

  • See on-screen controls clearly
  • You can now increase the size of anchor points, handles, and bounding boxes making them even easier to work with.
  • Merge data using CSV files
  • It’s easier than ever to merge data in the Variables Panel now that you can use CSV or XML files.
  • Import multiple page PDFs
  • Save time when you import all the pages of a PDF all at once. You can choose a page range or select individual pages.
  • Dropbox Smart Sync improvements
  • Now you can browse your Dropbox files without inadvertently downloading them.

New in Adobe Illustrator CC 2018 22.0.0 (Oct 19, 2017)

  • Properties panel:
  • The new Properties panel in Illustrator lets you view settings and controls in the context of your current task or workflow. This new panel has been designed with ease of use in mind, ensuring that you have access to the right controls right when you need them.
  • Puppet Warp tool:
  • Puppet Warp lets you twist and distort parts of your artwork, such that the transformations appear natural. You can add, move, and rotate pins to seamlessly transform your artwork into different positions and stances using the Puppet Warp tool in Illustrator.
  • Artboard-related improvements:
  • Artboards are much easier to work with in this release of Illustrator CC. Also, you can now create 1 to 1000 artboards per document depending on the size of your artboards.
  • Variable fonts:
  • Illustrator now supports Variable Font, a new OpenType font format supporting custom attributes like weight, width, slant, optical size, etc. This release of Illustrator ships with several variable fonts for which you can adjust weight, width, and slant using convenient slider controls available when you click in the Control panel, Character panel, Character Styles panel, and Paragraph Styles panel.
  • OpenType SVG fonts:
  • Illustrator now supports OpenType SVG fonts that provide multiple colors and gradients in a single glyph. Using Emoji fonts, you can include various colorful and graphical characters, such as smileys, flags, street signs, animals, people, food, and landmarks in your documents. OpenType SVG emoji fonts, such as the EmojiOne font, let you create certain composite glyphs from one or more other glyphs. For example, you can create the flags of countries or change the skin color of certain glyphs depicting people and body parts such as hands and nose.
  • Use the Touch Bar with Illustrator:
  • Illustrator now supports Touch Bar, the multitouch display at the top of the new MacBook Pro keyboard. Using the Touch Bar, you can access Illustrator features and controls right in the context of your current task on the main screen. The Touch Bar supports familiar gestures, such as tap, drag, and slide.
  • Apply stylistic sets to text:
  • A stylistic set is a group of glyph alternates that can be applied to a selected block of text. When you apply a stylistic set, the glyphs defined in the set replace the font’s default glyphs in the selected text. The name of the stylistic set provided by the Font Developer is shown in various places in Illustrator. For some fonts, Illustrator displays the stylistic set names as Set 1, Set 2, and so on. You can apply multiple stylistic sets to a range of text.
  • Enhanced export experience:
  • Now, you can collect objects in the Asset Export panel for export as a single asset or multiple assets. Simply drag your artwork to the Asset Export panel. Alternatively, right-click a piece of artwork and then choose Collect for Export > As Multiple Assets from the context menu.
  • While exporting assets, Illustrator creates subfolders at the export location by default based on the scaling options you choose. For example, if you select multiple scale formats in the Asset Export panel, say 1x 2x, and 3x to export a file as PNG, Illustrator creates subfolders named 1x, 2x, and 3x for the exported files. For formats that do not support scaling options, Illustrator names the subfolders based on the file formats selected for exporting—for example, SVG and PDF.
  • Illustrator also exports raster objects accurately when you do one of the following while exporting assets using the Asset Export panel or the Export For Screens dialog box:
  • Define a non-integral scale—a scaling value that is not a multiple of 72 pixels.
  • Specify the desired width and height that’s not a multiple of 100 pixels.
  • Add and share text assets using Creative Cloud Libraries:
  • Now, you can add text objects from your Illustrator documents to Creative Cloud libraries and then share them with other users and across applications. Text assets in a library retain the character/paragraph styles and other attributes originally applied to them. You can reuse text assets in libraries across Illustrator or InDesign documents. However, if a text object has effects and appearances applied to it, you must add it to the library as a graphics asset to preserve them.
  • Microsoft Surface Dial support in Illustrator:
  • Illustrator now supports Microsoft Surface Dial on Windows 10 Anniversary edition and later or directly on Surface Studio. You can use Surface Dial to adjust settings and parameters for your Illustrator documents.
  • Other enhancements and fixes:
  • You can now disable zoom to selection. Go to Preferences > Selection And Anchor Display and then deselect the Zoom To Selection option.
  • You can now create text objects, select text, or edit text in sequence without having to reselect the Text tool.
  • You can now preview font characteristics, such as size, style, leading, and tracking in real time by simply hovering over the font characteristics in the Control panel and the Character panel. For details, see Fonts.
  • The Missing Font dialog is now enabled for Composite fonts. If your document has one or more fonts missing from the Composite font, an alert message appears when you open it.
  • The text caret is more responsive now. For example, the text caret now appears promptly on the screen as you type. The length of the text caret increases or decreases when you change the font size.
  • When you convert a spot color into a process color (CMYK), Illustrator displays the correct CMYK values according to the standards communicated by the International Color Consortium (ICC).
  • Now, scripts in the Actions panel are preserved when you relaunch Illustrator.
  • A new swatch is now a Global swatch by default.
  • New Document dialog box improvements:
  • The New Document dialog box displays the units of measurement in the text boxes, such as Width and Height.
  • You can use the formulas: add, subtract, multiply, or divide for quick computations of the preset dimensions in the New Document dialog box.
  • You can specify the Color Mode, Raster Effects, and Preview Mode of your document.
  • You can now use the Path > Join (Ctrl/ Command + J) command in Illustrator to join the endpoints of compound paths and artwork in different groups.
  • Now, when the folder containing the Illustrator document and the linked files is moved, Illustrator automatically finds and updates the linked files using the current path of the Illustrator document.

New in Adobe Illustrator CC 2017.1 21.0.2 (Apr 3, 2017)

  • Crop images more easily:
  • Crop bitmap images directly within Illustrator to discard excess parts, reduce file size, and improve performance. That means no need to use clipping masks or edit the image in Photoshop.
  • Create new documents faster:
  • To improve speed and performance, the start screen for creating new documents now loads even faster than before.
  • Redesigned Color Theme panel:
  • Create, explore, save, and retrieve color themes across applications with the new Color Theme panel. Now you can explore popular themes and get help perfecting color choices.
  • Stability enhancements:
  • You asked, we listened. We've fixed top Illustrator issues and improved stability.

New in Adobe Illustrator CC 2017 21.0.0 (Nov 2, 2016)

  • Jump-start your creative projects:
  • Now, while creating a document in Illustrator, instead of beginning with a blank canvas, you can choose from a wide variety of templates, including templates from Adobe Stock. Templates include stock assets and illustrations that you can build on to complete your project. When you open a template in Illustrator, you can work with it just as you would work with any other Illustrator document (.ai)
  • In addition to templates, you can also create a document by selecting one of the numerous presets available in Illustrator
  • User experience refresh:
  • Illustrator now has a brand new user interface that is flat, modern, and easy on the eyes. The tools and panels have new icons. You can customize the interface to sport one of the four available color options designed for optimal user experience: Dark, Medium Dark, Medium Light,and Light.
  • Fill type objects with placeholder text:
  • Filling type objects with placeholder text helps you visualize the design better. Now, by default, Illustrator automatically fills new objects created using type tools with placeholder text. The placeholder text retains the font and size applied to the previous type object.
  • Import text into a path/shape:
  • Place text from a supported file right inside an object, such as a shape. You can place text from files in the .txt or .rtf formats, or files from word-processing applications. For example, place text from a .rtf file into a polygonal shape.
  • Font-related features:
  • Easily find the perfect font:
  • Quickly find the fonts that you use often by starring individual font families as favorites or selecting from recently used fonts that appear on top of the font list. Recently used and starred fonts are preserved across Illustrator sessions.
  • While searching for fonts, you can narrow down the results by filtering fonts by classification, like Serif, Sans Serif, and Handwritten. Further, you can choose to search among fonts installed on your computer or synchronized fonts from Typekit.
  • You can also search for fonts based on visual similarity (). Fonts closest in visual appearance to the font you're searching for appear on top of the search results.
  • Live font preview:
  • Preview your selected type objects with different fonts in real time by simply hovering over the font name in the font list available in the Control panel and Character panel.
  • In-context alternate glyphs:
  • While working on a type object, you can now select a character to quickly view alternate glyphs right next to it in an in-context widget. Simply click an alternate glyph to replace the character with it.
  • Create pixel-perfect art:
  • Creating pixel-perfect art in Illustrator is now easier and more intuitive than ever before. Draw pixel-perfect art that looks sharp and crisp on screens at different stroke widths and alignment options. Choose to align an existing object to the pixel grid with a single click or align a new object right while drawing it. While transforming objects, you can preserve pixel-alignment without distorting the artwork. Pixel-alignment works for objects as well as individual path segments and anchor points that comprise them.
  • Zoom to selection:
  • Now, when you zoom in or out while working on artwork, using the Zoom tool or its keyboard shortcuts, Illustrator brings the selected art in the center of the view. If the selection has anchor points or segments, Illustrator also brings those anchor points to the center of the view when you zoom in or out.
  • Other enhancements:
  • Now, you can choose from a wide variety of special characters available in the Type menu and context menu, such as symbols, hyphens, quotation marks, white-space characters, and break characters. For details, see Special characters.
  • Keyboard shortcuts for the following hidden characters: En Space, Em Space, Thin Space, Superscripts, Subscripts, Discretionary Hyphen, and Non-Breaking Space. You can also customize these shortcuts in the keyboard shortcuts list.
  • Easily work with type objects having text in a common font family but in different styles, or vice versa. Consider two type objects containing text in the Arial font family—one in the Regular style and the other in the Bold style. When you select these type objects, Illustrator keeps the Font Style field blank, but displays the Font Family as Arial.
  • While applying a character or paragraph style, a single click now suffices, even if the style has an override
  • Quickly search for Adobe Stock assets from right within Illustrator. For details, see Workspace basics
  • Numerous other bug fixes, stability improvements, and performance enhancements that help you work better and faster

New in Adobe Illustrator CC 2015.3.1 (Aug 10, 2016)

  • Search Adobe Stock inside Illustrator:
  • Access millions of high-quality Adobe Stock illustrations, vectors, and photos to use in your designs right from the search field in Illustrator. Your results will appear instantly on the Adobe Stock website

New in Adobe Illustrator CC 2015.3.0 (Jun 21, 2016)

  • Fast export:
  • Smartly collect Assets and export to multiple file types and scales.
  • Now export individual artwork or entire artboards to various file sizes and formats in one click of a button. Suited well for mobile and web workflows, the feature ensures that your time is spent on getting the design right, and not on manually repetitive export workflows.
  • The new Export for Screens dialog (File > Export > Export for Screens) allows you export artboards or artwork with various file options.
  • The new Asset Export panel (Window > Asset Export) provides you a holding area to collect assets that you frequently edit and export.
  • The Export for Screens dialog.
  • The Asset Export dialog.
  • For more information on this enhanced feature, see the section on Collaboration in the article Collect Assets and Export in Batches.
  • Live Shapes enhancements:
  • Live Shapes have been enhanced to make your workflow easier, and also in response to feedback received about the way users interact with different shapes.
  • Some notable changes are:
  • The bounding box has been simplified to present a more clutter-free experience while working with Live Shapes.
  • While working with the Shape tool, you can show or hide the bounding box (Toggle (Win) Shift + Ctrl + B, or (Mac) Shift + Cmd + B).
  • Polygons:
  • Polygons now retain their Live Shape properties even after the original Live Shape is modified (scaled, sheared, reshaped, etc.)
  • The Radius widget is not drawn by default at a 90 degree angle.
  • If a polygon is modified, a new option is available to make the sides of the polygon equal in length.
  • Enhanced Creative Cloud Libraries:
  • Libraries have been enhanced to provide more control while collaborating with other users (read-only Libraries), and even deeper integration with Adobe Stock (now featuring 50+ million assets).
  • Larger Libraries Panel. On computers that have screens wider than 1680px, the Libraries panel opens in a larger form, stretching vertically along the right corner of the screen.
  • Better integration with Adobe Stock:
  • In-app purchase for Adobe Stock images. When you search for an image on Adobe Stock via the CC Libraries panel and place it in your document, you now have a shopping cart icon that enables you to initiate the purchase process right from the asset. Also, the Links panel also displays a shopping cart icon next to un-licensed Adobe stock images placed in your layout. Clicking the cart icon also initiates the purchasing process.
  • Open-in from Adobe Stock. While searching for an asset on Adobe Stock, in addition to downloading the asset to your Desktop or CC Library, you can directly place the asset in your document.
  • For more information on this enhanced feature, see the section on Collaboration in the article Creative Cloud Libraries.
  • Start and Recent Files workspaces:
  • Now available in all language versions of Illustrator
  • Start workspace. When you launch Illustrator or when you close all Illustrator documents, a new Start workspace is displayed. You have convenient access to your recently used files, Libraries, and starter templates with the Start workspace. If you prefer the older dialogs, you can still type Ctrl/Cmd + O to launch the Open dialog, or Ctrl/Cmd + N to launch the New Document dialog.
  • Recent Files workspace. If you have a document open, you can view the most recent files that you have worked on using the Recent Files workspace (Ctrl/Cmd + O, or Window > Workspace > Recent Files.). To enable the Recent Files workspace from the Preferences dialog, select the Show "Recent Files" Workspace When Opening A File checkbox (Illustrator > Ctrl/Cmd + K > General tab).

New in Adobe Illustrator CC 2015.2.1 (Jan 22, 2016)

  • This update delivers stability-related fixes for Adobe Illustrator CC 2015 releases.

New in Adobe Illustrator CC 2015.2 (Dec 1, 2015)

  • New Creative Cloud Libraries capabilities:
  • Find content faster by searching across your libraries and across Adobe Stock. Import color swatches and color groups, save color themes from libraries to swatches and get support for paragraph styles, as well as deeper support for character styles.
  • Shaper tool:
  • Draw shapes with loose, natural gestures that transform into perfect geometric shapes. Then combine, delete, fill and transform these shapes to create beautiful, complex designs that stay fully editable. The Shaper tool works with the traditional Illustrator workspaces as well as the Touch workspace.
  • New Live Shapes: Ellipses, Polygons and Lines:
  • More of the Illustrator Shape tools are now fully live, interactive and dynamically adjustable, so you can quickly craft vector shapes without having to apply effects or use other tools.
  • Dynamic Symbols:
  • Symbols can now share a master shape but be modified to have different appearances such as stroke, fill and opacity. Scale, rotate, mirror and skew them without having to break the link to the parent symbol.
  • Work more visually with Smart Guides:
  • Enhanced Smart Guides let you perfectly align and space objects as you draw and move them, and new hinting helps you draw perfect shapes like squares and circles without using control keys.
  • New SVG export option:
  • Easily export modern SVG — ideal for web and screen design workflows. You can choose to export individual objects versus the entire artboard.
  • Touch workspace updates:
  • The Touch workspace for Windows tablets adds the Shaper tool, new Live shapes, enhanced Smart Guides, an option to easily zoom when using a mouse and support for HP Sprout.
  • Adobe Capture CC integration:
  • Use an iPad, iPhone or Android phone to turn any image into a production-ready asset. Extract a color theme or create a brush, shape or vector graphic, and then save the asset to your Creative Cloud Libraries to use in Illustrator.
  • Illustrator Draw for Android:
  • Create freeform vector designs on your Android phone with the Adobe Illustrator Draw app, and then send your work to Illustrator on your desktop to refine it further.
  • Enhanced Comp CC integration, plus iPhone support:
  • Now you can use Adobe Comp CC to explore layout possibilities on your iPhone as well as your iPad. Assets in Comp can be linked so that when you edit them in Illustrator or another Creative Cloud desktop app, they’ll instantly update in Comp.
  • And so much more:
  • Also includes: Better GPU performance thanks to enhanced anti-aliasing and crisper thin strokes; improved data recovery; and much more.

New in Adobe Illustrator CC 2015.1.0 19.1.0 (Jul 27, 2015)

  • The patch contains the following feature:
  • Creative Cloud Charts technology preview is now supported on English, French, German and Japanese locales.
  • Adds a new chart type "Column Chart" to the Creative Cloud Charts technology preview.
  • The patch contains the following stability Fixes:
  • CC 2015 created files are slow to open, edit and save.
  • Copy pasting artwork gets displaced from its original position.
  • Multiple stability fixes for GPU rendering.

New in Adobe Illustrator CC 2015.0.0 19.0.1 (Jul 9, 2015)

  • This critical update to Illustrator CC addresses problems with crashes at launch, GPU rendering, using the Save for Web dialog, saving to legacy Illustrator formats, saving to SVG with artboards selected, issues using Bristle Brush, and slow performance when opening files saved from Illustrator CC (2015). This update also adds new functionality that allows 4X scaling of artwork from Illustrator Line.

New in Adobe Illustrator CC 2015.0.0 19.0.0 (Jun 16, 2015)

  • Linked Assets in Creative Cloud Libraries:
  • Edit once, update everywhere:
  • Graphics in Creative Cloud Libraries are now linked, so that when they’re changed, you and your team members have the option of updating them across any Illustrator CC, Photoshop CC, or InDesign CC projects where they’re used. Adobe CreativeSync powers your libraries and keeps everything up to date and right at your fingertips for a seamless workflow. All your projects are always up-to-date with your latest edits!
  • Adobe Stock:
  • Millions of high-quality images. Right inside Illustrator:
  • With Adobe Stock, you can purchase, access, and manage high-quality, high-resolution, royalty-free images directly from Illustrator CC, Photoshop CC, InDesign CC, and other Adobe desktop apps.
  • You can save images directly to Creative Cloud Libraries. You can license an image immediately, or save a watermarked preview to use in a comp. Thanks to Adobe CreativeSync, you can immediately access your images across your desktop and mobile devices, and even share them with your team. When you're ready to use the non-watermarked version, you can license the image for use directly in Illustrator.
  • 10x faster zoom, pan, scroll:
  • Any which way — 10x faster:
  • Pan, zoom and scroll up to 10 times faster, thanks to Mercury Performance System enhancements that brings GPU acceleration to both Mac and Windows.
  • Zoom is now animated, so you can quickly zoom in and out of your document by scrubbing left and right. You can also click and hold the Zoom tool over a spot to dynamically zoom in.
  • 10x greater zoom magnification:
  • 64,000%, up from 6,400%:
  • Work with greater precision and make accurate and exact edits with the new 64,000% zoom level. Previously, the maximum zoom achievable was 6,400%.
  • Safe Mode:
  • Diagnose and fix startup problems:
  • Safe Mode is a new feature that enables Illustrator to launch even if there are fatal, crash-inducing files (for example, corrupt fonts, out-of-date plug-ins, or incorrect drivers) in the system. You can choose to diagnose the cause of the error. When the application starts after isolating and disabling crash-causing files, Illustrator is in Safe Mode.
  • The Safe Mode dialog provides you with information to diagnose and troubleshoot the problem area, thus providing you with a way to fix any issues. When done, mark all issues resolved and enable Illustrator to relaunch in normal mode at the next restart.
  • Recover data in your files:
  • Never lose your work again:
  • Forgetting to periodically save your open projects can cause you to lose time and work if an improper shutdown happens before you could save your files. An improper shutdown could be Illustrator crashing, an operating system error, or a power outage.
  • When such an error occurs, simply relaunch Illustrator and your work can be restored. If the cause of error is a damaged font or incompatible driver or plug-in, Illustrator provides you with options to diagnose the issue and fix any errors.
  • Integration with Creative Cloud mobile apps:
  • Adobe Comp CC, Illustrator Draw, Photoshop Sketch, and more:
  • Illustrator no longer requires you to be at your studio or office to be creative and productive. Keep your ideas, discoveries, and thoughts constantly evolving and rapidly developing into awesome artwork and projects – all while on-the-go – using Adobe’s mobile apps.
  • Creative Cloud Charts (Preview):
  • Turn data into amazing infographics and more:
  • Create graphs and charts from your data, using a simple, intuitive interface. Replace the default chart elements with Illustrator vector graphics, and generate custom infographics, charts, and graphs. Use the browser-based interface to quickly import data from your data files (.csv, .xls, .xlsx type files) and transform it into graphical representations. Use Creative Cloud Libraries to share and use charts across projects and teams.
  • GPU Performance:
  • Leverage the power of your GPU:
  • The 2015 release of Illustrator CC now better leverages the power of GPU to render content — which means faster artwork rendering during zooming, panning, and scrolling. Each art type has been rewritten, so that it is computed and rendered on the graphic processor. GPU enhancements are now available for Macs as well.
  • Touch workspace enhancements:
  • Image Place:
  • You can now place an image (raster format) in the Touch workspace.
  • Distribute Options in Align Panel:
  • Previously, the Align panel did not have distribute options. Now, users can use the two most popular align options from the align panel in the Touch workspace.
  • Tools reset:
  • Some tools in the Touch workspace have options like Draw from Center in Shape Tools, Merge and Subtract Mode in Shape Builder. When switching between tools, one often forgot that an option was enabled when the same tool was used previously. This affected productivity. Now, whenever there is a change of tools in the Touch workspace, the active tool becomes available with the default settings.
  • Flip buttons for Variable Width:
  • Stroke options in the Touch workspace have a way to apply variable-width profiles to paths, to make them look organic. Variable-width profiles are based on an arbitrary direction (one end - thin, the other - thick). With the introduction of Flip buttons for these profiles, you now have better control on variable-width profiles they use on paths in the Touch workspace
  • TOOL ENHANCEMENTS:
  • Curvature tool:
  • Separate Rubber-banding Preference:
  • Rubber-banding preferences for the Pen and Curvature tools were tied to one single value. The Illustrator team found that users preferred this value for the Curvature tool than for the Pen tool. Now, both tools have separate values so that users have independent control over both tools.
  • Joining two paths:
  • The Curvature tool only worked with one path at a time - the active path. Now it is possible to join a non-active path and continue working with it.
  • Start from either ends:
  • The Curvature tool had a fixed direction of working - even when a path was deselected and reselected. Now for any open path, users can pick which end of the path to start working with. To be able to draw from the other end-point, press Esc to deselect the active curvature point, click and move the end-point slightly, and then continue drawing with the Curvature tool.
  • Shape Builder Tool: free-form Mode:
  • The Shape Builder tool previously had linear feedback for Merge and Subtract options. Now, this tool can be used in free-form mode. This mode is on by default. To get back to older, straight-line feedback, change the option in the tool's options dialog. This is available in the Touch workspace as well.
  • Pencil Tool: Turn off auto-close:
  • Although most users loved auto-close in Pencil Tool, there were some users who required path closure to occur at their own discretion. The Pencil tool options dialog now has an option to control auto-closing.
  • Other important enhancements:
  • Copy-paste hexadecimal values:
  • When copying a hexadecimal value from other applications, users most likely pick the '#' symbol with the actual hexadecimal value. The Hex field in Color panel only accepts pure hexadecimal values, and repeated, precise copy-paste actions are required until only the right value is pasted. Now, this field automatically removes pasted characters that are not part of the hexadecimal value. This makes it much easier to bring in hexadecimal values using a copy-paste workflow.
  • Used Swatches on gradient stops:
  • There are times when gradient stops are defined by a swatch color. Previously, it was not possible to identify this swatch when the Color Stop was double-clicked. Now, if a color swatch is used on the Color Stop, it retains the information and highlights the swatch used when the Color Stop is accessed.

New in Adobe Illustrator CC 2014.1.0 18.1.0 (Oct 7, 2014)

  • Creative Cloud Libraries:
  • Browse and access your favorite creative assets — colors, type styles, graphics, brushes, and more — in new libraries that are available in Illustrator, Photoshop, and mobile apps like Sketch and Draw. Libraries sync to Creative Cloud so you always have the files you need, right when you need them.
  • Touch workspace:
  • Access the full power of Illustrator on the go using a new workspace optimized for your Microsoft Surface Pro 3 or any Windows 8 tablet. Get essential tools for drawing and editing with a pen and your finger in a touch environment, including French curves that you can scale, move, and trace.
  • Curvature tool:
  • Draw refined curves and straight lines quickly and visually. Click once with the Curvature tool to place points and see the curve flex around them dynamically, or double-click to create corner points for straight lines. Edit using the same tool — no need to hassle with anchor points and handles.
  • Join tool:
  • Easily join paths that cross, overlap, or have open ends — and simultaneously trim unwanted segments — without affecting the original path trajectories.
  • Area-type auto-sizing:
  • Say goodbye to overset text boxes. Now, area type frames resize automatically as you add, delete, or edit text.
  • Integration with the Illustrator family of mobile apps:
  • Seamlessly bring in artwork from Sketch, Line, and Draw, and enhance it using the full range of Illustrator tools for a complete mobile-to-desktop design workflow.
  • Capture inspiration anywhere:
  • Create custom brushes, graphics, and colors using the Brush CC, Shape CC, and Color CC mobile apps, and then easily bring them into Illustrator via Creative Cloud Libraries to incorporate them into your designs.

New in Adobe Illustrator CC 2014 18.0.0 (Jun 19, 2014)

  • Live shapes:
  • All rectangles and rounded rectangles have modifiable corners.
  • While each corner can have and independent radius value, all attributes are retained even when you scale or rotate the rectangle. Rectangles and rounded rectangles now remember all modifications made, be it width, height, rotation, corner treatment.
  • Pen tool preview & drawing-related enhancements:
  • Pen tool preview:
  • The Pen tool displays a preview of what the will be drawn on your artboard, before you click and drop the next point. This helps you visualize the next curve before you commit to the next point - this gives you much more control and saves you the time spent in drawing, reviewing, and then re-drawing paths that need to be re-done.
  • Anchor point enhancements:
  • Fine adjustment of curves is now easier. Enhanced anchor point controls allow unequal or different-direction handles to be dragged as you draw to control the smoothness of each segment.
  • Snapping updates (point, pixel, grid):
  • Pen tool preview
  • The Pen tool displays a preview of what the will be drawn on your artboard, before you click and drop the next point. This helps you visualize the next curve before you commit to the next point - this gives you much more control and saves you the time spent in drawing, reviewing, and then re-drawing paths that need to be re-done.
  • Anchor point enhancements
  • Fine adjustment of curves is now easier. Enhanced anchor point controls allow unequal or different-direction handles to be dragged as you draw to control the smoothness of each segment.
  • Snapping updates (point, pixel, grid):
  • When snapping is turned on, your anchor points and handles (direction lines) align to your choice of pixel, grid, or point.
  • Close paths with better control
  • A task such as precisely closing a path is an oft-repeated vector art workflow. In Illustrator CC 2014, you now have much better and precise control while connecting end and start points. With this enhancement you can reposition a closing point or choose to break the handles to adjust the closing curve exactly as per your requirement.
  • Experimental feature: GPU Performance
  • (Windows-only)
  • Illustrator CC 2014 can leverage the power of a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) on your computer. At this experimental stage, Windows 7 or 8 users that have a compatible NVIDIA graphics card can test the GPU Performance feature.
  • Typekit: Missing fonts workflow
  • Locally-available and Typekit-based fonts can easily be interspersed in Illustrator CC artwork.
  • Hello screen:
  • Illustrator CC 2014 also introduces a new feature to help you discover, learn, use, and promote comprehensive use of features. The Hello screen is a single location that displays content relevant to your subscription and use.
  • Important enhancements:
  • Pencil tool enhancements:
  • The Pencil tool has been updated with an additional Fidelity setting for finer control over the paths you draw. This additional level has been extended to the Paintbrush and Blob Brush tools as well.
  • Text enhancements:
  • The text engine in Illustrator CC 2014 has been enhanced to make the experience of working with text and fonts in different languages more predictable. Also, new typographical notations have been added, and some existing ones have been updated.
  • Actions panel:
  • On reloading a saved Action Set, certain actions would cause errors. The cause for these errors has been fixed.
  • On restarting Illustrator, some actions would cause errors while playing. This error has been fixed.
  • SVG enhancements:
  • In the SVG Save Options dialog, the Use textPath checkbox is selected by default. This reduces generated markup, resulting in smaller SVG output files.
  • Markup for generated preview HTML has been cleaned up.

New in Adobe Illustrator CC 17.1.0 (Jan 17, 2014)

  • Live Corners:
  • You can easily edit the corners of shapes and paths in your artwork. Select one or more corner anchor points and then drag the new Live Corners widget to change the shape of the corner. Choose from three corner types - round, inverted round, or chamfer.
  • Enhanced Pencil Tool:
  • The Pencil Tool has been improved to facilitate better curve-fitting, auto-closing of paths, and drawing of constrained and unconstrained straight-line segments. Enhancements have been extended to the Brush, Blob Brush, and Smooth tools.
  • Curve fitting. The Pencil and Smooth tools have a Fidelity slider that enable you to select the most suitable curve fitting. The type of curve fitting is set in the Pencil Tool Options dialog box > Fidelity slider.
  • Path closing. When you draw a path, you can choose to close the path if the endpoints are within a specific number of pixels of each other. The predefined number of pixels is set in the Pencil Tool Options dialog box > Within field.
  • Segments and Paths. The enhanced Pencil tool allows you to draw constrained or unconstrained paths. Also, you can continue, or merge paths using the new tool.
  • Smoothing Presets. When you double-click the Smooth Tool icon in the Toolbox, the Smooth Tool Options dialog appears. A preset-based Fidelity slider is available in this dialog.
  • Reshape segment workflows & touch support:
  • Workflows used to reshape path segments have been enhanced and made touch-friendly. Use the Pen tool (while drawing), or the Anchor Point or the Direct Selection tools to perform unconstrained reshaping of path segments.
  • Working with Typekit fonts:
  • Choose from thousands of fonts available from Typeki9t, from within Illustrator CC. When you enable Typekit fonts to be synced to your desktop through the Creative Cloud application, the fonts you have subscribed to on Typekit appear alongside locally installed fonts.
  • Perspective Grid:
  • The Perspective Grid tool has been enhanced to provide a more flexible and intuitive way of working with the tool. From Illustrator CC, modifying the Perspective Grid affects any attached artwork, too. For example, manipulating the horizon line or the vanishing point controls changes the perspective of the artwork, too. This enhancement is available for two- or three-point Perspective Grids only.
  • HiDPI devices:
  • Adobe Illustrator extends HiDPI support to Windows-based devices. You can now view Illustrator in enlarged mode, as per text size preferences on a high-resolution displays.
  • For displays with resolution greater than or equal to 1920*1080 & less than 2560*1440, Illustrator can be launched at 1.5 times scaled-up UI, depending on the OS text size.
  • For displays with resolution greater than or equal to 2560*1440, Illustrator can be launched at 1.5 times or 2 times scaled-up UI, depending on the OS text size.
  • Pen-pressure support on Windows 8 devices:
  • In previous versions of Illustrator one could use Wacom tablets to draw art (for example, brush strokes), based on input parameters like Pressure, Rotation, Tilt, and more.
  • This version of Illustrator CC now includes native support for Windows 8 -based input devices that support pressure feedback. For example, you can leverage this capability while working with a Windows 8 device with a newer Stylus device that provides pressure feedback, for drawings that require pressure-input.
  • Custom Tools Panels:
  • Create groups of preferred tools using the new feature to create your own specialized tools panels. Simply drag and drop tools from the existing Tool Box into a new tool panel, or remove tools from a created tool panel.
  • Import and Export Settings:
  • You can share Illustrator CC settings and preferences with a different computer, using settings packages. Create a settings package on one computer (Edit > My Settings > Export Settings), and then copy the package to a different computer and import the settings package (Edit > My Settings > Import Settings).
  • SVG-related enhancements have been implemented:
  • In the SVG Options dialog
  • A new option to enable Responsive Design is available. The Responsive checkbox removes absolute width and height information from the artwork file, so that the image resizes and scales proportionately.
  • The default for Type (Fonts) is set to SVG, by default.
  • The precision for Decimal Places (More Options > Advanced Options) is 1, by default.
  • Also, when you open an SVG in Illustrator, visual fidelity is maintained by aligning objects correctly with the pixel grid.
  • What's New dialog:
  • A What’s New dialog is displayed at first launch, after Illustrator is updated. The dialog lists the top new features that have been introduced in the updated release. The list has a description about each feature and thumbnails of associated videos. Clicking a thumbnail plays a brief, feature-related video, in the What's New dialog.
  • Fill stroke proxy enhancements:
  • To enable a more convenient workflow, the Fill proxy has been added to
  • Windows > Swatches panel
  • Custom tools panels (automatically added when you a new tools panel)
  • Also, the Swatches panel now has two buttons that enable you to toggle views. Click the buttons to toggle between a list or thumbnail view.
  • Opacity slider:
  • The Opacity drop-down has now been converted to a scrubby slider. The slider is available from two locations
  • Windows > Transparency panel (Shift + Ctrl/Cmd + F10)
  • Control Panel > Opacity slider
  • Layers panel enhancements:
  • Maintain state in the Layers panel
  • The Layers panel (F7) now keeps track of which layers have been expanded or collapsed, even when you close and reopen a document.
  • Visual feedback for Layers panel operations
  • Create or resize an Artboard from the center:
  • Two enhancements have been effected for artboard creation/resizing scenarios
  • Pressing the Alt/Opt key while creating or resizing an artboard will keep the center of the artboard fixed.
  • Pressing the Alt/Opt + Shift key while creating or resizing an artboard will keep the width and height of the artboard in its original proportion (constrained scaling) while keeping the center of the artboard fixed.
  • Canceling drag operations quickly:
  • Some workflows have been enhanced to enable you to cancel operations or actions while using certain tools. With this enhancement, pressing the Esc key cancels the action of the following tools or actions
  • Zoom
  • Ruler
  • Guide
  • Splitter Guides
  • Selection
  • Page Tiling Tools
  • New shortcut: Place command:
  • You can now initiate the Place command from a keyboard shortcut: Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + P.

New in Adobe Illustrator CC 17.0.1 (Nov 22, 2013)

  • Resolved issues:
  • Spanish-language versions of Illustrator do not launch on Windows 8.1 computers.
  • On placing a DWG file, the topmost artwork gets loaded on the place gun, while the rest of the artwork gets placed on the document automatically.
  • Cannot save the file from Illustrator if the preview is enabled and is being displayed in a Windows dialog box.
  • All layers of the DWG are imported into a single layer even if the Merge Layers option is turned off.
  • Copying any object from a document to a new document results in plenty of unwanted swatches and slows Illustrator responsiveness.
  • After the Export dialog is opened and then dismissed (Cancel button), when you save a file (File > Save), Illustrator displays the Save As dialog.
  • Additional stability-related fixes.

New in Adobe Illustrator CC 17.0.0 (Jun 19, 2013)

  • A more connected Illustrator:
  • Illustrator CC is part of Creative Cloud. That means you have access to all the latest updates and future releases the moment they're available. Sharpen your skills and master new tools with a rich and growing library of training videos. And Creative Cloud is integrated with Behance, so you can share your projects and get immediate feedback from creatives around the world.
  • Touch Type tool:
  • Design with type in a powerful new way. Characters can now be manipulated like individual objects. Experiment with moving, scaling, and rotating, knowing you can change the font or edit at any time. And you can now use multitouch devices as well as a mouse or stylus.
  • Images in brushes:
  • Paint with a brush made from a photo. Art, Pattern, and Scatter brushes can contain raster images, so you can create complex organic designs quickly — with simple brush strokes. As with all Illustrator brushes, your strokes can be reshaped and modified at will.
  • Font search:
  • Find the perfect font - fast. In the Character panel, type a style such as "bold" or "italic," a font family, or any other part of a font name. You'll get a filtered view that lets you see just the fonts that match your criteria.
  • Multiple-file place:
  • Import multiple files into your Illustrator layout at the same time and with new control. Now you can define the location and scale of your files - images, graphics, and text - and use new thumbnail views to see where each file will go and how big it will be.
  • CSS extraction:
  • Hand-coding web elements such as icons and patterns can be frustrating. Now, create websites faster by letting Illustrator generate CSS code for you, even for a complete logo that includes gradients. Copy and paste the code right into your web editor.
  • Sync Colors:
  • Capture color themes out in the world with the Adobe Kuler® iPhone app. Share your themes and explore thousands of others available on the Kuler website. Sync your favorite themes, and they'll be accessible immediately in Illustrator.
  • Area and point type conversion:
  • Instantly switch between area type and point type. Text object conversion is now instantaneous so you can design freely in your text layouts. And you can work just as easily with imported type, switching formats at any time.
  • Auto corners for pattern brushes:
  • Get the corners you want without extra steps. Create pattern brushes swiftly with auto-generated corners that perfectly match the rest of the stroke. No need to tediously create special corners for your sharp angles.
  • On-art Free Transform:
  • Get hands-on with the power of the Free Transform tool. Move, scale, and rotate objects directly using a touchscreen device. Or use a mouse or other pointer right on the artboard to transform objects in a more immediate and intuitive way.
  • Behance Integration:
  • Save work directly from Illustrator CC to Behance to showcase finished projects or share a work in progress. As you perfect your work and upload new versions, get immediate feedback from creatives around the world.
  • Faster type performance:
  • Work faster with type, even in your most complicated, type-intensive designs. Text that wraps around objects and type that is set in multiple connected text frames now refreshes quickly when you make a change.
  • File packaging:
  • File packaging automatically gathers and saves the necessary fonts, linked graphics, and a package report into a single folder. Efficiently hand off Illustrator files to production or keep your working files organized by packaging up your project.
  • Unembedded images:
  • Easily unembbed images that have been placed and embedded in an Illustrator file. You can quickly make images available for editing or extract files embedded in artwork you received from someone else. Links to the image files are created automatically.
  • Expanded Links panel options:
  • Get more complete information about any placed file in the Links panel. All of your placed elements - images, graphics, and text - appear in the Links panel, where you can track them with greater control than ever before.
  • Sophisticated vector drawing tools:
  • Create compelling vector graphics for print, web, mobile, and video. With precise shape-building tools, painterly brushes, and advanced path controls, you can experiment freely with intricate shapes, complex effects, and elegant typography.
  • Mercury Performance System:
  • Work with precision, speed, and rock-solid stability on large, complex files. With native 64-bit support on Mac OS and Windows®, the Adobe Mercury Performance System lets you access all your RAM to easily open, save, and export large files and preview intricate designs.
  • Multiple artboards:
  • Organize and view up to 100 artboards of varying sizes, overlapping or on a grid. Quickly add, delete, reorder, and name. Save, export, and print independently or together.
  • Gradients and transparency:
  • Interact with gradients directly on objects, defining the dimension of elliptical gradients, editing colors, and adjusting opacity. Apply gradients to strokes — along the length, across the width, or within the stroke itself. Even create gradients on meshes.
  • Variable-width strokes:
  • Draw strokes with variable widths, quickly and smoothly adjusting at any point. Create and save width profiles and apply them to any stroke, or use variable-width presets.
  • Crisp graphics for web and mobile:
  • Create and align vector objects precisely on your document's pixel grid for clean, sharp raster graphics. Use text anti-aliasing options for precise control over individual text frames.
  • Image Trace:
  • Convert raster images to editable vectors with a powerful tracing engine that provides exceptional control over colors and shapes. Get clean lines, accurate fitting, and reliable results using simple, intuitive options.
  • Pattern creation:
  • Easily create seamlessly tiled vector patterns. Experiment freely with different kinds of repeating vector patterns that can be edited at any time for maximum design flexibility.

New in Adobe Illustrator CS6 16.0.3 (Dec 11, 2012)

  • The Adobe Illustrator 16.0.3 update provides several stability fixes.

New in Adobe Illustrator CS6 16.0.2 (Sep 28, 2012)

  • This patch addresses critical security fixes

New in Adobe Illustrator CS6 16.0.1 (Aug 28, 2012)

  • The following issues have been resolved in this release:
  • Sometimes, Illustrator quits unexpectedly if you only have read-only permissions on the Preferences folder.
  • On launching Illustrator, error "Unable to set maximum number of files to be opened" is displayed.
  • Sometimes, Save for Web does not create images with the specified dimensions.
  • Copy-paste from other applications does not work as expected if you're using a third-party clipboard manager.
  • Windows 7 only: Sometimes, Illustrator quits unexpectedly, when you move the cursor inside the Navigator panel.
  • Selecting All Unused Swatches and deleting them, removes the parent/tint swatch which is not in use.
  • When using Kotoeri text input methods, you are unable to shift selection to another uncommitted text group using the left/right arrow key.
  • Saving as PDF/X-4, succeeds even if there are undefined glyphs in the document.
  • Sometimes, Contextual Alternates do not work consistently. The ligatures displayed in CS6 are different from previous versions.
  • If standard ligatures and contextual alternates are both enabled, some text may appear missing.
  • Save as PDF dialog box does not accept any settings if you've already saved the file as PDF with Compression > Compress Text and Line Art option disabled.
  • Text with drop shadow/outer glow effect has issues with editing in downsaved documents and may cause a crash.
  • Transform commands do not work as expected, if you use the Transform Patterns option and then enter the Pattern Definition Mode.

New in Adobe Illustrator CS6 16.0 (May 7, 2012)

  • Adobe Mercury Performance System:
  • Work with precision, speed, and rock-solid stability on large, complex files thanks to a new performance system that powers Illustrator CS6. With native 64-bit support on Mac OS and Windows you can access all the RAM on your computer to easily open, save, and export large files and preview demanding designs. Just about everything feels faster and more responsive.
  • Pattern creation:
  • Easily create seamlessly tiled vector patterns. Experiment freely with different types of repeating patterns that can be edited at any time for maximum design flexibility.
  • New Image Trace:
  • Convert raster images to editable vectors with a completely new tracing engine. Get clean lines, accurate fitting, and reliable results without using complex controls.
  • New efficient, flexible interface:
  • Take fewer steps to accomplish daily tasks in a new, streamlined interface. Enjoy inline editing of layer names, precise color sampling, and UI brightness that's smoothly adjustable to match other Adobe tools.
  • Gradients on strokes:
  • Apply gradients to your strokes — along the length, across the width, or within the stroke itself — all with complete control over gradient placement and opacity.
  • Inline editing in panels:
  • Efficiently edit names in layers, swatches, brushes, artboards, and other panels directly in the panels themselves without using intermediate dialog boxes.
  • Gaussian Blur enhancement:
  • See that Gaussian Blur and effects such as Drop Shadows and Glows are applied significantly faster than before. To improve accuracy, preview directly on the artboard rather than in a dialog box.
  • Color panel enhancements:
  • Sample colors faster and more precisely using an expandable color spectrum in the Color panel. And now, copy and paste hex values into other applications more quickly.
  • Transform panel enhancements:
  • Quickly access the popular Scale Strokes and Effects option, thanks to its new availability in the Transform panel.
  • Type panel improvements:
  • Use arrow keys to change fonts in context for selected text. Glyphs for caps, superscripts, and more can now be accessed in one place — from the Character panel.
  • Dockable hidden tools:
  • Tear off and dock previously hidden tools, such as the Shape and Pen tools. Dock tools horizontally or vertically for a more efficient workspace.
  • Workspaces with rooms:
  • Move fluidly from workspace to workspace with support for rooms. Achieve consistency across your work areas and maintain layout changes until you actively reset them.
  • Control panel enhancements:
  • Quickly find what you need in a more efficient Control panel, now with consistency across options, anchor point controls, clipping masks, envelope distortions, and more.

New in Adobe Illustrator 15.0.2 CS5 (Dec 2, 2010)

  • PSD files lose saturation of spot colors when imported into AiCS5
  • Performance problems when guides are set to dot
  • Acrobat 10 documents with passwords fail to open
  • Improved precision with DXF import
  • Links are broken in legacy formats when image name contains Japanese characters for voiced sound marks
  • Rounded Corner Edges that curved inside flipped to curve outside
  • Non-Specific Crash when opening or closing files
  • Security Issues

New in Adobe Illustrator 15.0.1 CS5 (Dec 2, 2010)

  • Out of memory problems specific to Macs with RAM exceeding 4gb, including failure of shortcut keys, rulers, or file open have been addressed.
  • Glyph Panel issues have been addressed.
  • Several crashes occurring at launch or quit have been addressed.
  • A crash when traversing a variable data set containing linked images has been addressed.
  • An issue with white lines appearing on rasterized gradient mesh objects has been addressed.