Our verdict: Illustrator is the vector editor that print shops, agencies and brand guidelines expect, and its AI file format is the common currency of logo work. It is only available as a subscription, and the trial needs a payment card. For personal projects a free vector editor covers most needs.
About Adobe Illustrator
Illustrator is Adobe's vector graphics app and part of Creative Cloud. It is sold only as a subscription: US$22.99 per month on an annual plan, or as part of Creative Cloud Pro with more than 20 apps. The 7-day free trial needs an Adobe account and payment details and turns into a paid plan unless you cancel before it ends.
You draw with the Pen, Pencil, Curvature and shape tools, then combine paths with Pathfinder and the Shape Builder. Artboards hold several sizes of a design in one file, and Image Trace converts bitmaps into editable paths. Firefly-powered tools such as Text to Vector Graphic and Generative Expand use the generative credits included in the plan.
What it does well
- Precise drawing. Pen, Curvature and Pencil tools with live preview for clean vector paths.
- Shape Builder. Merges and cuts overlapping shapes by dragging across them.
- Multiple artboards. Keeps a logo's sizes and variants side by side in one document.
- Image Trace. Turns photos and scanned sketches into editable vector artwork.
- Generative tools. Text to Vector Graphic and Generative Expand use Adobe Firefly credits.
Who it is for
Good fit
Logo and brand designers, illustrators and anyone who must deliver AI, EPS or print-ready PDF files.
Look elsewhere
Hobbyists who do not want a monthly bill, or people who want a trial without entering a card.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Industry-standard AI and EPS files
- Precise path and typography tools
- Multiple artboards per document
- Works with other Creative Cloud apps
Cons
- Subscription only, no one-time license
- 7-day trial requires a payment card and turns into a paid plan
- Steep learning curve for new users
How to install Adobe Illustrator
Start the trial on adobe.com: you sign in with an Adobe account, choose a plan and enter payment details. The Creative Cloud desktop app installs first and then downloads Illustrator. Cancel in your Adobe account before day 8 to avoid the first charge; annual plans cancelled after 14 days carry a fee.
Questions about Adobe Illustrator
Is Adobe Illustrator free?
No. Adobe offers a 7-day free trial that needs an Adobe account and a payment card. After it, Illustrator costs US$22.99 per month on an annual plan.
Can I buy Illustrator without a subscription?
No. Adobe says Illustrator and the latest Creative Cloud apps are available only with a membership plan.
Do I need to be online to use Illustrator?
No, it is installed locally. Adobe says you need to connect to the internet once every 99 days to validate the membership.
