Introduction
As a graphic designer and illustrator, Adobe Illustrator has been my go-to tool for creating vector graphics for over 15 years now. With each new release, Illustrator seems to get better and better, constantly adding new features and enhancements that make my work easier and faster. But is Illustrator still the undisputed champion of vector graphics tools in 2024? In this article, I’ll examine the pros and cons of Illustrator and how it stacks up against the competition like Affinity Designer, Inkscape and others.
The Strengths of Adobe Illustrator
Industry Standard for Decades
Illustrator has been the industry standard tool for vector graphics since it was first released in 1987. It has decades of use and community support behind it. Most designers are already familiar with Illustrator’s interface and workflows. This makes collaboration and hiring easier when working with other creatives. The wide user base also means more tutorials, resources and support are available.
Powerful Feature Set
Some of Illustrator’s standout features include:
-
Flexible vector tools – Illustrator provides market-leading tools for manipulating vector paths and shapes. The pen, pencil, shape and pathfinder tools offer the most control for crafting complex vector artwork.
-
Abundant typographic controls – Setting and manipulating typography is easy in Illustrator. Glyphs panel, multiple lines, wrapping, alignment and character styles allow limitless text layouts.
-
Advanced color options – With color guides, Pantone swatches,Global colors and CMYK previews, Illustrator makes managing color easy across projects.
-
Responsive UI – Multiple undocked panels, touch compatible and automatically adaptive interface streamlines your workflow.
-
Integration with Creative Cloud – Directly open and edit artwork from Photoshop, XD and other Creative Cloud apps for efficient collaboration.
-
Expanded file format support – Open and export art in SVG, EPS, PDF, JPEG, transparent PNG and more. Print, web, UI/UX and more are covered.
Reliability and Stability
With a long development history, Illustrator is mature and stable software. I can trust it to handle large complex vector documents without crashing. The program is optimized to work smoothly on macOS systems. Bugs and issues are rare in my experience.
The Weaknesses of Adobe Illustrator
Price
The biggest weakness is Illustrator’s monthly subscription pricing. At $20.99 per month, it is a significant ongoing cost for freelancers and small teams. For casual users, the price is harder to justify compared to low cost or free alternatives like Vectornator.
Learning Curve
Illustrator lacks the intuitiveness of something like Sketch. New users face a steeper learning curve mastering its tools and workflows. The interface can be overwhelming despite UI improvements. Simple tasks may require more steps compared to other apps.
Reliance on Keyboard
Illustrator’s vector tools rely heavily on keyboard shortcuts. For users accustomed to mouse-driven interfaces, this can hamper usability. Memorizing keyboard combos has a learning curve. A tablet/trackpad first approach is not well supported.
Legacy Code and Bloat
Illustrator’s codebase contains decades of legacy code to support old file formats and features. This manifests in minor bugs and performance issues when working with complex vector graphics. The app feels bloated when compared to lean modern competitors.
Top Illustrator Alternatives in 2024
Affinity Designer
Affinity Designer offers professional-grade vector tools and an intuitive UI for only a one-time purchase fee. Smooth performance, extensive format support, and advanced features like GPU acceleration make it a viable Illustrator alternative. Limited third party plugin support is a drawback.
Gravit Designer
As a full-featured free vector graphics app, Gravit Designer is appealing for casual users, students and non-profits. It lacks some of Illustrator’s advanced vector and typography tools resulting in a more limited feature set. But the price and cross-platform support are big advantages.
Inkscape
Inkscape is an open-source vector graphics editor gaining popularity for its flexible SVG support and expansive toolset. But performance issues with complex documents, limited typography controls and a dated interface hold it back as an Illustrator replacement.
Vectornator
Vectornator delivers a streamlined vector and layout design experience on desktop and iPadOS. Easy collaboration and syncing across devices is a major advantage. But it trails Illustrator in overall tool breadth and depth, relying on a simpler workflow.
Verdict – Still the Most Capable Vector Tool
Despite growing competition, Adobe Illustrator remains the most fully-featured, powerful and capable vector graphics and illustration application in 2024. The wealth of advanced tools, stability and ecosystem support continue to justify the premium pricing for professionals and businesses. For more casual use, the limitations warrant considering lower-cost or free alternatives. But for pushing vector artwork and illustrations to the highest level, Illustrator still delivers where others fall short. Its proven track record secures its position as the go-to vector graphics tool for the foreseeable future.
