These modern updates have completely transformed the user experience, enabling both seasoned professionals and newcomers to create complex, stunning artwork with greater speed and ease than ever before. For users of mainland China, please note that some generative AI features are currently unavailable.
The final version before Creative Cloud, CS6 introduced and GPU rendering , increasing rendering speed almost tenfold. A new tracing engine allowed faster creation of smooth patterns and gradient strokes, while the interface received a modernized, brightness-adjustable design. adobe illustrator versions by year
| Year | Version / Name | Notable features / milestones | |---:|---|---| | 1987 | Illustrator 1.0 | Initial Mac-only vector drawing app (PostScript-based). | | 1988 | Illustrator 88 (v1.7) | Major update with drawing/pen tool improvements; became known as "Illustrator 88". | | 1990 | Illustrator 3.0 | Added native color support and improved type handling. | | 1992 | Illustrator 5.0 | Introduced editable text and multiple artboards (early forms). | | 1994 | Illustrator 6.0 | Improved printing and PostScript Level 2 support. | | 1997 | Illustrator 7.0 | Full rewrite with new interface; introduced TrueType support and Windows parity. | | 1999 | Illustrator 8.0 | Focus on web graphics and improved gradient mesh. | | 2001 | Illustrator 9.0 | Enhanced type layout and drawing precision. | | 2003 | Illustrator 10 | First version with improved effects and PDF compatibility. | | 2003 | Illustrator CS (11.0) | Rebranded under Creative Suite; tighter integration with Photoshop/other apps. | | 2005 | Illustrator CS2 (12.0) | Performance improvements, Live Trace (bitmap-to-vector). | | 2007 | Illustrator CS3 (13.0) | Enhanced UI, multiple artboards, better integration with other Adobe CS apps. | | 2008 | Illustrator CS4 (14.0) | Multiple artboards official support, enhanced 3D effects, transparency grid. | | 2010 | Illustrator CS5 (15.0) | Improved pathfinder, perspective drawing tools, GPU acceleration beginnings. | | 2012 | Illustrator CS6 (16.0) | Reworked UI, Mercury Performance System, pattern creation improvements. | | 2013 | Illustrator CC (17.0) | Creative Cloud transition — subscription model, cloud features, Typekit integration. | | 2014 | Illustrator CC 2014 (18.0) | Touch-type tool, CSS extraction for web, sync settings. | | 2015 | Illustrator CC 2015 (19.0) | Performance improvements, CC Libraries, better export options. | | 2016 | Illustrator CC 2017 (21.0) | Real-time drawing enhancements, glyph panel, advanced effects. | | 2017 | Illustrator CC 2018 (22.0) | Properties panel, global edit, improved Puppet Warp. | | 2018 | Illustrator CC 2019 (23.0) | Multiple glyph alternates, GPU performance improvements. | | 2019 | Illustrator 2020 (24.0) | Recolor Artwork, enhanced global editing, performance gains. | | 2020 | Illustrator 2021 (25.0) | New home screen, enhanced cloud document support, real-time stylus smoothing. | | 2021 | Illustrator 2022 (26.0) | 3D effects rewrite (3D and Materials), repeat grid, improved color workflows. | | 2022 | Illustrator 2023 (27.0) | Expanded 3D features, generative/AI-assisted tools introduced incrementally. | | 2023 | Illustrator 2024 (28.0) | Continued 3D polishing, vector export improvements, performance updates. | | 2024 | Illustrator 2025 (29.0) | Ongoing feature refinements and workflow integrations (versioning names vary by release cadence). | These modern updates have completely transformed the user