Adobe Illustrator 2023 (v27) review

Adobe Illustrator, a long-standing and robust vector-based graphic design software, continues to demonstrate its strength and versatility with the release of version 27, also known as Adobe Illustrator 2023. This latest update, launched in October, focuses on refining and enhancing an already powerful tool without introducing groundbreaking concepts or features.

Over the years, Adobe Illustrator has evolved significantly and garnered a dedicated user base of professionals. The software has consistently improved and maintained its stability, making it a reliable choice for graphic designers. With version 27, Adobe builds upon the strong foundation of Illustrator, further elevating its capabilities.

While the update may not introduce revolutionary elements, it aims to enhance the user experience and overall functionality of the software. Adobe has focused on fine-tuning existing features, ensuring smoother workflows, and addressing any shortcomings identified by users. By building upon an already excellent tool, the newest features contribute to an improved design process.

Graphic designers who are already familiar with Adobe Illustrator will appreciate the refinements and optimizations offered in version 27. The update serves to streamline tasks, boost productivity, and provide a more intuitive and efficient working environment. Whether it's through improved performance, enhanced tools, or better integration with other Adobe Creative Cloud applications, Adobe Illustrator 2023 offers users an elevated design experience.

As the industry standard for vector-based graphic design software, Adobe Illustrator continues to demonstrate its commitment to innovation and meeting the needs of its professional user base. Version 27 reinforces the software's position as a reliable, powerful, and indispensable tool for graphic designers worldwide.

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ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR 2023: INTERTWINE

Intertwine is a noteworthy new feature in graphic design software that facilitates the creation of complex interactions between objects. Traditionally, designers used layers to independently manipulate and overlap shapes. However, when it came to more intricate overlaps, such as having a portion of a circle on top of one layer but under others, achieving the desired effect involved cumbersome copying and pasting.

Intertwine addresses this challenge by providing a streamlined solution that significantly speeds up the process. Accessed through the menu bar, activating Intertwine transforms the cursor into a lasso tool. By encircling the desired area, users can instantly swap the layer order at the specified section. This operation can be repeated multiple times as needed. Additionally, there is an option to revert all changes or further edit them.

It's important to note that the positions of the swapped sections are fixed on the canvas and not linked to the affected objects. Therefore, if an object is moved after the effect has been applied, unexpected results may occur as the swap begins to impact other parts of the object being repositioned.

Intertwine offers designers a more efficient and intuitive way to handle complex overlaps, saving time and effort compared to the previous manual copying and pasting methods. By simplifying the process of manipulating layer orders, this feature empowers designers to create intricate compositions with greater ease and flexibility. However, users should be mindful of the fixed positions of the swapped sections when making subsequent adjustments to the affected objects to avoid unintended consequences.

Overall, Intertwine introduces a clever tool that enhances the ability to create sophisticated interactions between objects, expanding the possibilities for innovative and intricate graphic designs.

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ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR 2023: COLLABORATION & CROSS-APP COMPATIBILITY

Working while collaborating within Adobe Illustrator is a feature that shows promising potential but is still in its early stages. The ability to collaborate with others and work seamlessly across different programs is increasingly important in modern workflows, and Illustrator delivers in the realm of online collaboration.

Located at the top right of the interface, the blue share button grants access to two collaboration options: 'Invite to Edit' and 'Share for Review' (currently in Beta). To utilize these features, the project needs to be uploaded to Adobe's Creative Cloud. Once uploaded, a shareable link is generated, which can be copied and shared with others. Users have control over who can access their work, either by specific invitation or by sharing the link with anyone who needs access.

'Invite to Edit' allows collaborators to mark the design with drawings and comments. If permitted, collaborators can also download a copy of the file to their own Creative Cloud account. Commenting can even be done as a guest, without requiring an Adobe account.

'Share for Review' focuses on the commenting aspect, without the ability to save a copy of the work. Unlike 'Invite to Edit', you can't even save the image as a PNG by right-clicking on it.

While these collaboration features are useful, it feels somewhat disjointed that they are separate options. 'Invite to Edit' already encompasses all the features of 'Share for Review', and you can add restrictions to prevent downloading of the work within 'Invite to Edit'. Consolidating these options would streamline the collaboration experience.

Nevertheless, the ability to communicate and collaborate with others, even without an Adobe account, through web-based commenting is highly valuable. The feature facilitates seamless collaboration and enhances workflow efficiency.

In terms of compatibility across apps, the ability to copy and paste text between Illustrator and InDesign (and vice versa) while retaining formatting is a significant time-saver. This cross-app compatibility allows for smoother transitions and enhances overall productivity.

Overall, the collaboration and cross-app compatibility features of Adobe Illustrator show promise, earning a rating of 4 out of 5. While there is room for improvement, the ability to collaborate and communicate effectively within the software, as well as compatibility with other Adobe applications, enhances the overall design experience and workflow efficiency.