Adobe Illustrator CS6 for Mac

Adobe Illustrator CS6 for Mac is a powerful and agile program that gives you all the tools you need to complete any type of graphic design project. Whether you're working on logo design, icons, infographics, or any other type of design project, you can quickly access all of the options you need to produce a professional-grade product.

• Efficient, Flexible Interface: The workspace in Illustrator CS6 lets users adjust their layout. They can move tools around and change the brightness of the user interface. This makes it easier on the eyes during long design sessions.
• Enhanced Panels: The software improved several panels to make designing smoother:
  • Color Panel Enhancements: It's easier to choose and use colors.
  • Type Panel Improvements: More options are available for editing text.
  • Transform and Transparency Panels: Users find it easier to change object settings and their transparency.
• Innovative Tools:
  • Image Trace: This tool turns photos into editable vector paths.
  • Pattern Creation: It simplifies making complex patterns.
  • Mercury Performance System: This feature improves the software's performance, making it run smoother, even with big files.
  • Gaussian Blur Enhancement: This tool allows for more precise blurring.
  • Gradients on Strokes: Users can apply gradient colors directly to lines.

Even though Adobe Illustrator CS6 was released on April 23, 2012, it still serves as a valuable tool for many designers. It was the 16th update in the Illustrator series and included significant improvements like a new user interface, better layer panels, and enhanced color management features. Although newer versions have expanded on these features, CS6 remains effective, especially for those who prefer to buy the software outright instead of subscribing monthly.

Pros

• Interface design: All features are clearly accessible through a streamlined interface that gives you access to everything you need without cluttering up your workspace. The interface design makes it possible to quickly find any of the many tools included in this program without digging through an overwhelming list of options or searching endlessly.
• Fast and efficient: No matter how large or complex the files are that you need to open, this app can handle them with ease. You can also save and export to other programs quickly without hassle or waiting.

Cons

• Long installation: The installation process was rather complicated and did take quite some time. It was difficult at first to find the link to download only Illustrator, as Adobe wants you to subscribe to all of its Creative Cloud programs at once. The installation itself also took more than 10 minutes as the app was downloading and initializing.

Adobe Illustrator CS6 is an excellent and complete solution for all of your graphic design needs. Its interface makes it possible for even relatively inexperienced users to learn quickly how to take advantage of all features, although its substantial price tag means it's probably only a good option for serious designers. You can try it out for free for 30 days, after which time it costs $599 to purchase, or you can opt for a subscription to one of the Creative Cloud program packages with various pricing options.

Editors' note: This is a review of the trial version of Adobe Illustrator CS6 for Mac 16.0.

• This version may include unspecified updates, enhancements, or bug fixes.