- Quick specs
- Price: Free to try (30-day trial); $599.00 to buy
- Operating system: Windows XP/Vista
- Date added: June 21, 2007
- Total Downloads: 1,891,809
- Downloads last week: 8,171
- See full specifications
A newer version of Adobe Illustrator is available.
(Download doesn't provide access to previous versions of this program.)
- CNET editors' rating: stars
- Average user rating: stars out of 72 votes
See all user reviews
CNET editors' review
Reviewed by: CNET Staff
True to its name, Adobe Illustrator began life as a standard-bearer for vector-based illustration and design, but fell behind the times because it lacked the Web output of competitors. Eager to shed Illustrator's stodgy image as a print-only application, Adobe has since taught this old dog many new tricks.
One instantly noticeable change is the panel-based interface, a change from the familiar palettes of old. The panels can be minimized to simple icon docks. Clicking on an icon opens up the palette it refers to, while hitting the arrow at the top opens all the palettes. No more worries about palettes blocking your workspace.
Colors get a lot of attention in CS3. They can now be grouped as you want them, and you can have CS3 suggest similar or related colors to you. The new Live Color function lets you easily change existing colors in your image. The app also includes integration with Adobe Flash, minimizing the hoop-jumping required for creating symbols in Illustrator and seamlessly importing them into Flash. Both programs now share the same hot key for defining symbols, and Illustrator now has Flash's graphics engine, further simplifying the crossover and importing process.
Other new features include a vector erasing tool, an improved cropping mechanism, tweaks in Live Trace, overhauled New Document Profiles, and more, but Illustrator is not for everyone. As is typical for Adobe products, the price, system requirements, and learning curve can be daunting. That said, this program offers features and functionality that can't be matched, and is a must-have for anyone who is serious about professional-quality digital illustration.
Publisher's description
From Adobe Systems :Create sophisticated vector artwork for virtually any medium. Capture your ideas easily with industry-standard drawing tools, and experiment freely with flexible new color controls. Experience tight integration with other Adobe applications, and let improved performance help speed you through creating extraordinary graphics.
Version CS3 adds new Web, drawing, and interactive tools.
What's new in this version:
Version CS3 adds new Web, drawing, and interactive tools.
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User reviews of Adobe Illustrator CS3
- Average user rating: 3.6 stars out of 72 votes
- My rating: 0 stars Write review
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Showing 5 of 21 user reviewsSee all 21 user reviews
This software version | All versions -
2 out of 4 people found this review helpful
Version: Adobe Illustrator CS3
Pros: I learned to use this in school, and although they don't teach it properly, I still found use for this product since it's very good at illustrating (thus the name Adobe Illustrator), very easy to use and has the idea of Photoshop except more artistic tools for creating vector images and turning photos into vector images.
Cons: I haven't found much use of this since most use of this product is to create vector images and to color in photos. The price is pretty high for something that doesn't do that much.
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1 out of 1 people found this review helpful
Version: Adobe Illustrator CS3
Pros: Obviously difficult to master but a tremendously powerful program once you learn.
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1 out of 2 people found this review helpful
Version: Adobe Illustrator CS3
Pros: Great vector program. I haven't used any others so I can't compare, but once you get familiar with it, you shouldn't run into programs.
Cons: There are no real significant cons.
Some users who have placed comments here have complained that drawing is hard, not useful in fine arts and crafts area, and not much use for the program. People, this program was created for professionals. Graphic designers like myself use this program for virtually every ad they do. I can't count how many .ai files I have now...
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2 out of 2 people found this review helpful
Version: Adobe Illustrator CS3
"I love Illustrator, still the standard."
Pros: Everything, it is a much improved product. I am a graphic design student that has learned what this software is capable of. Once you combine this software with flash, Dreamworks, Indesign, and photoshop you can do just about anything. Good for print, and website design.
Cons: Difficult learning curve for inexperienced users.
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3 out of 4 people found this review helpful
Version: Adobe Illustrator CS3
Pros: It was a god's send for my thesis.
- See all 21 user reviews Write review
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