What Is Adobe Illustrator? Beginner’s Guide & Photoshop Comparison

Before you start: This guide is designed to answer not just “What is Adobe Illustrator?” but also when, why and how to use it in your creative workflow. It aims to be a thorough resource for anyone transitioning into digital design—from students and hobbyists to professionals in print and digital media.

Adobe Illustrator is one of the most influential graphic design applications ever created. If you’ve browsed creative portfolios, seen company logos or admired vector art prints, you’ve likely experienced the output of Illustrator—even if you didn’t know it.

Yet for many newcomers, Illustrator is intimidating, mysterious and in some cases, misunderstood. This guide will cut through that confusion, clarify Illustrator’s place in the digital graphics ecosystem and help you decide whether it’s the right tool for your project.

My name is Lalit Adhikari and we are at LTY. Let’s begin!

What is Adobe Illustrator?

Adobe Illustrator is a vector software that uses mathematical shapes to draw on the canvas and therefore the output will always be a vector-based output.

Adobe Illustrator is a professional-grade vector graphics editor developed by Adobe Inc. Released in 1987, it quickly became the standard for creating vector-based artwork, including logos, icons, illustrations, typography and print layouts.

Unlike pixel-based (raster) programs, Illustrator uses mathematical equations and geometric primitives to define shapes, lines and curves, allowing infinite scalability without quality loss.

Fact: Illustrator works primarily with vector graphics, meaning our designs remain crisp and editable at any size—a trait crucial for print production and branding.

What is Vector?

In terms of Physics and Mathematics, Vector is defined as a quantity having a direction as well as magnitude especially as determining the position of one point in space relative to another.

In Graphic Designing, we are dealing with something similar called Vector Graphics which work on the same principle as above.

The Core Philosophy: Vectors

A vector, in design, is an object defined by points, lines and curves—which are described by mathematical equations. Each shape in Illustrator has properties like stroke weight, color, curvature and fill value. These attributes can be changed, transformed or scaled without causing any destructive pixelation.

This property makes Illustrator essential for:

• Logo creation (where designs must be sized from a business card to a billboard)
• Illustrations (especially for print or merchandise)
• Digital typography and font creation
• Technical graphics, charts and infographics

What is Vector Graphics?

Vector Graphics are computer graphics which are defined in terms of 2 dimensional points (or anchor points).

Points (or anchor points) are connected to one another by lines and curves (also known as path or edge) to form various geometrical shapes like rectangle, ellipse (circle or oval) and polygons etc.

All of these points have a definite position on the x-axis and y-axis of the Art Board or Canvas or Work Plane. Hence determines the direction of the path.

These paths may have different properties values such as stroke color, shape, curve, thickness (or stroke weight) and fill.

Most used file formats or extensions for Vector Graphics are SVG, EPS, PDF, CDR or AI.

For commercial purposes, a Vector Graphics may need to be converted into a Raster Graphic file formats like JPEG, PNG etc.

What You Can Create

Illustrator’s toolkit empowers us to design a huge range of visuals, such as:

• Company logos
• Custom typography
• Poster art and banners
• Web icons and UI elements
• Vector illustrations and cartoons
• Maps and schematics
• Print designs for mugs, shirts, packaging and more

Related Topics:

• Line Segment, Arc, Spiral, Rectangular & Polar Grid Tool
• Rectangle, Rounded Rectangle, Ellipse, Polygon, Star & Flare Tool
• Type Tool in illustrator

Illustrator vs. Photoshop: Fundamental Differences

Assumption check: Many beginners conflate Illustrator and Photoshop or believe they serve identical purposes. This is incorrect and leads to improper use-cases, wasted time and poor output quality.

Fact: Use Illustrator for branded visuals and print design where scalability and clean shapes matter. Photoshop excels for pixel-perfect photo manipulations, retouching and image composites.

Related Topics:

• Paintbrush & Blob brush Tool in illustrator
• How to use Eraser tool in illustrator
• How to use the Pen Tool in illustrator

Understanding Vector Graphics vs. Raster Graphics

A decisive step in mastering digital design is grasping the difference between vector and raster graphics. Let’s look at an example to further understand Vector and Raster Graphics.

Vector Graphics

• Defined by anchor points, paths, lines, curves
• Edges remain perfectly sharp regardless of scale
• Small file sizes for complex shapes
• Editable at any stage (change color/size/shape instantly)
• Common Formats: SVG, EPS, PDF, AI, CDR

Example: A logo designed in Illustrator can be scaled from a postage stamp to a building without loss of quality.

Raster Graphics

• Comprised of a fixed grid of pixels, each with a color value
• Scaling up leads to blurring and loss of sharpness
• Larger files for high-resolution images
• Best for photographs or complex images
• Common Formats: JPEG, PNG, BMP, PSD, TIFF

Example: A photograph imported into Illustrator becomes a single, uneditable pixel object; attempts to scale or edit it convert the image into blurry, unusable artwork.

Hence, Vector files are recommended for Print purposes and Raster Graphics are good for Digital media.

The whole purpose of working with Adobe Illustrator is to make vector-based illustrations or designs, a common example will be logos. Vector graphics are solely made up of anchor points and lines and there are unlimited ways in which you can alter the artwork according to your requirements.

You can even choose different colors for individual objects on the canvas. Now, on the other hand, if we click on the rasterized image, you will notice that the whole image is just made up of one component.

That means we can’t manipulate the artwork in any way since illustrator works with individual vector-based component and a raster image is treated as a single object.

So, if you are working with an image, there’s little what illustrator can do to manipulate the artwork. On the other hand, there is an infinite number of possibilities when it comes to vector-based artwork.

Related Topics:

• Perspective Tool in Illustrator
• Selection Tools in illustrator
• Width Tool in illustrator

Who Should Use Adobe Illustrator?

Fact: Illustrator fits anyone needing flexible, scalable, print-ready vector artwork.

• Beginner Designers: Learn shape construction, flawless edges and object-based editing.
• Brand Managers: Ensure logos look perfect on every medium.
• Illustrators & Cartoonists: Ability to create detailed, editable art for books, media and merchandise.
• Web/UI Designers: Create pixel-perfect icons, buttons and interactive elements.
• Print Designers: Prepare vectors for magazines, packaging, posters and apparel.

Challenge: Many digital artists stick with Photoshop or Canva out of habit, missing out on the industry power of vectors. Mastering Illustrator dramatically expands your career options but the tool’s steep learning curve can intimidate those who never move beyond templates.

Related Topics:

• Shape Builder, Live Paint Bucket tool in illustrator
• How to use Gradient Tool in Illustrator
• How to use Mesh Tool in illustrator

Main Features of Adobe Illustrator

Illustrator is packed with robust features that define industry standards:

1. Shape Tools: Create rectangles, ellipses, polygons, stars; combine and edit seamlessly.
2. Pen Tool: Draw custom lines, curves and complex paths—essential for high-precision vector work.
3. Type & Typography Tools: Design advanced text objects, manipulate fonts and generate custom typographic effects.
4. Brushes & Effects: Apply strokes, fills and complex art brushes; simulate various artistic styles.
5. Artboards: Work on multiple canvases in a single project for efficient portfolio building.
6. Layer Management: Stack, group, and mask objects for smart organization.
7. Image Trace: Convert raster images into editable vectors.
8. Symbol Library: Reuse graphics and maintain consistency across large projects.
9. Export Options: Save work in myriad formats; SVG for websites, PDF for print, PNG/ JPEG for web previews.
10. Customizable Workspace: Move palettes, save layouts and streamline our workflow.

Related Topics:

• How to make a Semicircle in Illustrator
• How to design a Retro Flower Pattern
• How to set Brush Pressure in Illustrator

Use Cases and Projects for Illustrator

Logos and Branding

Create logos that retain perfection across all sizes, from business cards to banners. Typography, color matching and unique shapes set brands apart.

Icon & UI Design

Design web interfaces, mobile icons and interactive elements. SVG exports ensure crisp visuals for all screen sizes.

Print Design

From posters and flyers to merchandise—print vectors never lose fidelity, avoid pixelation, and enable perfect color separation for screen printing.

Illustrations & Books

Children’s book art, editorial illustrations, comic characters—all benefit from Illustrator’s flexible sketch-to-final workflow.

Technical Graphics

Create diagrams, charts, schematics, maps and instructional graphics for textbooks and professional presentations.

Packaging and Apparel

Design for boxes, bottles, clothing and accessories. Illustrator’s precision guarantees perfect die-cuts and print alignment.

Related Topics:

• How to Create A Pressure Sensitive Brush in Illustrator
• How to Create Metallic effect in Illustrator
• How to Create Flower using Gradient Mesh in Illustrator

Adobe Illustrator File Formats Explained

Understanding file types lets you export, share, and print without confusion:

Exporting the right format depends on your destination—print, web, animation or collaboration.

Related Topics:

• How to Recolor Artwork in illustrator
• How to Create Silver Metallic Effect in Illustrator
• Adobe PDF Presets in Photoshop

Common Beginner Mistakes in Illustrator

1. Using Illustrator for Photo Editing
   • Illustrator is not designed for photo manipulation—using it for such tasks leads to frustration and poor results.
2. Ignoring Layers & Grouping
   • Beginners often skip organizing objects, making it hard to select, edit, or export for print.
3. Not Mastering the Pen Tool Early
   • Pen Tool mastery unlocks Illustrator’s highest potential; struggle with it and you miss the power of custom art.
4. Improper File Output
   • Exporting a logo as JPEG for print leads to loss of quality. Use PDF, EPS, or SVG for scalability.
5. Failure to Use Artboards
   • Keeping everything on one canvas complicates edits. Separate artboards for each version speeds up workflows.
6. Using Raster Images as Vectors
   • Importing photos and expecting easy vectorization is a misstep. Successful image trace requires strong contrast and clear edges.

Related Topics:

• Typography
• Laws Of Design
• Rule Of Thirds

Illustrator Alternatives: Affinity Designer, CorelDRAW, Inkscape and More

Adobe Illustrator is powerful but not the only vector design tool available.

Affinity Designer

A free, fully featured alternative with professional-grade vector and raster tools. Strong for logos, UI, and print design.

Pros: One-time fee, cross-platform, seamless raster/vector integration

Cons: Smaller ecosystem, fewer tutorials

CorelDRAW

Industry veteran, especially in engineering and signage. Wider support for print shops and technical design.

Pros: Excellent for technical graphics, broad printer support

Cons: Less ubiquitous outside technical circles

Inkscape

Open-source and free, ideal for students or hobbyists. Strong SVG output; less polished user-interface.

Pros: Free, active community

Cons: Steeper learning curve, fewer advanced tools

Other Options

• Sketch: Best for UI/UX, focus on designers building apps or websites.
• Gravit Designer: Free and web-based for quick editing.

Fact: If your workflow requires advanced photo manipulation, use Photoshop. For vectors at scale, Illustrator or its alternatives stand out.

Related Topics:

• Golden Ratio
• Color Theory
• What is Digital Painting

Getting Started With Illustrator: First Steps and Resources

1. Set Goals
   • Decide whether you’re building logos, icons, print layouts, or digital illustrations. This determines which tools and tutorials to prioritize.
2. Download and Install
   • Get a trial from the Adobe site, set up on Mac or Windows (Illustrator does not support Linux).
3. Explore the Interface
   • Learn the toolbar, panels, artboards, and navigation shortcuts. Start with the workspace presets for beginners.
4. Master Fundamental Tools:
   • Shape tools: Create rectangles, ellipses and polygons.
   • Selection tools: Move, group and scale objects.
   • Pen Tool: Learn to draw straight and curved lines, combine shapes.
   • Text Tool: Add editable type objects, modify fonts and spacing.
5. Practice With Guided Exercises
   • Create a simple logo using only shapes and the Pen Tool.
   • Draw basic icons for web or app interfaces.
   • Design a business card using type and vector graphics.
   • Export your work as SVG for web or PDF for print.

Recommended Resources

• Official Adobe tutorials and community forums
• YouTube channels like Yes I’m a Designer, Adobe Creative Cloud, Spoon Graphics
• Interactive online platforms such as Skillshare, Coursera, or Udemy

Opinion: Don’t try to learn every tool at once. Focus on projects you care about—practical experience conquers overwhelm.

Related Topics:

• 10 reasons Why you are not becoming a good artist
• Types of Image File Formats
• Photoshop Channels

Frequently Asked Questions About Adobe Illustrator

Q: Is Adobe Illustrator beginner-friendly?
A: Illustrator has a learning curve, but its object-based editing is logical and rewarding. Tutorials, templates, and a strong community make onboarding easier.

Q: Does Illustrator replace Photoshop?
A: No. Illustrator is for vector graphics (logos, icons, illustrations); Photoshop is for raster art (photos, textures, detailed image editing). Use both for versatile workflows.

Q: Can I use Illustrator to design websites?
A: You can create web graphics and UI elements, but actual website building relies on platforms like Figma, Sketch, or coding tools.

Q: What is the best SVG editor?
A: Illustrator is recognized as a premium SVG editor, but free tools like Inkscape are usable for basic editing.

Q: Is Illustrator available on iPad or mobile?
A: Illustrator is now available on iPad (since 2021), with a focused feature set for professional illustration.

Q: Can I create animated graphics?
A: Illustrator is not an animation platform, but you can export vector assets for use in After Effects or Animate.

Q: Is Illustrator affordable?
A: Illustrator is part of Adobe’s subscription model. Check student/education discounts, or explore alternatives like Affinity for one-time purchase.

Related Topics:

• Creativity is a Journey not Destination
• Breaking Down Creative Barricades
• Positive Impact of Gaming

Conclusion: Is Illustrator Right for You?

Adobe Illustrator remains foundational to modern graphic design. Its ability to create crisp, scalable, editable visuals is unmatched for certain projects—especially branding, print, technical schematics, and illustration. Mastery takes effort but pays off in professional opportunities, creative expression, and workflow efficiency.

Key Fact: Illustrator is not for photo editing or casual graphics manipulation. If you need flawless logos, icons and print-ready artwork, Illustrator is essential. If your work is primarily photography or detailed pixel art, choose Photoshop or a raster-oriented tool.

Approach Illustrator as a tool to unlock creativity, not as a hurdle. Master the basics, and you’ll discover new potential in every corner of your craft. Remember: Great design starts with clarity—choosing the right tool is your first creative act.

Related Topics:

1. Basics of Design
2. Elements of Design
3. Color Settings in Photoshop
4. Graphic Design Fundamentals: Complete Guide for Beginners 2025
5. Color Profile
6. Color Mode
7. Bit Depth
8. Principles of Design
9. How to enlarge an image in Photoshop
10. Adobe PDF Presets in Photoshop