5 Major Frustrations With Adobe Illustrator and Why You Should Stick to the Older Versions

Adobe Illustrator, a powerful vector graphics software, has been a staple in the design industry since the 1980s. However, like many long-standing products, it has undergone numerous changes that have introduced frustration for many users. In this article, we will explore five major pain points that have driven designers to seek alternatives or stick to older versions of the software.

Problem 1: The Floating Panels

One of the most frustrating aspects of the latest versions of Adobe Illustrator is the increased use of floating panels. Over the years, the program has expanded, introducing more panels and options to enhance its functionality. Unfortunately, this has led to a cluttered workspace with poorly organized and overlapping panels.

As a long-time user of Illustrator, I can attest to the constant need to navigate through these panels, often finding the one I need in the wrong spot or buried under a sea of others. This overlap and misplacement cause significant inefficiency and frustration. Additionally, the collapse button is often inconveniently placed, requiring additional steps to make panels less obtrusive.

Solution Required: Remove the ability to float panels and ensure panels do not overlap, allowing for easy access and clear visualization of the workspace.

Problem 2: The Disappearance of the Scissors Tool

The scissors tool, a fundamental feature for designers, has been a sore point in recent versions of Adobe Illustrator. In earlier versions, the scissors tool was easily accessible, but in newer releases, it is hidden under a confusing navigation system within a palette. This makes it difficult for users to quickly perform simple tasks that require access to this tool.

Many tutorials and guides do not address the proper way to retrieve the scissors tool, much to the dismay of professionals who rely on these shortcuts daily. The inefficiency of finding and using the tool has led to frustration and reduced productivity.

Solution Required: Reintroduce a more user-friendly location for the scissors tool and provide better documentation and tutorials on how to access it efficiently.

Problem 3: The Learning Curve

Adobe Illustrator has a well-deserved reputation for being a robust and versatile tool, but this comes at a cost. The learning curve for beginners and even seasoned users can be steep, especially when new features are introduced. While these features can enhance the software, they often overshadow the usefulness of more straightforward tools that many designers use daily.

For example, the latest versions of Adobe Illustrator may require significant time investment to master, especially when changes are drastic. This can make users feel forced to upgrade their software, even if they are comfortable with the existing version.

Solution Required: Offer more comprehensive training and support for new features, while keeping the core functionalities accessible and intuitive for long-time users.

Problem 4: File Corruption and Instability

Another significant issue with Adobe Illustrator, which clearly stands out, is the file corruption problem. In a software environment where the integrity of your work is paramount, any instance where a crash causes file corruption is a major setback. This is particularly frustrating because it often results in the loss of data unless users had backups in place beforehand.

Compared to other graphic design tools, Adobe Illustrator has a notably higher likelihood of corrupting files. This can be detrimental to designers who rely heavily on their design work and may not have the time or resources to recover lost data.

Solution Required: Implement stronger file-saving mechanisms and robust testing to prevent data corruption and provide clear instructions for proper file management.

Problem 5: Small Icons and Complicated Navigation

Finally, the size of icons and navigation in Adobe Illustrator is another source of frustration. The smaller icons make it difficult to identify tools, and complex palettes can obscure the features designers need most. This can lead to wasted time and increased frustration, especially when trying to achieve quick results.

Many designers have learned to navigate the software without these smaller icons, but the current design choices in the latest versions can disrupt this workflow, leading to inefficiencies and errors.

Solution Required: Increase the size of icons and simplify the navigation to make it more user-friendly and accessible.

In conclusion, while Adobe Illustrator remains a powerful tool, the changes in recent versions have introduced new challenges for users. By addressing these five major pain points, Adobe can enhance the user experience and maintain its position as a leading design software.

Key Takeaways:

Floating Panels, Scissors Tool Access, Learning Curve, File Corruption, and Small Icons are the five major frustrations that have led many designers to stick to older versions of Adobe Illustrator. Addressing these issues could significantly improve the software and enhance user satisfaction.