Adobe Illustrator Gets a Boost: Performance, Typography, and User-Requested Features
Adobe Illustrator continues to evolve, with recent updates focused on boosting performance, refining typography, and incorporating user-requested features.
Faster, More Efficient Workflow
Adobe listened to user feedback and delivered noticeable performance enhancements. Multithreading capabilities have been significantly improved, leading to a potential tenfold speed increase when converting linked images to embedded ones. Image processing, including formats like JPEG, PNG, TIFF, and Photoshop files, now runs up to five times faster. Applying popular effects such as Drop Shadow, Blur, and Inner Glow also sees a significant performance boost, now up to five times faster.
Retype: Your Font Identification Assistant
Introducing Retype, a powerful font identification feature that streamlines the font selection process. Leveraging a vast database of over 30,000 Adobe Fonts and local fonts, Retype helps designers quickly pinpoint the desired typeface. Graphic designer and instructor Monika Gause notes, "[Quote about Retype’s effectiveness and learning capabilities]." Retype now supports additional languages, including Japanese, French, and German, broadening its accessibility.
Japanese Typography Takes Center Stage
Adobe is making notable strides in Japanese typography. The new Momochidori Japanese variable font, featuring em-box variations and colored glyphs, offers designers increased flexibility for creating unique designs. Book designer Naoko Naku praises Momochidori as "[Quote about Momochidori’s versatility and unique character]."
Korean Typography Enhancements
Adobe is also focusing on improving Korean typography. Updates include enhanced support for Hangul characters and improved rendering of Korean text, empowering designers to create culturally relevant and aesthetically pleasing content that aligns with Korean design standards.
User-Requested Features Now Available
Adobe has incorporated a range of user-requested features into Illustrator:
- Save Patterns and Gradients: Directly save patterns and gradients to your Creative Cloud Library for easy sharing and access across projects.
- Calculate Shape Area: Quickly calculate the area of complex shapes or paths within your design.
- Embed Fonts: Ensure design consistency by embedding fonts directly into Illustrator files, eliminating font-related issues across different platforms.
Embrace the Evolution
With these exciting updates, Adobe Illustrator continues to empower designers with tools to enhance creativity, streamline workflow, and create visually captivating designs. To experience these enhancements, update to the latest version of Illustrator and unlock new possibilities.