Adobe Illustrator Versions List

| Version | Release Year | Code Name | Key Features Introduced | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | 2024 | TBD | Mockup (Beta), Generative Shape Fill, Improved Image Trace. | | Illustrator 2024 | 2023 | 28.0 | Mockup feature (3D mapping), Dimensions tool, Retype (convert fonts). | | Illustrator 2023 | 2022 | 27.0 | 3D and Materials panel , Intertwine, Quick Actions on canvas. | | Illustrator 2022 | 2021 | 26.0 | 3D effects revival , Depth and lighting controls, Auto-font activation. | | Illustrator 2021 | 2020 | 25.0 | Vectorize (Image Trace on iPad) , Cloud documents, Snap to Glyph. | | Illustrator 2020 | 2019 | 24.0 | Freeform Gradients , Global Edit, Trim View, Toolbar customization. | | Illustrator CC 2018 | 2017 | 22.0 | Puppet Warp , Properties panel overhaul, SVG Color Fonts support. | | Illustrator CC 2017 | 2016 | 21.0 | Pixel Preview improvements, Touch Bar support (MacBook Pro). | | Illustrator CC 2015 | 2015 | 19.0 | Live Shapes , Shaper tool, SVG export enhancements. | | Illustrator CC 2014 | 2014 | 18.0 | Curvature tool, Join tool, Workspace recovery. | | Illustrator CC | 2013 | 17.0 | Touch Type tool , Images in Brushes, CSS extraction. |

The story begins not with Adobe, but with Apple. Adobe Illustrator 1.0, released in January 1987, was a companion to the PostScript language, designed to allow users to create vector graphics for printing. It ran on the original Macintosh and featured a stark, black-and-white interface. There were no color palettes, no preview mode—designers worked on a grayscale grid, seeing only wireframes and Bézier curves. Yet, its power was undeniable.

One of the most common reasons people look up version lists is to open old files or save for clients on older software. adobe illustrator versions list

Version 7.0 (1997) was the last to use a simple number, introducing the ubiquitous Pen Tool as we know it today and live in-place editing. The era of "Creative Suite" then dawned, rebranding the numbers:

Introduced Smart Guides and the Gradient Mesh tool, which allowed for hyper-realistic vector shading. | Version | Release Year | Code Name

| Version | Release Year | Key Features Introduced | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | 2001 | Envelopes , Warps, Symbols, Magic Wand, Flare tool. | | Illustrator 9.0 | 2000 | Transparency , Drop Shadows, Feathering (Layer effects). | | Illustrator 8.0 | 1998 | Brushes (Art, Scatter, Pattern), Pencil tool, Gradient Mesh. | | Illustrator 7.0 | 1997 | First version to appear identical on Windows and Mac , Internet-ready. | | Illustrator 6.0 | 1996 | Plug-in architecture, Photoshop-compatible filters. | | Illustrator 5.0/5.5 | 1993 | Layers (introduced in 5.5), Interactive transformations. | | Illustrator 3.2 | 1990 | First version available on Windows. | | Illustrator 1.0 | 1987 | The original. Mac-only. Pen tool foundation. |

The most recent stable version is , released in March 2026. The Early Years (1.0 – 10) | | Illustrator 2022 | 2021 | 26

The first version to support Microsoft Windows.

Introduced transparency and PDF support.

The original release for Apple Macintosh.