Do you have any idea about Illustrator vs. Photoshop? Illustrator is an illustration software with different features that help you create vector artwork.For example, it can create icons, logos, banners, websites, social media images, animations, etc.
Further, Illustrator is a vector graphics editor for Mac, Windows, and Apple iOS. It can create and edit vector images, including shapes, text, symbols, and pictures.
On the other hand, Photoshop is one of the most powerful program packages for creating and editing digital images. It has been used for years by professionals in the graphic design industry to create print media such as posters, flyers, and advertisements.
However, it is also used by many individuals and small businesses to create images for web pages, brochures, and other forms of print media.
Features of Illustrator
The following features are beneficial to me, and I hope they might be helpful for you too.
Create Layouts
With the ability to create layouts, you can design websites, print projects, etc.
Create Vector Graphics
Vector graphics are not just fancy. They are also more productive and faster to download than raster graphics. So, in short, vectors can look amazing on all screen sizes while providing you with better image quality than raster images.
Create Transparent PNGs
In Illustrator, you can make transparent PNGs without creating a new file first.
Create Collage Projects
You can easily combine different artworks into one.
Import AI Files
AI files are just like PSD files. So you can open them in tool directly.
Create Smart Guides
You can use smart guides to align artwork to each other.
Combine Objects
You can use groups and layers to keep the complexity manageable.
Edit Inline Graphics
If you are working with web graphics, you can edit those directly.
Adjustable Grid
When you use a grid, it helps you align artwork precisely and avoid messy overlapping.
Create Gradient Maps
With Illustrator, you can create gradient maps. It gives you more flexibility.
Create Patterns
You can quickly generate patterns for use in your projects.
Add Shapes
You can create shapes and use them for anything from text boxes to buttons.
Place Text
You can easily place text boxes and other objects.
Insert a Picture
You can insert a picture and change its size.
Create a Video
There is even a tool to record video directly in Illustrator.
Create a PDF
You can convert vector files directly to PDF.
Export to PNG
You can export vector files to any PNG, JPEG, or JPG format.
Combine Multiple Images
You can combine multiple images into one, so you only need to keep one file in your folder.
Use Templates
You can use templates that contain icons and other elements you often use to speed up the process.
Automate Processes
You can set up a sequence of actions that will run when you activate a command.
Change the Document Size
You can zoom in and out quickly, change the font, and much more.
Customize Keyboard Shortcuts
You can customize your keyboard shortcuts to save time.
Add Watermarks
You can watermark an object with a single click.
Create an Animated GIF
This tool allows you to create animated GIFs very quickly.
You can print almost any Illustrator document to paper, including
Features of Photoshop
There are the following features of photoshop.
Creating Layers
Layers allow you to add multiple layers of editing to your photo. For example, you can apply a layer of effects like the background layer or another filter on top of that layer.
- You can apply effects like blur, vignette, sepia, and more. Each effect will add a new layer to your photo.
- To create a new layer, press the New Layer button at the bottom of the layers disc.
Layers Panel
You'll see a layer icon when you're working on a photo. This icon shows that the image has been edited. When you first create a photo, it won't contain any layer icons.
Click this icon to open the layers panel.
It will now show all the layer icons you've created. You can toggle this panel with a TAB key or click the Layers button on the right.
More so, the layers panel provides you with the tools to view and manage the layers in your image. It includes the following tabs:
Layers: Here, you can pick the layers you need to edit. You can also move, remove or duplicate them.
Tools: Here, you can add various filters to your image. Filters are also known as Adjustments. They allow you to change how an image looks.
Brushes: Using brushes, you can add texture to the edges of your image. It is a crucial tool to add to your toolbox.
Effects: Here, you can add special effects such as Lens Flare and HDR to your photos.
Layers Panel Toolbar
Once you've created your first layer, you can use the tools in the toolbar to work on it.
Eraser Tool
In Photoshop, you have two types of erasers. One type is called the Magic Eraser. It lets you remove unwanted areas from the canvas. Another is the Brush Tool. This brush lets you quickly paint the areas you want to delete.
Healing Brush Tool
The Healing Brush Tool you'll use to remove minor imperfections in your photo. Using this tool is quite intuitive. If you select the area, you want to remove, hold down SHIFT and drag the brush over the area.
Free Transform
To quickly resize an image, you'll need to use this tool. You can freely resize the image by holding down CTRL while moving the handles on the right side.
Move Tool
Select the Move Tool and click where you want to shift the photo. It is very visceral and simple to use.
What's Better? Illustrator or Photoshop?
Well, that depends on your budget and how well you know your tools, but I'm going to assume you don't know anything about either app. So let's see the pros and cons of each.
Advantages of Illustrator
It's a vector app. That means you can zoom in infinitely and scale an object without losing its sharpness.
In addition, It has extensive color controls that will allow you to tweak your colors quickly.
It has an easy and visceral user port. Everything is easily identifiable, and you can simultaneously see all the things on the display.
Disadvantages
A beginner might find Illustrator to be a bit difficult. It does take a little getting used to, but after some practice, you'll probably become an expert.
Advantages of Photoshop
Photoshop is mighty and versatile. It can do almost anything Illustrator can do, plus it's a raster image editing app which means you can manipulate photos.
Further, you can open any image file, and Photoshop is extremely fast. You can use your image editing skills in real-time, unlike Illustrator, where you need to save a new file each time you want to modify your logo.
It has many different styles, and you can create custom ones. More so, it's also an advanced editing program so you can fine-tune your image to the best of your ability.
Disadvantages
You'll find it hard to find a beginner's tutorial for Photoshop. It's a bit more complicated than Illustrator. Also, Photoshop is not very intuitive. You’ll find a learning curve that demands some time to master.
For these reasons, I'd recommend using Illustrator first. You'll find it east to start up. Then, after you master your Illustrator skills, move on to Photoshop.
Abstract
This article compares the differences between Illustrator and Photoshop for logo design. As well, discuss the pros and cons of each program and which one you should choose.
FAQs
1. What is Illustrator, and how is it separate from Photoshop?
Illustrator is a drawing program that you can use to create logos. You'll use it to create simple logos, but you can also use it to generate tricky logos.
2. How can I use Illustrator to create a logo?
You can start with a blank canvas. Then, you can add lines, shapes, colors, and textures to make your logo.
3. What are some benefits of using Illustrator vs. Photoshop to generate icons?
Illustrator has many benefits over Photoshop. One of the enormous benefits is that Illustrator is free.
Another benefit is that editing your logo in Illustrator is more accessible than Photoshop.
4. Can I use any vector program for logo design?
Yes, you can use any vector program to create logos.
5. Distinguish between a logo and a graphic designer?
A logo designer creates logos. A graphic designer creates logos, websites, and print materials.
FAQs
What are some key differences between how Photoshop works compared to Illustrator? ›
Photoshop is based on pixels while Illustrator works using vectors. Photoshop is raster-based and uses pixels to create images. Photoshop is designed for editing and creating photos or raster-based art.
When you should use Illustrator rather than Photoshop? ›If you know that you will not need to edit images and if most of your projects focus on drawing and creating logos, then Adobe Illustrator is the right tool for you. In this case, you will not need to buy Adobe Photoshop.
Is Illustrator better for logos? ›For many designers, Illustrator is the go-to software for logo design. This industry-standard software makes it easy to design stunning logos for any industry, any style, and any medium—whether it's print, video, or digital.
What is the main benefit of using Illustrator over Photoshop? ›I prefer Illustrator because it primarily works in vector format, whereas Photoshop primarily works in raster. Therefore, Illustrator is ideal for creating both print and web graphics whereas Photoshop is really only good for designing for the web.
Is Illustrator better than Photoshop for logo design? ›If you need a very detailed and intricate logo, Photoshop may be the better option. However, if you are looking for a more simplistic or vector-based logo, Illustrator may be a better option. Ultimately, it is up to the designer to decide which program will work better for the specific logo design they are creating.
Which is better for design Photoshop or Illustrator? ›Adobe Illustrator is best for experienced graphic designers interested in creating high quality scalable graphics. Photoshop is the best software for designers in need of advanced photo editing capabilities.
Can Photoshop do everything Illustrator can? ›Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator both work with images, but they are very different applications. The main differences between Photoshop and Illustrator are the types of files each program works with and whether you're editing graphics or photos.
Is Photoshop good for logo design? ›Does Photoshop work for logos? The answer is no, Photoshop cannot be used for logos. Let's review what we've discussed so far: logos generally need to be simple and versatile, and photoshop is a software that creates complex artwork based on a set number of pixels. The two are incompatible on a fundamental level.
What are the disadvantages of Adobe Illustrator? ›First, it is a complex software and may be difficult for beginners to use. Second, Illustrator is expensive and may be beyond the budget of some graphic designers. Third, Adobe Illustrator is not as widely used as other graphic design software, so it may be difficult to find support when needed.
Which is best for making logo? ›- Best Overall: Adobe Illustrator.
- Runner-Up, Best Overall: Logo Design Studio Pro.
- Best for Beginners: Designhill.
- Best Price and Best for Collaborating Across Teams: Canva.
- Best Features: Tailor Brands.
- Best Free Software: Hatchful.
Which Adobe is best for logo design? ›
With its comprehensive digital design toolset, Adobe Illustrator is ideal for any logo, icon, or graphic design project. Use vector graphics to scale your logo design from business card size to billboard size with no loss of quality — guaranteeing the best presentation in every situation.
What does Illustrator do that Photoshop doesnt? ›Adobe Illustrator is an advanced, vector-based editing software used to create logos, graphics, cartoons, and fonts. Unlike Photoshop, which uses a pixel-based format, Illustrator uses mathematical constructs to create vector graphics.
What are the two biggest benefits of using Adobe Illustrator? ›Adobe Illustrator is used for creating a variety of graphics you can produce logos, detailed illustrations, leaflets, web page designs and many more. Unlike Adobe InDesign it is built more for creating graphics and artwork and doesnt have the power to handle multiple page documents like Adobe InDesign does.
Why is Adobe Illustrator being discontinued? ›According to the support document, Adobe says that the reason behind the removal of the apps is because most of the features has since been brought over to its Fresco app. “Everything you love in Photoshop Sketch and Illustrator Draw has been combined and more in Adobe Fresco.
What Cannot be done in Photoshop? ›Image out of focus
Bringing an area of the image that's out of focus back into focus is next to impossible. Sharpening helps with minor imperfections, but it's no substitute for the real-deal. That's why you should aways check for critical focus whenever possible before you take the shot. You'll be glad you did.
- Affinity Designer. The best logo designer software that's subscription-free. ...
- Canva Logo Maker. The best logo designer software for newbie designers. ...
- Looka. A simple template-based logo designer. ...
- Designhill Logo Maker. ...
- ICONA logo maker. ...
- Logo Design Studio Pro Online. ...
- Shopify Hatchful. ...
- Squarespace Logo Creator.
The golden rules of logo design
This means brands need to differentiate themselves visually to avoid being confused. Differentiation is achieved through brand identity design—a range of elements that work together to create a distinctive picture of the brand in our minds.
Illustrator is used by artists and graphic designers who create logos, icons, charts, infographics, posters, ads, books, magazines, and brochures. Even comic book illustrators use it. It's the industry-standard software application for anyone, anywhere, who wants to work with vector graphics.
Why is Illustrator export low quality? ›If your illustration appears to be very blurry after exporting, it may be due to the illustration's pixel size. To change your illustrations pixel size: Click on the illustration from your gallery page. Click export from the top right corner.
Does Illustrator reduce image quality? ›PRO TIP: If you are planning on reducing the size of an image in Illustrator, be aware that you may lose some image quality in the process. To avoid this, try to resize the image using the “Image Size” dialog box instead of the “Transform” dialog box.
What should you not do when designing a logo? ›
- 1) Not Following an Intuitive Process.
- 2) Confusing Your Terminology.
- 3) Not Doing Enough Research.
- 4) Creating Your Logo Design in Color (First)
- 5) Using the Same Typography for Your Wordmark and Brand Content.
- 6) Using Generic Imagery.
What Makes A Good Logo? # A good logo is distinctive, appropriate, practical, graphic and simple in form, and it conveys the owner's intended message. A concept or “meaning” is usually behind an effective logo, and it communicates the intended message.
What is the hardest part of developing logo design? ›Upgrading Skill. As mentioned, given the fact that this is a highly competitive field, logo designers constantly have to up their skills. This is just one of the challenges facing logo designers, especially when trying to keep up with the trends and stand out from other logo makers.
Why use Illustrator for logo? ›Simply put, using Illustrator gives the client the most flexibility going forward with their brand. While they might not be able to edit the logo in Photoshop, they'll have a file type that will serve them well, in perpetuity.
Should I make a logo in Illustrator or InDesign? ›3. Logo creation and manipulation for organizations. InDesign creates shapes for logos but lags behind Illustrator in quite a few ways in this area. Illustrator is perfect for logo creation because images in Illustrator are made to fit any size while maintaining original quality.
What is the hardest Adobe software to learn? ›Adobe Premiere Pro
Premiere Pro is probably one of the most challenging programs to master.
Layers are your best friend
It is extremely essential when creating any kind of graphic. There are many small features within this panel that are important to unpack. For example, let's say you forget to create your layers, but want to separate each shape or object on to its own layer.
So, What Is The Difference Between Illustrator & Photoshop? Well, the main difference is the type of graphics each application delivers. Photoshop creates raster-based graphics using pixels while Illustrator creates vector-based graphics using mathematical formulas rather than a set amount of pixels.
What is the main advantage of Adobe Illustrator that differentiates it from other programs? ›Illustrator is very versatile, because you can use it to produce anything from web designs and graphics to text documents. It is a vector based software, so it uses lines to work and doesn't pixelate or lose detail. This vector basis means it is really intended for scalable design elements like brand marks and logos.
What is the difference between Photoshop and Adobe Photoshop? ›The most basic photo editing software is an Adobe Photoshop. Photoshop has been modified and updated with a lot of new features over the period. Adobe Photoshop CC (Creative Cloud) is the updated and advanced software version of Adobe Photoshop.
What is the difference between Illustrator and illustration? ›
Illustrators create images to help promote a function or a product. Artists create art to express emotions. In other words, an illustration is a visual explanation of the text, almost always comes with context.
What is the main difference between a layer in in Photoshop and a layer in Illustrator? ›Layers. Photoshop requires you to have different design elements on their own individual layer. For example, every photo, block of text, or shape would each have it's own, separate layer within Photoshop. However, in Illustrator, you can choose to have as many elements on a single layer as you want.
Do pros use Photoshop? ›Photoshop is the world's leading image editing app. It's used by creative professionals like photographers, designers, architects, and artists.
Is Illustrator good for graphic design? ›Adobe Illustrator is often the program of choice for professional graphic designers and digital artists.
Do professionals use Photoshop? ›Professional photographers use Photoshop for a variety of reasons. Some photographers use Photoshop for retouching images after they are taken, to add effects or changes to the image. Photoshop can be used to adjust the brightness, contrast, and color of an image.
Is illustrator harder than Photoshop? ›However, in general, Photoshop is considered to be more complex and difficult to learn than Illustrator. Therefore, if you are new to graphic design or have limited experience with either program, it is recommended that you start with Illustrator.
Can I be both graphic designer and illustrator? ›The two fields aren't mutually exclusive: there are plenty of graphic designers with illustration skills, just like there are illustrators versed in graphic design. Both fields have a similar outlook when it comes to pay and job opportunities, and they're both good decisions for an artist who desires self-employment.
What are the 5 types of illustration? ›- Block illustration.
- Charcoal illustration.
- Ink illustration.
- Woodcut illustration.
- Watercolor illustration.
- Advertising Illustration.
- Scientific illustration.
- Pencil Illustration.