Why Do People Subscribe to Adobe Illustrator Despite Cheaper Alternatives?

Adobe Illustrator is a cornerstone in the design industry, but its market-leading status doesn't mean that it's the only or even the best choice for every designer. In this article, we explore why many creative professionals still opt for Adobe Illustrator, despite the existence of affordable and powerful alternatives like Affinity Designer.

The Industry Standard

Adobe Illustrator is often referred to as the de facto standard in vector graphics software, especially within the professional design community. The brand's extensive feature set, robust community support, and long history have cemented its position as a top choice for designers across various disciplines, from graphic design to illustration and branding.

Personal Preferences and Professional Requirements

While many designers favor Affinity Designer, as it fits their workflow and is more affordable than Adobe Illustrator, there are compelling reasons why some professionals continue to subscribe to Adobe's flagship product.

For instance, I personally use Affinity Designer frequently on my iPad due to its exceptional performance and user-friendly interface. It often outperforms Illustrator in terms of speed and intuitiveness for certain tasks. However, there are several scenarios where Adobe Illustrator is still the go-to tool:

Client Requirements: Many clients insist on receiving files in the native Illustrator format, often due to the file quality and compatibility with their systems. Microstock Submissions: A significant number of design microstock platforms, such as Shutterstock or iStock, exclusively support files in EPS-10 format, which can only be produced with Adobe Illustrator. Publishing and Media: Beautiful and complex vector illustrations, especially in the publishing and media sectors, often require the advanced capabilities of Adobe Illustrator for crisp, scalable output.

Professional Outlets and Client Expectations

One common challenge for freelance designers, like myself, is meeting client expectations. Clients often specify that they need files in native Adobe Illustrator format. In such cases, the designer has no choice but to convert their files into Illustrator format for delivery. This is a reality that many professionals face, especially those working with corporations or established design teams.

Additionally, submitting illustrations in EPS-10 format is crucial for some design markets. EPS-10 is a complex format that supports transparency and complex vector paths, making it ideal for designs that require detailed, scalable elements. Its compatibility with both Illustrator and Photoshop also makes it a preferred format for microstock platforms. This means that even if a designer primarily uses an alternative like Affinity Designer, they still need to be proficient in Adobe Illustrator to handle EPS-10 exports.

The Power of Adobe Illustrator

Let's not ignore the power and versatility offered by Adobe Illustrator. It's designed to handle complex vector graphics with ease. Experienced designers willing to invest time in learning and mastering Illustrator can produce work that is unmatched by many alternatives. Features like live previews, advanced typography tools, and comprehensive layer management make Illustrator an indispensable tool for many professionals.

Despite the competitive landscape, Adobe Illustrator remains a vital tool in the design industry. Its unmatched compatibility, clients' expectations, and the ability to meet specific design requirements make it a necessary subscription for many creative professionals.

So, whether you are a designer who relies on Affinity Designer or a professional who primarily uses Adobe Illustrator, both tools have their place in the creative ecosystem. Choose the one that best fits your needs, and don't hesitate to master multiple tools if that's what it takes to meet your clients' expectations and produce the best work possible.