Codenamed "Picasso," this was the first commercial version. It introduced the pen tool and Bézier curves to the masses.
Transition to Creative Cloud (CC) moved the industry to a subscription model.
The first version to require a Creative Cloud subscription. It introduced the Touch Type tool. illustrator versions list
☁️ Marked the transition to Cloud Documents , background saving, and Recolor Artwork . The Creative Cloud (CC) Transition (2013 – 2019)
Adobe introduced "Illustrator on iPad," allowing for a mobile-first vector experience. Features like "Intertwine" and "3D and Materials" became more robust. Codenamed "Picasso," this was the first commercial version
The first version to bring the software to Windows and other platforms like NeXT and Sun Solaris. It introduced graph-making tools.
This was the last version before the massive UI overhaul. It added support for TrueType fonts and the pathfinder tool. The Creative Suite Era (2003–2012) The first version to require a Creative Cloud subscription
🤖 Introduced Text to Vector Graphics , the Dimension tool , and smoother on-canvas editing.
With the move to the cloud, Adobe switched to a subscription model. This allowed for "rolling updates," where new features are added several times a year rather than in one big biennial launch.
✨ Features an improved font browser, perceptual blending for gradients, and enhanced smart automation via Firefly.