Adobe Illustrator Software For Mac Comparisons



Creativity is an art but with the right app for graphics designing, your creations can become masterpieces. A simple brush and a palette of colors are great tools but with the reformation in the graphics industry, most designers are looking for the best graphics art apps available with maximum features and those that support multiple platforms. This guide contains a list of all the best possible software for graphics artists in 2021.

Best Apps for Graphic Artists In 2021

1. Affinity Designer

Adobe Illustrator is a vector graphics editor and design program developed and marketed by Adobe Inc. Originally designed for the Apple Macintosh, development of Adobe Illustrator began in 1985. Along with Creative Cloud (Adobe's shift to monthly or annual subscription service delivered over the Internet), Illustrator CC was released.

  1. Winner:Adobe Illustrator. Overall, Adobe Illustrator wins for compatibility. Procreate is limited to the iPad only. Adobe Illustrator is available on Windows and Mac, desktop and iPad! The iPad app was just released in October 2020 and is more limited than the desktop version.
  2. Internet connection and registration are necessary for required software activation, validation of subscriptions, and access to online services. Note: Scalable UI feature (minimum resolution supported is 1920 x 1080).

The first one on the list of the best software for graphic artists is Affinity Designer which can be used for creating professional artwork. This application is an inexpensive app (approx $50) for graphics and can be used on Windows and Mac operating systems. Affinity Designer is a replacement over DrawPlus X8 program by Serif and has been built from scratch.

Features

  • Support Cloud Functionality.
  • Supports designing on Wallpaper, Ceramics, and Soft Furnishing.
  • Supports multiple tasks like Branding, Typography, Concept Art, and more.

To visit the website, click here

Also Read: Every Artist Must Have These Drawing Apps For iPad

2. Adobe Illustrator CC

Talking of the best graphic art apps, Adobe Illustrator CC is one of the few that makes it to every list. This application has been one of the most commonly used software by graphic artists since 1985 and is currently on its 22nd version. It is undoubtedly a very powerful application and is compatible with both Windows and macOS. Adobe Illustrator shares many similarities in tools and functions with Adobe Photoshop and is considered a vector version of the latter.

Features

  • Allows massive and comprehensive rescaling of images.
  • Expensive as compared to others on this list. (approx. $32 for one month’s subscription through yearly pricing is cheaper).
  • One of the software for graphic artists that helps users design almost whatever they can imagine.

To Visit the Website, Click Here

Also Read: 6 Best Free Adobe Illustrator Alternatives For Designers

3. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite

The next on the list has always been a tough competition for Adobe and is one of the most popular apps for graphics designing. At $198 for a year’s subscription, users get a complete bundle of apps rather than one software. CorelDRAW is the major app out of the complete package which attracts most artists as it is not only a vector drawing app but also supports desktop publishing as well. Template features and managing web images are two of its newest features inculcated recently.

Features

  • Includes a photo manipulation app known as Photo-Paint.
  • Also contains the PowerTRACE app that can convert images into vectors.
  • FontManager and AfterShot are two more apps in the bundle.
  • Available on Windows and Mac

To Visit the Website, Click Here

Also Read: Best Desktop Publishing Software: For Home & Business Users (2021)

4. Gravit Designer

If you are looking for free software for graphic artists then Gravit Designer is a cross-platform vector editor that is very easy to learn and use. This is one of the best graphic art apps that is available online as a web version too and runs on a cloud base. However, the installed version is faster than the online one.

Features

  • Available on Windows, Mac, Linux, and Chrome OS
  • There is a PRO version that allows unlimited online storage
  • It cost around $50 for a year’s subscription.

To Visit the Website, Click Here

Also Read: 5 Best Laptops For Graphic Designers In 2021

5. Inkscape

Speaking of free apps for graphics, the list of best graphic art apps would be incomplete without Inkscape that offers a lot of features to designers. It allows users to manipulate text along with using Bezier and Spiro curve types. It also facilitates broad file support.

Features

  • A free vector design tool.
  • Available on Windows, Linux, and Mac.
  • It is GPL licensed app which means the source code can be downloaded.

To Visit the Website, Click Here

Also Read: 10 Best Free Poster Making Apps for Android In 2021

6. Sketch

For exclusive software for graphic artists available on Mac operating systems, Sketch is the best apps for graphic designing. This app is very simple to learn and receives regular updates from its developers. It focuses on designing screens and is mainly used for creating a slick user interface.

Features

  • Create icons and elements for applications and websites.
  • Support macOS, iPad, and iPhone only.
  • Available for $99 per year for one computer.

To Visit the Website, Click Here

Also Read: Top 10 Best Canva Alternatives for DIY Graphic Design

7. Xara Designer Pro X

Moving on with the list of best graphic art apps, an application that is affordable and provides extensive templates is Xara Designer Pro X. This tool can work with both vectors and bitmap and at the same time can incorporate desktop publishing as well. Other tasks include designing graphics, manipulating photos, and illustrations under one interface.

Features

Adobe Illustrator Software For Mac Comparisons
  • Available for Windows operating system only.
  • It cost $299 for one license.
  • Access to over a million illustrations and photos along with hundreds of predefined templates and more.

To Visit the Website, Click Here

Also Read: Top 5 Amazing Android Apps For Designers

8. MediBang Paint

For beginners in the graphic and designing industry, one of the best apps for graphics is MediBang Paint which is a lightweight app minus all the overwhelming buttons and options. It can however deliver similar results as compared to the best graphic art apps. This app is mostly used by people who create comics and Manga as some of the features include managing multi-pages and easy panel slicing.

Mac

Features

  • Supports Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices.
  • Download for Free.
  • Support Articles and Tutorials are available
  • Any work initiated on a device can be completed on another with the help of the sync feature.

To Visit the Website, Click Here

Also Read: 10 Best Drawing & Illustration Software

9. Clip Studio Paint Ex

Another software for graphic artists who are keen on designing comics and cartoons is Clip Studio Paint Ex. This app has been developed in Japan and offers two versions: Pro & Ex. The Ex version converts 3D models into line art and manages multi-page projects while the Pro version facilitates creating individual images. Clip Studio paint allows users to download content from its library of 3D models, brushes, illustration tools, and predesigned graphics.

Adobe Illustrator Software For Mac Comparisons Software

Features

  • It contains customizable word balloons for comics.
  • It supports Tablet and Stylus external devices.
  • Available on Mac, iPad, and Windows.

To Visit the Website, Click Here

Also Read: Turn Your Photos into Digital Art With These Tools and Apps

10. Krita

The final one on the list of best apps for graphics is an open-source and free app known as Krita. This app is managed by an online community of graphic artists. It contains many useful features like shaky lines, color management tools, and allows users to create unique brushes. Krita is an app for graphic designers that allows them to import and export their creations to other tools.

Features

  • Available for free on Windows, Linux, and Mac.
  • Simple and convenient to use.
  • The app interface can be customized.

To Visit the Website, Click Here

Also Read: The Best Web Designing Tools For Professional

Final Word

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Your computer must meet the minimum technical specifications outlined below to run and use Illustrator.

October 2020 release

System requirements | Illustrator on the iPad

SpecificationMinimum requirement
ProcessorMulticore Intel processor (with 64-bit support) or AMD Athlon 64 processor
Operating System

Windows 10 (64-bit) versions V1809, V1903, V1909, and V2004.

Windows Server versions V1607 (2017) and V1809 (2019).

Note: Not supported on Windows 10 versions 1507, 1511, 1607, 1703, 1709 and 1803.

RAM
8 GB of RAM (16 GB recommended)
Hard disk
2 GB of available hard-disk space for installation; additional free space required during installation; SSD recommended
Monitor resolution

1024 x 768 display (1920 x 1080 recommended)

To use Touch workspace in Illustrator, you must have a touch-screen-enabled tablet/monitor running Windows 10 (Microsoft Surface Pro 3 recommended)

GPU

OpenGL 4.x

Optional: To use GPU Performance: Your Windows should have a minimum of 1 GB of VRAM (4 GB recommended), and your computer must support OpenGL version 4.0 or greater.

Internet connectionInternet connection and registration are necessary for required software activation, validation of subscriptions, and access to online services.*

Note:

  • Scalable UI feature (minimum resolution supported is 1920 x 1080).
  • GPU in Outline mode is supported on monitor with display resolution at least 2000 pixels in any dimension.

The following video adapter series support the new Windows GPU Performance features in Illustrator:

NVDIA

Adobe Illustrator Software For Mac Comparisons
  • NVIDIA Quadro K Series
  • NVIDIA Quadro 6xxx
  • NVIDIA Quadro 5xxx
  • NVIDIA Quadro 4xxx
  • NVIDIA Quadro 2xxx
  • NVIDIA Quadro 2xxxD
  • NVIDIA Quadro 6xx
  • NVIDIA GeForce GTX Series (4xx, 5xx, 6xx, 7xx, 9xx, Titan)
  • NVIDIA Quadro M Series
  • NVIDIA Quadro P Series
  • NVIDIA Quadro RTX 4000

Important: Microsoft Windows may not detect the availability of the latest device drivers for NVIDIA GPU cards. Get the latest GPU card device drivers:

- Quadro series
- Other series

INTEL

  • Intel HD Graphics 4600 Series
  • Intel HD Graphics 5000 Series
  • Intel Iris Graphics 5000 Series
  • Intel Iris Pro Graphics 5000 Series
  • Intel HD Graphics 6000 Series
  • Intel Iris Graphics 6000 Series

AMD

  • AMD Radeon R9 Series Graphics
  • AMD Radeon R7 Series Graphics
  • AMD Radeon HD 7000 Series Graphics
  • AMD Radeon HD 8000 Series Graphics
  • AMD FirePro V Series Graphics
  • AMD FirePro W Series Graphics

Note:

Ensure that you have the latest GPU card drivers installed. See Illustrator GPU Performance | Driver Updates.

Specification
Minimum requirement
Processor
Multicore Intel processor with 64-bit support
Operating system
  • macOS version 11.0 (Big Sur)
  • macOS version 10.15 (Catalina)
  • macOS version 10.14 (Mojave)
RAM
8 GB of RAM (16 GB recommended)
Hard disk
2 GB of available hard-disk space for installation; additional free space required during installation; SSD recommended
Monitor resolution
1024 x 768 display (1920 x 1080 recommended)
GPU

Optional: To use GPU Performance: Your Mac should have a minimum of 1 GB of VRAM (2 GB recommended), and your computer must support OpenGL version 4.0 or greater.

Internet Connection
Internet connection and registration are necessary for required software activation, validation of subscriptions, and access to online services.*

Note:

  • Scalable UI feature (minimum resolution supported is 1920 x 1080).
  • GPU in Outline mode is supported on Retina display.

* NOTICE TO USERS:

Adobe Illustrator Software For Mac Comparisons Mac

  • Internet connection, Adobe ID, and acceptance of license agreement required to activate and use this product. This product may integrate with or allow access to certain Adobe or third-party hosted online services. Adobe services are available only to users 13 and older and require agreement to additional terms of use and the Adobe Privacy Policy. Applications and services may not be available in all countries or languages and may be subject to change or discontinuation without notice. Additional fees or membership charges may apply.
  • Illustrator is not supported on virtualized or server-based environments. These environments include, but are not limited to, Citrix Metaframe/Citrix Presentation Server, NVIDIA Grid, Microsoft App-V, VMWare, Parallels, and Virtual PC. 'Thin Clients' are also server-based environments.
  • Illustrator is not supported on case-sensitive file system, removable flash storage devices, and network drives.

Illustrator is available in the following languages:

Dansk

Deutsch

English

Español

Mac

Français

Français*

Hebrew*

Hungarian

Italiano

Nederlands

Polish

Português (Brasil)

Svenska

Turkish

Ukrainian

čeština

Русский

عربي*

日本語

简体中文

繁體中文

한국어

* Arabic and Hebrew supported in a Middle Eastern version with full right-to-left language support, Arabic/Hebrew features, and an English interface; also in a North African French (Français*) version with full right-to-left language support, Arabic/Hebrew features, and a French interface.

The list of graphics processor cards above is updated as newly released cards are tested. However, Adobe cannot test all cards in a timely manner. If your card is not listed above, but meets the following requirements, you can assume that it works with the latest version of Illustrator:

  • Your Windows should have at least 1 GB of VRAM (4 GB recommended).
  • Your computer must support OpenGL version 4.0 or greater.