The Illustrator vs Photoshop relationship is on the minds of all professional or novice designers. Is that in the current context of technological transformation, there are different software that specializes in digital design? Surely, you have read and heard like everyone else about Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator.
But what are the specific characteristics of each of these design programs? What are the differences between Illustrator and Photoshop? What elements of both design software are similar? For what type of project is it recommended to use Photoshop and Illustrator?
Don’t worry, because, throughout this Crehana post, we will tell you in detail everything you need to know about the link between Adobe Photoshop vs Illustrator. And so, you can choose which is the best based on your preferences as a designer and each of the creative projects you have in your hands.
Photoshop vs Illustrator: an approach to these programs
“Adobe Photoshop vs Adobe Illustrator. ” Surely, you have heard about the comparison of both graphic programs, of the best known and used of Adobe.
Although they both have very similar workspaces, windows, menus, and tools for creating amazing design projects, there are differences between Photoshop and Illustrator that are important for you to know.
If you have just started a new project, you are probably wondering which one is better and what the Illustrator vs Photoshop relationship is based on. It is essential that you know both programs and that you know which one is ideal to meet your design goals.
On the surface, Illustrator (AI) and Photoshop (PS) look very similar, but they are different. The great thing about these design tools is that the two complement each other! and allow us to achieve better results.
We want to help you in the process of discovering which is the most suitable tool for your work. That is why we have gathered the necessary information so that you can start and know for sure what the Illustrator vs Photoshop nexus is based on and what are their main differences.
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How to use Photoshop
One of the most popular features of Adobe Photoshop is the wide range of tools available.
According to Fabián Moncada, Publicist and teacher of the Online Introductory Course to Adobe Photoshop: “Design tools are used to solve graphic problems. Photoshop is the best tool to prove it. It is one of the most popular and functional programs in the world of photography and digital retouching since it allows you high-quality results ”.
To learn how to use Adobe Photoshop, you have to know that 90% depends on your predisposition to learn. The styles and tools that Photoshop gives you are easy to learn, but they require a certain degree of perseverance and educational support due to their complexity. This will be one of the basic differences in the Illustrator vs Photoshop relationship, as we will see later.
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The importance of pixels for editing photos in Photoshop
Let’s start with the basics and what differentiates Photoshop from Illustrator are, among other things, pixels. But what is a pixel? How important is it to define the relationship between Illustrator vs Photoshop?
Well, a pixel is the smallest homogeneous unit of color that is part of an image: photos, video frames, or graphics. Pixel dimensions are measured by the total number of pixels in the height and width of the image. This concept will be fundamental so that later, in our analysis of Illustrator vs Photoshop, you understand the way in which Adobe Photoshop provides a higher level of resolution when editing your images.
Resolution is the exact number of details in bitmap images, and this is measured in pixels per inch (dpi). So the more pixels per inch we have, the higher the resolution.
In conclusion and in a simple way, we understand that images with higher resolution produce better print quality. As it happens in Photoshop.
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How to adjust pixels in Photoshop?
As we have mentioned, the relationship between Photoshop and Illustrator is determined by the pixels, among other reasons that we will present to you.
This step is essential for editing your photos with Photoshop. To adjust the pixel size in Photoshop, you have to select Image> Image Size, you can change the print dimensions, resolution, or both.
In the width, height, and resolution window, you can adjust, change, remove, and increase pixels in Adobe Photoshop.
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How to edit photos in Photoshop?
Within the context of the relationship between Illustrator vs Photoshop, Photoshop is one of the ideal design tools for photo editing. With it, you can edit your photos by means of photographic retouching of shadows, lights, and colors; with practice, you can learn how to touch up skin or remove a background from an image in Photoshop.
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What is Adobe Illustrator?
In this world of Illustrator vs Photoshop, it can be said that Illustrator, unlike Adobe Photoshop, is the preferred tool of graphic designers when making logos, since the images generated are created from vector graphics.
These vectors work with mathematical formulas in which points are joined through lines, allowing your images to be easily scalable.
What is Adobe Illustrator for?
Adobe Illustrator is based on vectors that help us create logos, graphics, cartoons, and fonts (typefaces). Unlike Photoshop, which uses pixels, Illustrator uses vector graphics.
In this analysis of Illustrator vs Photoshop and among the advantages of Illustrator, it can be mentioned that you will never lose the quality of the image and that, in addition, it has a better print quality by not depending on the resolution.
How to use Adobe Illustrator CC?
When you want to create a design and start sketching, you need a good tool to help you bring your ideas to life. Illustrator vs Photoshop? Illustrator is the answer!
It has many tools and features for you to start working on any vector-based project such as logo illustration, brand manuals, and stationery designs, among others.
With Illustrator, you can also work at any scale by enlarging or reducing the workspace. Also, you can apply font styles, import designs, and give them originality at the color level.
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What are vectors and how to make vectors in Illustrator?
To continue our study on Illustrator vs Photoshop, it’s time to talk about vectors. Vectors are lines that are made up of points that are connected. And vectorizing is the action of converting an image from pixels to vectors.
There are many ways to vectorize an image in Illustrator. Indeed, to make Illustrator in vectors, you have to create a work table with the measurements and specifications you want and insert the image to work with. Then, you select the pen tool that will mark the starting point and you continue outlining the entire image.
illustrator vs Photoshop: how to crop an image in Illustrator?
To crop an image in Illustrator, it is important that you use the Selection tool; then you can use some technique to crop the linked or embedded image.
Always adjust clipping limits via vertex widgets. Hold down the Shift key while dragging to resize the crop proportionally. We recommend that you use the grids to crop more precisely.
How to edit 3D objects in Illustrator?
Editing and creating 3D objects in Illustrator allows you to work three-dimensionally from two-dimensional (2D) illustrations.
In Illustrator, you can control the appearance of three-dimensional objects with light, blur, and rotation options. In addition, it is essential that you can modify these other options:
- Position: set the way of rotation and perspective of the object.
- Extrusion and Bevel – Determine the depth and extent of the object.
- Surface: create different surfaces.
- Lighting: add one or more lights with different light intensities.
- Map: assign artwork to three-dimensional surfaces.
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Top 10 differences between Illustrator vs Photoshop
In this section of our article on Illustrator vs Photoshop, we will tell you in depth what are the central differences between Photoshop and Illustrator. Pay attention and write down all the details!
1) Illustrator works with vectors and Photoshop with pixels
This difference is what makes the two programs so different because, with vectors in Illustrator, you can enlarge or reduce the images as many times as you want without losing any quality. With pixels, on the other hand, you will have no choice but to work with limited sizes.
Indeed, in Illustrator, vectors allow the connection between different points in relation to the construction of a certain object. By contrast, in Photoshop, pixels are the framework from which all design work is done. However, keep in mind that in this digital design software, different vectors can also be created with the pen resource.
2) Illustrator prints in any size, Photoshop … not
As you can already notice, since they are images that do not alter their quality when resized, those of Adobe Illustrator (AI) are perfect for printing in GIANT sizes. If you want to print an image in Photoshop, make sure you do it to the size of your file.
So, another fundamental difference in this relationship, Adobe Photoshop vs Illustrator, based on pixels and vectors respectively, also has a direct impact on print quality. In this way, you can use Illustrator, in the case of large creative projects. And so, you will be able to work smoothly and without losing resolution when printing your designs.
In contrast, if you use Photoshop to design your creative projects, remember that the size of the prints you make will be directly related to and determined by the resolution of the image, as it is made up of pixels.
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3) With Illustrator, you will achieve a better resolution of images than with Photoshop
Surely, you have heard them say “the image is pixelated”, but never from a designer who works with Illustrator. This (unnatural) phenomenon is because an image is not in the resolution in which it was exported, something that does not happen with Adobe Illustrator because they are vectors. Photoshop – You’re still cool, but it’s limited in this regard.
Based on the limitation related to the resolution and the pixels that we have commented on previously, it can be said that the dimension of the images in Photoshop is limited. In this way, in the event that you use excessive zoom in some illustrations, you will see your image pixelated. On the contrary, in Illustrator, being composed of vectors, the image can be expanded in an unlimited and scalable way without losing the quality of the image.
4) Editing objects is easier with Illustrator
You won’t be able to edit shaped objects using Photoshop (it’s not the kind of editing you’re thinking of). I’m talking about modifying lines directly or modifying the shape of an object. With Adobe Illustrator, you have the option to modify even the smallest point of which your design is composed. This gives you control over the rounded corners, thanks to the pen tool.
5) Adobe Illustrator files are lighter
At this point in our Illustrator vs Photoshop comparison, we refer to the moment of saving the images and the weight of the files. Photoshop, when working with pixels, generates much heavier files, and these can increase their size quickly while you add changes. With a good Illustrator, you won’t have heavy files while working with vectors. If you add pixel images to your artboard, you will increase their weight.
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6) Illustrator is learned faster, but Photoshop requires more knowledge
If you are just starting out in the world of design, Illustrator will be easier for you to learn. Photoshop is not that simple, as it has different levels of editing that could give you a headache (if you are a beginner).
In this Illustrator vs Photoshop dichotomy, Photoshop has multiple design features and resources that require initial training to understand how the software works and make the most of it.
7) Make Ctrl + Z almost unlimited with Adobe Illustrator
You can go back an acceptable number of times if you make a mistake while designing with Illustrator. With Photoshop, you only have one try, if you apply the CTRL + Z. But you can trick the program into doing it like in Adobe Illustrator, if you add the ALT command, like this: CTRL + ALT + Z.
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8) Photoshop limits you to your artboard; Illustrator does not
In Adobe Illustrator, you can do whatever you want outside of your artboard (the delimited space on which you design). With PS, you can only work within the area given to you. Although it is not a disadvantage, creative men and women sometimes prefer to work without having “limits”.
9) Photoshop has better shadow and light effects than Adobe Illustrator and allows better communication of emotions
As it is editing on pixels and not vector lines, you can generate incredible effects with shadows and lights in Photoshop, something that in AI, would look very flat or would be difficult to achieve.
Graphic design involves the use of technical tools to optimize your designs. But do not forget that design is an art; And like all art, it must have the ability to convey emotions so that it can reach the viewer who is viewing the image.
In this Illustrator vs Photoshop game, Photoshop reflects, from a more realistic perspective, each of the effects that you want to work on technically. This is due to the use of pixels. Thus, all the effects that you carry out on your graphic design projects in Adobe Photoshop (shading, gradient, coloring, etc.), can be seen in greater detail. And therefore, they can convey more emotions.
In fact, Photoshop is one of the favorite programs to work on face images and provides the highest degree of emotion and realism.
According to an analysis by National Geographic, human beings have the ability to transmit thousands of emotions with their faces. And what better way than to perfect them to obtain the desired effect on our audience through Photoshop?
On the other hand, if you use Adobe Illustrator, you will transmit with your designs, feelings related to precision and detail, through the structure given by vectors.
So, if you have a client who has hired you to design an image that wants to emotionally captivate their clients, we recommend that when comparing Illustrator vs Photoshop, you choose Photoshop. Thus, you will be able to work with your images with higher quality and generate the visual impact that your client is seeking to produce on their audience.
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10) Better organization of elements in Photoshop thanks to layers
Not all good things happen in Adobe Illustrator, as having a large number of objects on an artboard can make the organization a bit chaotic. In Photoshop, thanks to the layers, you will have better organized all the elements of your design.
During all-digital design, it is essential for the designer to be able to modify their works and return to previous versions. In relation to working in layers, Photoshop offers you the possibility to visualize the changes that you have made to your design.
Indeed, each of the elements that you incorporate into your work table can be identified with a specific layer. This can be activated or deactivated according to your preferences. And in this Illustrator vs Photoshop comparison, this possibility is not enabled in Adobe Illustrator.
Other differences between Adobe Illustrator vs Adobe Photoshop
Photoshop is more used to make image adjustments, mockups; and even web page mockups. With Adobe Illustrator, it is preferred to make logos, fonts, and icons.
On the other hand, with Photoshop, you make a selection of areas; and, with Adobe Illustrator, of objects.
In addition, in a generic way, in this Illustrator vs Photoshop analysis, Photoshop is considered to be a program that can better serve artists and photographers, while Adobe Illustrator is more oriented to graphic designers due to its vector qualities.
When to use Photoshop and Illustrator?
Although Photoshop is the most used tool for image editing, Illustrator is mainly used for image design, we will tell you in which projects you can use each of them (or perhaps both).
When to use Photoshop features?
The functions of Photoshops on very large, but each of them responds to different needs.
We know that it can be a bit confusing to go into specific details about each of the design programs. That is why, we will mention in general lines, in which projects you could use this tool, taking into account the Illustrator vs Photoshop axis:
- If your main goal is image editing or enhancement.
- Make corrections to any project (add borders, re-edit, remove blemishes, etc.).
- When your project is the basis of pixels or based on graphics using frames.
- Also, you can use it to edit any basic vector illustration made in Illustrator.
When to use the functions of Illustrator cs6 or other versions?
The functions of Illustrator cs6 or any of its versions can be used when you have to do any of these jobs or projects:
- Create a design or an image from scratch based on your own perception for creation.
- If you need flexibility and autonomy to create a design (allow you to do and undo any project).
- To create a logo. Illustrator comes with many features and tools that can help you bring your ideas to life (in an easy and practical way). According to a Hubspot study, having a good logo design is essential to creating a brand personality. For this reason, you likely have many such assignments as a designer. And Illustrator is positioned as one of the best alternatives to do it without problems.
- If your project only works in vectors and you don’t have to worry about resolution.
- Creation of documents such as reports, brochures, flyers, brochures, and more.
- The plugins that Illustrator has will help you give a very interesting look to any web page. But on the other hand, if you are designing images to upload to a client’s website, it is essential that you take into account what the weight of the content will be. In fact, from a digital marketing perspective, customers are considered to spend roughly 4-5 seconds waiting for a page to load. Therefore, one of the fundamental mechanisms to improve the user experience is by reducing the weight of the images.. So, taking the Illustrator vs Photoshop relationship as a parameter, when working on a project of this type, keep in mind that in the Photoshop design platform, your images will have a greater weight. This is compared to the images you work with in Illustrator. Indeed, the images are worked with pixels; and in the case of Illustrator, the dimension of the visual content is adjusted to the requirements when exporting it.
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Illustrator vs Photoshop: what are the most useful features?
Now, we will tell you some interesting features of Illustrator vs Photoshop, which will help you make a better decision about which of the two programs could be your best option to start with.
Useful Features of Adobe Illustrator
Next, we detail some of the most useful and functional features of this program, which can serve as a guide to mastering Adobe Illustrator.
- Work at any scale: Illustrator has the ability to scale or reduce your design at any time.
- Create innovative designs with text: You can apply creative and original styles to your text and turn them into your own design.
- Dynamic ways to create: Illustrator allows you to work in several ways: import designs and give them a completely new look and feel; and draw and illustrate to add your own style.
- Also, you can integrate this program with other tools of the Adobe family. Combine features with Adobe InDesign, XD, and Premiere Pro.
Useful features of Adobe Photoshop
These features are the most useful and functional of Adobe Photoshop:
- Ease of use: that is why this tool is used by thousands of users. A beginner can easily learn Photoshop’s working style (the basic tools). The rest depends on creativity.
- Great editing quality: this program allows you incredible transformations.
- You can import any image and the tools and options that this software has to allow you to completely transform it.
- Freehand creativity – Use tools like the paintbrush, markers, or pencils to create clear, flowing illustrations. Although the illustration capacity is less than Illustrator, you could still add some detail to your project.
- Important functionality is that Photoshop provides tools and functions for use on a wide range of devices such as iPhones or iPad.
Adobe Illustrator vs Photoshop: which has more advantages?
Both design software is quite popular within the Adobe family and this Adobe Illustrator vs Photoshop comparison can help you get a clearer idea about their uses, functions, features, and purpose.
So which one has the biggest advantage? Is there a winner?
Both programs are winners! It all depends on what the purpose and needs of your future projects are. And also, if you are an illustrator, graphic designer, photographer, etc.
If you usually do more graphic design projects and work with vectors, we blindly recommend that you use Adobe Illustrator; But if you usually work with photographic editing and retouching, then you already know what the (winning) answer is.
Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator: what’s new in both programs
Keep in mind that to provide a quality service to each of your clients, you must work on comfortable, optimized, and efficient digital design platforms to make each of your creative projects shine and dazzle all your clients.
To take advantage of all the news in relation to the use of Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator as a digital graphic designer, it is essential that you constantly update your design software. In addition, regardless of which one you choose in the Illustrator vs Photoshop analysis, keep in mind that the update is one of the central mechanisms that must be taken into account to avoid problems related to the cybersecurity of your devices.
News Photoshop 2021
- Neural Filters: Neural filters are here to add artificial intelligence to your photo editing. The biggest novelty (which we know you will want to try) is the smart portrait filter, with which the tool analyzes the content of the portrait and allows you to modify the facial features of the person. It even changes his smile, if you want!
- Sky replacement: with this new functionality, you will be able to select the original sky and replace it with a new one by adjusting the landscape colors. Color handling is so good that it will seem like there was never any editing. One of the main new features of the Photoshop 2021 version is the Sky Presets, which can be found in the design software’s drop-down menu. From there, you can go to the Adobe Discover website to download more useful and free content.
Always keep in mind that in the Discover home panel, you can perform a search for what are the highlights of the latest versions of Photoshop.
What’s New in Illustrator 2021
- Enhanced recolor feature: The new Color Theme Picker feature lets you choose colors from any artwork and apply them to new designs with just one click.
- Enhanced cloud documents: Now you can follow your Illustrator designs by embedding Photoshop cloud documents (so you can see that both tools work hand in hand). Additionally, offline document availability has been enabled.
- Rotate View function: another of the novelties to take into account in this Illustrator vs Photoshop debate, in relation to the Illustrator 2021 update, is the Rotate View function, which allows you to rotate the view of the canvas and carry out a modification in your direction from any perspective. Keep in mind that all the elements that you have on your work table can be rotated. And whenever you want, you can go back in your design process, resetting the functions in the View <Set Rotate View menu.
- On the other hand, if you use Illustrator on a Mac OS system, remember that now this design software is compatible with Apple Silicon M1. In this way, you can increase productivity when using Illustrator on Apple brand devices.
Where to download resources for Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop?
Now that we are done with our comparison between Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop, it is time for us to show you where you can get the best resources so that you can get the most out of this pair of incredible programs.
Pay close attention and save this information in your favorites so that you always have it at your fingertips.
Freepik for Adobe Illustrator Newbies
This portal is one of the favorites of content creators around the world, in it, you can find many resources. EPS (for Illustrator) and. PSD (for Photoshop) formats.
Most of the material that we find on this page is ready to edit, although you should be aware of whether it is available to download for free, or if you need to pay a premium subscription to use it.
Depending on the reasons why you decide to use Adobe Illustrator or Adobe Photoshop, the tools that may interest you in Freepik vary. But we tell you that the most popular are the templates for social media posts, which are undoubtedly worth taking a look at.
You can find the free Adobe Illustrator resources at Freepik, one of the most important pages in the world of design. From there, you can download free different types of p insoles for Photoshop, and templates for your vectorized designs. Do not forget to mention the author of the resource once you use it, since it is a mandatory requirement to be able to make use of the available resources.
VectorPortal: Free Vectors for Illustrator
From what its own name tells us, you can already get an idea of what this page is about. The truth is that this website is dedicated to meeting the demand for resources of Illustrator lovers, and you will only find vectors to download.
VectorPortal has a respectable amount of vectors to download, and you can use it for logo design, mainly. Also, there are many Illustrator templates, although most are for stationery
As you will see, the differences between Illustrator vs. Photoshop are several. While both design platforms are highly successful and provide a high level of excellence and quality for each of your work, it is important to know the differences. Everything, starts from its basic characteristics, as we have commented on throughout this analysis.
Remember that you should always be updated in relation to your training as a graphic designer or illustrator, studying the different design platforms available on the market. Of course, including Illustrator and Photoshop.
Finally, we advise you to visit our Graphic Design Courses and choose the one that best suits your specific needs as a professional in the world of illustration and graphic design. Including, of course, training in Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator.
We hope that our Illustrator vs. Photoshop has been able to solve your doubts regarding which program is best for you; And why not? You can complement the use of both design platforms.
See you in the next article!