Adobe Illustrator Versionsvergleich: Which One Is Right for You? Adobe Illustrator has evolved significantly over the last decade. This comparison focuses on the Creative Cloud (CC) era (2015–present) and the still-popular CS6 (Perpetual License) version. We will compare interface, performance, key tools, and system requirements. 1. Overview of Key Versions | Version | Release Year | License Model | Best For | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Illustrator CS6 | 2012 | Perpetual (one-time purchase) | Offline users, legacy systems, no subscription budget | | Illustrator CC 2015-2019 | 2015-2019 | Subscription (Cloud) | Transitional features, improved performance | | Illustrator CC 2020-2022 | 2020-2022 | Subscription | Cloud collaboration, iPad integration | | Illustrator CC 2023-2025 | 2023-2025 | Subscription | AI-powered tools, 3D & vector realism | 2. Feature Comparison Table | Feature / Tool | CS6 | CC 2019 | CC 2022 | CC 2025 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Cloud Documents | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (1GB free) | ✅ Yes (5GB+ with plan) | | Repeat for Grid / Mirror | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (Radial/Symmetry) | ✅ Enhanced | | 3D & Materials (Inflate, Revolve) | Basic (Classic 3D) | Basic | Beta | ✅ Full, GPU-accelerated | | AI Tools (Generative Recolor, Retype) | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (Firefly) | | Interoperability with Illustrator on iPad | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Basic | ✅ Full sync | | GPU Performance | Poor | Moderate | Good | Excellent (DirectX 12/Metal) | | Auto Font Activation (Adobe Fonts) | ❌ No | ✅ Limited | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (with AI suggestions) | | Simplified Variable Font Support | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (full UI) | 3. Detailed Analysis Illustrator CS6 (The "Classic")
Pros: No subscription. Runs entirely offline. Very stable on older hardware (Windows 7/macOS Mojave or older). Cons: No updates, no cloud save, no modern artboards panel, no Touch Bar support. Missing essential tools like Freeform Gradient and Image Trace (which is far worse than CC's version). Verdict: Only use if you cannot afford a subscription or your machine is pre-2015.
Illustrator CC 2020-2022 (The "Modern Standard")
Pros: Introduced Repeat functions (Radial, Grid, Mirror) – a game-changer for patterns. Cloud documents allow seamless work between desktop and iPad. Performance on M1/M2 Macs is native and fast. Cons: Requires constant internet every 30 days (for license check). No AI features yet. Verdict: The best balance for professional illustrators and print designers who don't need generative AI. illustrator-versionsvergleich
Illustrator CC 2025 (The "AI & 3D Hub")
Pros:
Generative Recolor: Change colors using text prompts (e.g., "make this a neon night scene"). Retype: Identify any font in an image and convert it to editable text. Mockup: Place vector art onto 3D product photos (bottles, shirts) instantly. New 3D & Materials panel is fully integrated and renders 5x faster than CC 2022. Adobe Illustrator Versionsvergleich: Which One Is Right for
Cons: Higher RAM/VRAM requirements (16GB+ recommended). Some AI features require cloud credits (paid beyond a monthly limit). Verdict: Essential for packaging designers, motion artists, and anyone using Adobe Firefly.
4. Performance & Hardware Requirements (as of 2025) | Component | CS6 Minimum | CC 2025 Recommended | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Processor | 1.8 GHz (32-bit) | 3.0 GHz (64-bit, Apple Silicon or Intel 11th gen+) | | RAM | 2 GB | 16-32 GB (especially for 3D) | | GPU | Any (CPU-only) | 4GB VRAM (NVIDIA RTX / AMD Radeon Pro / Apple M2+) | | Storage | 2 GB HDD | 20 GB SSD (for scratch disk) | | Internet | Not required | Required for initial install & monthly activation | 5. Upgrade Decision Tree
Are you on CS6 or older? → Upgrade to CC 2025. You are missing 12 years of essential features (including stability on modern OS). We will compare interface, performance, key tools, and
Are you on CC 2021 or older and do NOT use 3D or AI? → Stay on your version. No need to upgrade.
Are you on CC 2022 and need faster 3D, AI recoloring, or font detection? → Upgrade to CC 2025. The productivity boost is significant.