How much does Adobe Illustrator cost? Plans, pricing, and alternatives

Are you considering Adobe Illustrator for your graphic design needs? As a powerful and versatile vector graphics editor, it’s the go-to tool for many professionals. But how much does it cost? In this blog post, we’ll break down the different plans, pricing, and even share some alternatives to help you decide which option best suits your needs and budget.

We recommend

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Illustrator, a preferred choice for professional designers and artists, offers a valuable 7-day free trial. We highly recommend seizing this opportunity to explore its features and determine if it meets your creative needs.

Get 7-days free

How much does Adobe Illustrator cost?

Adobe Illustrator offers a variety of plans to suit different users, from individuals to businesses, students, and teachers. Here’s an overview of the available plans and their costs:

Individuals

• Monthly plan: $31.49/month
• Annual plan (paid monthly): $20.99/month
• Annual plan (prepaid): $239.88/year

Businesses:

• Monthly plan: $33.99/month per license
• Annual plan (paid monthly): $29.99/month per license
• Annual plan (prepaid): $359.88/year per license

Students and Teachers:

• Creative Cloud All Apps (including Adobe Illustrator): $19.99/month for the first year, $29.99/month thereafter

Schools and Universities:

• Creative Cloud All Apps (including Adobe Illustrator): contact Adobe for volume licensing and pricing information

Keep in mind that the prices mentioned here are subject to change. Visit the Adobe website for the most up-to-date pricing information.

What’s included in your Adobe Illustrator subscription?

With an Adobe Illustrator subscription, you get access to the latest version of the software, along with updates and new features as they’re released. Subscribers also receive 100GB of cloud storage, Adobe Portfolio, Adobe Fonts, and Adobe Spark with premium features.

Free trial and money-back guarantee

If you’re unsure about committing to a subscription, Adobe offers a 7-day free trial for new users to test the software. Additionally, if you decide to purchase a subscription and are not satisfied, Adobe provides a 14-day money-back guarantee for first-time subscribers.

Adobe Illustrator plan or Creative Cloud All Apps plan?

When choosing an Adobe subscription, you may find yourself debating between the Adobe Illustrator plan and the Creative Cloud All Apps plan. Both options have their advantages, but the best choice for you depends on your specific needs and design requirements. In this section, we’ll compare these two plans to help you make an informed decision.

Adobe Illustrator plan

The Adobe Illustrator plan provides you with access to the Adobe Illustrator software, along with the following benefits:

• Latest version of Adobe Illustrator with updates and new features as they’re released
• 100GB of cloud storage
• Adobe Portfolio, Adobe Fonts, and Adobe Spark with premium features

This plan is ideal for individuals who primarily work with vector graphics and don’t require other Adobe applications. It’s also suitable for those on a budget, as the Adobe Illustrator plan is more cost-effective than the Creative Cloud All Apps plan.

Creative Cloud All Apps plan

The Creative Cloud All Apps plan grants you access to the entire Adobe Creative Cloud suite, which includes Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, XD, Premiere Pro, After Effects, and many more. With this plan, you’ll receive:

• The latest versions of all Adobe Creative Cloud applications with updates and new features as they’re released
• 100GB of cloud storage (expandable up to 10TB)
• Adobe Portfolio, Adobe Fonts, and Adobe Spark with premium features
• Access to Adobe’s mobile apps, like Photoshop on iPad, Fresco, and Premiere Rush

The Creative Cloud All Apps plan is perfect for those who need multiple Adobe applications for various creative projects, such as graphic design, video editing, web design, and photography. While it’s more expensive than the Adobe Illustrator plan, the access to a wider range of tools can enhance your creative workflow and provide more value in the long run.

Adobe Illustrator discounts, promotions, and special offers

Adobe often offers discounts, promotions, and special deals to help make its products more accessible and affordable. In this section, we’ll highlight some ways you can save on your Adobe Illustrator subscription.

Student and Teacher Discount

Adobe offers a significant discount for students and teachers, which includes access to the entire Creative Cloud suite, including Adobe Illustrator. The Creative Cloud All Apps plan for students and teachers is available at $19.99/month for the first year and $29.99/month thereafter, providing substantial savings compared to the standard individual and business plans.

To qualify for this discount, you’ll need to provide proof of eligibility, such as a school-issued email address or documentation confirming your enrollment or employment at an educational institution. Here are the full terms (adapted after Adobe’s Introductory Pricing Terms and Conditions):

• Introductory pricing requires a 12-month contract
• Valid for first-time memberships only, limited to eligible education customers
• Not available for OEM, commercial, or volume licensing customers
• One purchase of one Creative Cloud annual membership per customer
• Cannot be combined with other discounts or offers, or redeemed for cash or other goods and services
• Pricing subject to change without notice, void where prohibited, taxed, or restricted by law
• One Year Prepaid Creative Cloud Introductory Pricing: US$239.88 for the first year, then US$359.88/year

Adobe Creative Cloud for Teams

Businesses and organizations can take advantage of volume licensing through Adobe Creative Cloud for Teams. This option offers discounted pricing based on the number of licenses purchased. Contact Adobe directly for a custom quote based on your organization’s needs.

Promotional offers and seasonal discounts

Adobe occasionally offers promotional discounts or limited-time deals on its products, including Adobe Illustrator. These offers might include a percentage discount on the monthly or annual subscription price, extended free trials, or bundle deals. Keep an eye on Adobe’s website, social media channels, and email newsletters for any upcoming promotions or seasonal discounts.

Nonprofit and Educational Institution pricing

Nonprofit organizations and educational institutions may be eligible for special pricing on Adobe products, including Adobe Illustrator. Contact Adobe directly to inquire about pricing and licensing options for your organization.

By taking advantage of discounts, promotions, and special offers, you can save on your Adobe Illustrator subscription and make this powerful design tool more accessible and affordable. Don’t forget to keep an eye on Adobe’s website and communications for any upcoming deals or offers that may apply to you.

Alternatives to Adobe Illustrator

While Adobe Illustrator is an industry-standard tool, there are alternative vector graphic design programs available at different price points, some even for free. Here are a few options to consider:

• Affinity Designer: A one-time purchase of $49.99 with no subscription fees, Affinity Designer is a powerful, cost-effective alternative for both Windows and Mac users.
• CorelDRAW: Another popular choice, CorelDRAW offers a perpetual license for $499 or a subscription plan starting at $16.50/month.
• Inkscape: Inkscape is a free, open-source vector graphics editor available for Windows, Mac, and Linux, making it a great option for those on a tight budget.

Adobe Illustrator offers a variety of pricing plans to suit different users and budgets. Remember to consider the free trial and money-back guarantee if you’re uncertain about committing to a subscription. Additionally, exploring alternative vector graphic design programs like Affinity Designer, CorelDRAW, and Inkscape can help you find the perfect fit for your design needs and budget.

Is Adobe Illustrator worth your money?

Adobe Illustrator is a powerful vector graphics editor used by design professionals worldwide. While its pricing might seem steep compared to some alternatives, the benefits and key features of the software justify its cost.

• Industry-standard software: Adobe Illustrator is the industry standard for vector graphic design, meaning it is widely recognized and used by professionals globally. With Illustrator, you can be confident you’re using a tool that meets the highest quality and performance standards.
• Powerful vector design capabilities: Illustrator excels in creating and editing vector graphics, which are infinitely scalable without losing quality. Its comprehensive toolset allows you to create intricate illustrations, logos, icons, typography, and more with precision and control.
• Seamless integration with Adobe Creative Cloud: As part of the Adobe Creative Cloud suite, Illustrator seamlessly integrates with other Adobe applications like Photoshop, InDesign, and XD. This enables you to streamline your workflow and easily transfer assets between programs, making your design process more efficient and cohesive.
• Regular updates and new features: An Adobe Illustrator subscription ensures you have access to the latest software updates and new features as they’re released. This means you’ll always be working with cutting-edge tools and capabilities, staying ahead of the competition.
• Cloud storage and collaboration: Your Illustrator subscription includes 100GB of cloud storage, making it easy to access, share, and collaborate on projects across devices. This enhances productivity and facilitates teamwork, especially for remote teams and freelancers.
• Adobe Fonts and Adobe Stock integration: Illustrator offers access to thousands of high-quality fonts through Adobe Fonts and a vast library of royalty-free images, graphics, and templates via Adobe Stock. This integration saves time by providing you with a wealth of resources directly within the software.
• Comprehensive learning resources and community support: Adobe provides extensive tutorials, guides, and resources to help users learn and master Illustrator. Additionally, you’ll be part of a vibrant community of users and experts, where you can seek support, share ideas, and stay inspired.

Conclusion

Adobe Illustrator is a powerful vector graphics editor that can be used to create a wide variety of graphics. It is available for a monthly or annual subscription. Students and teachers can get an annual subscription for $19.99 per month.

Call to action: If you are looking for a powerful vector graphics editor, Adobe Illustrator is a great option. You can sign up for a free trial to try it out before you buy.

Frequently asked questions