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Illustrator on the iPad FAQs

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Illustrator

Illustrator

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  1. Illustrator User Guide
  2. Get to know Illustrator
    1. Introduction to Illustrator
      1. What's new in Illustrator
      2. Common questions
      3. Illustrator system requirements
      4. Illustrator for Apple silicon
      5. GPU performance
    2. Workspace
      1. Workspace basics
      2. Create documents
      3. Learn faster with the Illustrator Discover panel
      4. Accelerate workflows using the Contextual Task Bar
      5. Toolbar
      6. Default keyboard shortcuts
      7. Customize keyboard shortcuts
      8. Introduction to artboards
      9. Manage artboards
      10. Customize the workspace
      11. Properties panel
      12. Set preferences
      13. Touch Workspace
      14. Microsoft Surface Dial support in Illustrator
      15. Undo edits and manage design history
      16. Rotate view
      17. Rulers, grids, and guides
      18. Accessibility in Illustrator
      19. View artwork
      20. Use the Touch Bar with Illustrator
      21. Files and templates
    3. Tools in Illustrator
      1. Tools at a glance
      2. Select tools
        1. Selection
        2. Direct Selection
        3. Group Selection
        4. Magic Wand
        5. Lasso
        6. Artboard
      3. Navigate tools
        1. Hand
        2. Rotate View
        3. Zoom
      4. Paint tools
        1. Gradient
        2. Mesh
        3. Shape Builder
      5. Text tools
        1. Type
        2. Type on a Path
        3. Vertical Type
      6. Draw tools
        1. Pen
        2. Add Anchor Point
        3. Delete Anchor Point
        4. Anchor Point
        5. Curvature
        6. Line Segment
        7. Rectangle
        8. Rounded Rectangle
        9. Ellipse
        10. Polygon
        11. Star
        12. Paintbrush
        13. Blob Brush
        14. Pencil
        15. Shaper
        16. Slice
      7. Modify tools
        1. Rotate
        2. Reflect
        3. Scale
        4. Shear
        5. Width
        6. Free Transform
        7. Eyedropper
        8. Blend
        9. Eraser
        10. Scissors
        11. Dimension
    4. Generative AI (not available in mainland China)
      1. Generate scenes, subjects, and icons using text prompts
      2. Generate vector patterns using text prompts
      3. Generate vector shape fills using text prompts
      4. Recolor your artwork using text prompts
    5. Quick actions
      1. Retro text
      2. Neon glow text
      3. Old school text
      4. Recolor
      5. Convert sketch to vector
  3. Illustrator on the web (beta)
    1. Illustrator on the web (beta) overview
    2. Illustrator on the web (beta) FAQ
    3. Troubleshooting issues FAQ
    4. Keyboard shortcuts for Illustrator on the web (beta)
    5. Create and combine shapes on the web
    6. Add and edit text on the web
    7. Apply colors and gradients on the web
    8. Draw and edit paths on the web
    9. Work with cloud documents on the web
    10. Invite collaborators to edit on the web
  4. Illustrator on the iPad
    1. Introduction to Illustrator on the iPad
      1. Illustrator on the iPad overview
      2. Illustrator on the iPad FAQs
      3. System requirements | Illustrator on the iPad
      4. What you can or cannot do on Illustrator on the iPad
    2. Workspace
      1. Illustrator on the iPad workspace
      2. Touch shortcuts and gestures
      3. Keyboard shortcuts for Illustrator on the iPad
      4. Manage your app settings
    3. Documents
      1. Work with documents in Illustrator on the iPad
      2. Import Photoshop and Fresco documents
    4. Select and arrange objects
      1. Create repeat objects
      2. Blend objects
    5. Drawing
      1. Draw and edit paths
      2. Draw and edit shapes
    6. Type
      1. Work with type and fonts
      2. Create text designs along a path
      3. Add your own fonts
    7. Work with images
      1. Vectorize raster images
    8. Color
      1. Apply colors and gradients
  5. Cloud documents
    1. Basics
      1. Work with Illustrator cloud documents
      2. Share and collaborate on Illustrator cloud documents
      3. Share documents for review
      4. Upgrade cloud storage for Adobe Illustrator
      5. Illustrator cloud documents | Common questions
    2. Troubleshooting
      1. Troubleshoot create or save issues for Illustrator cloud documents
      2. Troubleshoot Illustrator cloud documents issues
  6. Add and edit content
    1. Drawing
      1. Drawing basics
      2. Edit paths
      3. Draw pixel-perfect art
      4. Draw with the Pen, Curvature, or Pencil tool
      5. Draw simple lines and shapes
      6. Draw rectangular and polar grids
      7. Draw and edit flares
      8. Trace images
      9. Simplify a path
      10. Symbolism tools and symbol sets
      11. Adjust path segments
      12. Design a flower in 5 easy steps
      13. Create and edit a perspective grid
      14. Draw and modify objects on a perspective grid
      15. Use objects as symbols for repeat use
      16. Draw pixel-aligned paths for web workflows
    2. Measurement
      1. Measure and plot dimensions
    3. 3D objects and materials
      1. About 3D effects in Illustrator
      2. Create 3D graphics
      3. Map artwork over 3D objects
      4. Create 3D Text
      5. Create 3D objects
    4. Color
      1. About color
      2. Select colors
      3. Use and create swatches
      4. Adjust colors
      5. Use the Adobe Color Themes panel
      6. Color groups (harmonies)
      7. Color Themes panel
      8. Recolor your artwork
    5. Painting
      1. About painting
      2. Paint with fills and strokes
      3. Live Paint groups
      4. Gradients
      5. Brushes
      6. Transparency and blending modes
      7. Apply stroke on an object
      8. Create and edit patterns
      9. Meshes
      10. Patterns
    6. Select and arrange objects
      1. Select objects
      2. Layers
      3. Expand, group, and ungroup objects
      4. Move, align, and distribute objects
      5. Align, arrange, and move objects on a path
      6. Snap objects to glyph
      7. Snap objects to Japanese glyph
      8. Stack objects    
      9. Lock, hide, and delete objects
      10. Copy and duplicate objects
      11. Rotate and reflect objects
      12. Intertwine objects
      13. Create realistic art mockups
    7. Reshape objects
      1. Crop images
      2. Transform objects
      3. Combine objects
      4. Cut, divide, and trim objects
      5. Puppet Warp
      6. Scale, shear, and distort objects
      7. Blend objects
      8. Reshape using envelopes
      9. Reshape objects with effects
      10. Build new shapes with Shaper and Shape Builder tools
      11. Work with Live Corners
      12. Enhanced reshape workflows with touch support
      13. Edit clipping masks
      14. Live shapes
      15. Create shapes using the Shape Builder tool
      16. Global editing
    8. Type
      1. Add text and work with type objects
      2. Reflow Viewer
      3. Create bulleted and numbered lists
      4. Manage text area
      5. Fonts and typography
      6. Convert text within images into editable text
      7. Add basic formatting to text
      8. Add advanced formatting to text
      9. Import and export text
      10. Format paragraphs
      11. Special characters
      12. Create type on a path
      13. Character and paragraph styles
      14. Tabs
      15. Find missing fonts (Typekit workflow)
      16. Arabic and Hebrew type
      17. Fonts | FAQ and troubleshooting tips
      18. Creative typography designs
      19. Scale and rotate type
      20. Line and character spacing
      21. Hyphenation and line breaks
      22. Spelling and language dictionaries
      23. Format Asian characters
      24. Composers for Asian scripts
      25. Create text designs with blend objects
      26. Create a text poster using Image Trace
    9. Create special effects
      1. Work with effects
      2. Graphic styles
      3. Appearance attributes
      4. Create sketches and mosaics
      5. Drop shadows, glows, and feathering
      6. Summary of effects
    10. Web graphics
      1. Best practices for creating web graphics
      2. Graphs
      3. SVG
      4. Slices and image maps
  7. Import, export, and save
    1. Import
      1. Place multiple files
      2. Manage linked and embedded files
      3. Links information
      4. Unembed images
      5. Import artwork from Photoshop
      6. Import bitmap images
      7. Import Adobe PDF files
      8. Import EPS, DCS, and AutoCAD files
    2. Creative Cloud Libraries in Illustrator 
      1. Creative Cloud Libraries in Illustrator
    3. Save and export
      1. Save artwork
      2. Export artwork
      3. Create Adobe PDF files
      4. Adobe PDF options
      5. Use Illustrator artwork in Photoshop
      6. Collect assets and export in batches
      7. Package files
      8. Extract CSS | Illustrator CC
      9. Document info panel
  8. Printing
    1. Prepare for printing
      1. Set up documents for printing
      2. Change the page size and orientation
      3. Specify crop marks for trimming or aligning
      4. Get started with large canvas
    2. Printing
      1. Overprint
      2. Print with color management
      3. PostScript printing
      4. Print presets
      5. Printer's marks and bleeds
      6. Print and save transparent artwork
      7. Trapping
      8. Print color separations
      9. Print gradients, meshes, and color blends
      10. White Overprint
  9. Automate tasks
    1. Data merge using the Variables panel
    2. Automation with scripts
    3. Automation with actions
  10. Troubleshooting 
    1. Fixed issues
    2. Known issues
    3. Crash issues
    4. Recover files after crash
    5. Safe mode
    6. File issues
    7. Supported file formats
    8. GPU device driver issues
    9. Wacom device issues
    10. DLL file issues
    11. Memory issues
    12. Preferences file issues
    13. Font issues
    14. Printer issues
    15. Share crash report with Adobe
    16. Improve Illustrator performance

Here's everything you need to know to quickly get started with Illustrator on your iPad.

Illustrator on iPad

Quick start FAQs

Illustrator on iPad

File workflows

shortcuts

Productivity shortcuts

Illustrator on iPad

Share feedback

Quick start FAQs

Can I use Illustrator on the iPad?

Yes, you can! Download Illustrator on your iPad and start designing beautiful vector graphics and illustrations, wherever the inspiration strikes. Illustrator on the iPad lets you create logos, illustrations, and graphics with the precision of vectors and the freedom of Apple Pencil and the iPad. 

Download on the App Store

Nevertheless, you can resume work seamlessly across your desktop and iPad using the power of cloud documents.

Subscribe to a Creative Cloud plan that includes Illustrator. If you already have an active plan that includes Illustrator, simply sign-in with your Adobe ID on your iPad and download Illustrator for the iPad today.

Illustrator on iPad
Modern design experience with ability to create precision vector graphics wherever inspiration strikes.

Which iPad do I need to use Illustrator?

Illustrator is supported on iOS version 14 or later with the following iPad models:

  • iPad Pro 12.9 inch (5th generation)
  • iPad Pro 12.9 inch (4th generation)
  • iPad Pro 12.9 inch (3rd generation)
  • iPad Pro 12.9 inch (2nd generation)
  • iPad Pro 12.9 inch (1st generation)
  • iPad Pro 11 inch (3rd generation)
  • iPad Pro 11 inch (2nd generation)
  • iPad Pro 11 inch (1st generation)
  • iPad Pro 10.5 inch
  • iPad Air (5th generation)
  • iPad Air (4th generation)
  • iPad Mini (6th generation)

Note: All are supported with 2nd generation Apple Pencil.

For more details, see System requirements | Illustrator on the iPad.

What languages are supported in Illustrator on the iPad?

Currently, Illustrator supports the following languages on the iPad:

English   |  Deutsch  |  Français  |  日本語 | 한국어

You may be able to use an unsupported language on selecting a native font. However, the functionality will be limited and experience may be different. Adobe is working to provide support for additional languages in the future releases.

Illustrator's installation language is determined using the following order:

  • If your iPad's language is one of the above, Illustrator is installed in the same language.
  • If your iPad's language is not currently supported by Illustrator, then Illustrator is installed in the next supported language based on the preferred language order setting of your iPad.
  • If none of the specified preferred language is supported, Illustrator is installed in English. 

Which Adobe plans include Illustrator on the iPad?

Illustrator on iPad
Pick a plan that works the best for you!

  • Already have an Adobe Creative Cloud plan that includes Illustrator?
    Simply, download Illustrator on your iPad and sign-in with your Adobe ID, without buying a new plan.
  • Are you a new user, or do you have a Creative Cloud plan that does not include Illustrator? You can buy a Creative Cloud Illustrator plan that includes both the desktop and iPad apps, or you can choose to get Illustrator on the iPad on its own.
  • Buy Illustrator on the iPad through the App Store as a single app on a monthly or annual (available in the US market only) basis. Also, you can buy the app as part of the Adobe Design Mobile bundle.
  • Get a trial plan and use Illustrator on your iPad for a limited duration.

Don't have an Adobe ID? It's free and easy to create one. Click here to quickly create your Adobe ID. 

Is Illustrator on the iPad available in my country?

Illustrator on the iPad is available only in countries where Creative Cloud services are available. See the latest list of countries that support Creative Cloud services.

As Adobe Creative Cloud services are currently not available on adobe.com in Mainland China, Illustrator on the iPad is also not available in this region.

How do I manage my Illustrator on the iPad subscription purchased through Apple App Store?

Illustrator on the iPad subscription you purchase from the App Store is managed through your App Store account. 

For more information, see Apple's documentation for:

How much cloud storage does Illustrator on the iPad provide? Can I upgrade my storage?

Your cloud storage is shared across your Adobe Creative Cloud apps. The amount of your cloud storage is determined by your Adobe Creative Cloud subscription plan. If your cloud storage goes over the given quota, your documents can be saved as a local document only. If you need more cloud storage, easily upgrade your subscription plan to include additional storage at any time. 

Plan

Storage                                     

In-app purchase (via Apple App Store)

100 GB

Free trial

2 GB

Illustrator Single App (iPad only)

100 GB

Creative Cloud All Apps 

100 GB

What happens to my assets if I close or delete my Adobe account?

If you close or delete your Adobe account, or if your subscription expires, your assets remain in the cloud and available to download for 30 days. After 30 days, you may lose access to some or all of your documents that are saved on the cloud servers. 

To view your assets, go to assets.adobe.com.
To learn more about Creative Cloud, see Common Questions | Creative Cloud.

Illustrator on iPad
Assets will remain on the cloud for 30 days after you close your account.

File workflows

How does Illustrator on the desktop work with Illustrator on the iPad?

Any new document you create with Illustrator on the iPad is saved as a cloud document, so that you can easily access your creative work from iPad to desktop. Cloud documents are automatically synced across devices to create a seamless workflow.

For example, if you want to resume your desktop work on the iPad, simply save your Illustrator file as a cloud document. 

To view your cloud documents, click the Cloud documents tab on the home screen or access your documents on the Creative Cloud website.

Illustrator on iPad
Cloud documents help you work seamlessly across devices. Your creative work is autosaved.

What are the key differences between Illustrator’s iPad and desktop versions?

Illustrator has been reimagined to take advantage of iPad's specialities and Apple Pencil. Illustrator on the iPad makes graphic designing more intuitive and simple, with all the controls you need to achieve precision and quality.

The only difference you may notice is the user experience around the new touch screen interface. On both desktop and the iPad, you can attain the same amount of control and precision with a mouse click to the touch screen.

Illustrator on iPad
Illustrator reimagined for the iPad to provide you quick and precise vector drawing abilities.

Can I open files from other locations in Illustrator on the iPad?

Any file created in Illustrator on the iPad is saved as a cloud file and can be opened seamlessly across platforms. You can also open a file from various other locations in Illustrator on the iPad.

To open a file on the iPad:

  • From the Home screen:
    On the home screen, tap Import and open. In the Browse dialog, navigate to your file and tap on it to open.
  • From the document workspace:
    Tap  from the left toolbar and select one of the following options:
  •  Camera: Capture a photo and place it directly in your document.
  • Photos: Import photos saved on your iPad into your document.
  • Files: Import files that are saved on your iPad into your document.
  • Cloud documents: Import Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Fresco cloud documents and place them directly in your document.
  • Libraries: Import assets from Creative Cloud Libraries into your document.
Import files

Which file formats can I open and export in Illustrator on the iPad?

You can export an Illustrator file created or edited using the iPad into the following formats: Ai, PDF, SVG, PNG, and PSD.

On the top navigation bar, Tap Publish and Export to choose a format to publish or export the documents. For your ease, a quick list of most frequently used formats (.ai, png) is provided.

In addition, you can also choose to livestream your work using the Start Livestream option.

How can I open a Creative Cloud file in Illustrator on the iPad?

To open a Creative Cloud file in Illustrator on the iPad, do one of the following:

  • Home screen: Tap Import and open.
  • Document workspace: Tap Import button.

Now, in the Browse panel, select Locations > Creative Cloud to quickly import a file from Creative Cloud.

Illustrator on iPad
Open a Creative Cloud file quickly using the Home screen and the document workspace.

 If you're unable to find Creative Cloud option under Locations, download the Creative Cloud app on your iPad and ensure that you are signed in. To add Creative Cloud under Locations, see the directions listed under 'Use third-party apps' in Files section in Use the Files app on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. 

Can I turn off autosave in cloud documents?

Autosaving of cloud document helps you work seamlessly on your creative projects anytime, anywhere, across devices, without worrying about any data loss.

You can turn off the autosave while using Illustrator on the desktop. Autosaving of cloud document cannot be turned off on the iPad. However, you can restrict syncing over your cellular network when working on an iPad.

For more information, see Illustrator cloud documents | Common questions.

Illustrator on iPad

Productivity shortcuts

What are the keyboard and touch shortcuts for Illustrator on the iPad?

To view a list of popular keyboard shortcuts in Illustrator on the iPad, see Keyboard shortcuts.

To learn more about touch shortcuts and touch gestures in Photoshop on the iPad, see Touch shortcuts and gestures.

shortcuts
Use touch shortcuts and gestures to create quick vector graphics.

Share your feedback

How do I suggest a feature or report an issue with Illustrator on the iPad?

Participate in the future innovations of your favorite Adobe product! We value your input and make it easy to report issues or request new features.

To report a problem, suggest a feature, or take a survey, navigate to App Settings > General > Help > Send feedback.

You can also join the Adobe Illustrator Community to seek and provide guidance on using the app. We look forward to hearing from you.

Illustrator on iPad
Got feedback about Illustrator on the iPad? We're all ears.

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