The Latest Adobe Illustrator Features You Need to Know About in 2025

Adobe Illustrator has always been the go-to tool for vector graphic design, and with its latest updates, it continues to set the standard for creative professionals. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, the new features in Illustrator will enhance your design workflow, boost your creativity, and make your tasks more efficient than ever. Let’s dive into some of the coolest new features introduced in the 2025 version of Adobe Illustrator!

1. Speed and Performance Like Never Before

One of the biggest updates in Illustrator is its performance enhancement. Adobe has made it so that tasks like converting linked images to embedded ones or processing large image files are up to 10 times faster! The days of waiting around for your system to catch up while you work on complex projects are officially over. Plus, applying effects like Drop Shadow or Inner Glow? That’s now up to 5 times quicker, giving you more time to focus on being creative rather than waiting for your computer to catch up. It’s a game-changer for anyone working with large files or intricate designs.

2. AI-Powered Tools to Boost Your Creativity

Adobe has been integrating AI in more and more of its software, and Illustrator is no exception. Here are some of the highlights:

• Retype Tool: If you’ve ever tried to identify a font used in an image, you know how tricky it can be. The Retype Tool now uses AI to analyze static text in rasterized images and helps you match fonts from Adobe Fonts and your local library. This is a lifesaver when you’re trying to recreate or identify fonts used in a logo or design.
• Generative Shape Fill: Powered by Adobe Firefly, this feature allows you to add vector details to shapes based on a simple text prompt. Whether you need more complexity in your design or you’re just experimenting, this tool gives you a new, quick way to bring ideas to life.
• Text to Vector Graphic (Beta): This is an exciting new feature where you can create editable vector illustrations directly from text prompts. Simply describe the design you have in mind, and Illustrator’s AI will turn your words into visuals—perfect for icons, logos, and creative projects.

3. More Precision with Design Tools

Illustrator has always been known for its precision, and with these updates, it’s even better:

• Objects on Path: Imagine arranging multiple objects (like shapes, icons, or graphics) along any path, be it straight, circular, or custom. The Objects on Path tool lets you control the alignment, spacing, and rotation of those objects with ease, making it super convenient for creating patterns, logos, or intricate designs.
• Improved Image Trace: This feature just keeps getting better. The enhanced Image Trace tool now converts raster images into crisp vector graphics, preserving all the fine details and colors. This makes it easier than ever to turn photos or sketches into scalable, editable vector art.
• Dimension Tool: You can now add precise measurements and dimensions to your designs, ensuring accuracy for projects that require detailed specifications—ideal for packaging designs or when you need to align elements in a specific way.

4. Typography That Stands Out

Typography is a key element in design, and Illustrator continues to refine its text tools:

• Momochidori Font: This brand-new Japanese font gives you even more creative flexibility. It’s a variable font, meaning you can adjust its weight, width, and slant to match your design style, making it perfect for projects involving Japanese text.
• COLR Fonts Support: If you’re into gradient-filled, scalable typography, you’ll love the addition of COLR fonts. This new feature supports advanced color features in fonts, giving you more control over how your text looks and feels.
• East Asian Text Layout Enhancements: Adobe has made it easier to work with East Asian text by offering better controls for kerning and character positioning. This update is a real bonus for those working with languages like Chinese, Japanese, and Korean.

5. Better Workflow with New Tools

Efficiency is key in design, and Illustrator is all about helping you work smarter, not harder. Here are some new additions that’ll help streamline your workflow:

• Creative Cloud Library Integration: Save your favorite patterns, brushes, gradients, and more to your Creative Cloud Library, so they’re always available across your devices. This integration means you can seamlessly access and share assets across different Adobe programs, making collaboration even easier.
• Area Calculation Tool: Need to know the exact area of a shape or path? The Area Calculation Tool lets you calculate the area of any closed shape directly within Illustrator—perfect for architects, product designers, or anyone who needs precise measurements for their designs.
• Font Embedding: This is a handy feature if you ever need to share your Illustrator files with others. Now, you can embed fonts directly into your files to ensure that typography looks just as intended, no matter where the file is opened.

Wrapping Up

With these new features, Illustrator continues to evolve as a powerhouse for graphic design. Whether you’re speeding up your workflow with performance improvements or tapping into AI-driven tools to unlock your creativity, there’s a lot to love in this latest update. Adobe has made sure that these new tools make the creative process more efficient, more intuitive, and—most importantly—more fun.

So, if you haven’t already, it’s time to update your version of Adobe Illustrator and dive into these exciting new features. Your next project just got a whole lot easier (and cooler)!