Difference Between Photoshop and Illustrator

Edited by Diffzy | Updated on: April 30, 2023

       

Difference Between Photoshop and Illustrator

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Introduction

Nowadays, we use so many photo-editing tools that we have almost equipped ourselves with their functions and various features. However, some people still struggle with which photo editor to use and when. In today’s article, let’s discuss the major differentiating points between Photoshop and Illustrator. This will give everyone a meaningful insight into the same.

Photoshop vs Illustrator

Now, Adobe Photoshop is a programmed computer tool that enables users to create, modify, and save photographs in a variety of formats. A raster graphics editor is what it's called. It includes several tools for manipulating and editing photos. Thomas and John Knoll created it in 1988. The pen tool, clone stamp tool, tools regarding forms, measuring and navigation, and selection tools are all included in most editions.

Adobe Illustrator is a computer application that is mostly used by artists and graphic designers to produce vector pictures, which are then utilized for company logos, promotional purposes, or personal work in both print and digital formats. A raster graphics editor is what it's called. Illustrations, charts, graphs, logos, schematics, cartoons of genuine images, and many other things are made with it.

Difference Between Photoshop and Illustrator in Tabular Form

Parameters of Comparison Photoshop Illustrator
Definition It allows you to create and edit raster graphics. It's great for designing and editing vector graphics.
Uses Used for photo retouching and editing, mockup creation, and digital sketching. Digital Illustrations, Logo Design, Brochures, Business Cards, and Print Ads are some of the applications.
Work areas It is not possible to work outside of the workplace or Canvas. Working outside of the workspace or on Artboards is possible.
The layers A single Object is contained in each layer. More than one object can be found in a layer.
The project details In a project, there is just one canvas. In a project, there are multiple artboards.
File extensions PSD, JPEG, PNG, and TIFF are all common file extensions. AI, EPS, and SVG are common file extensions.
Extra information You won't be able to change the colors or effects afterward. You can change the colors and effects afterward.

What is Photoshop?

So, Adobe Photoshop is one of the most popular and widely used photo and graphics editing software programs available. It was designed in 1988 and has since become a staple for users who want to edit photos or even design their graphics and images. Photoshop was originally ideated by two brothers, Thomas and John Knoll, in 1987, and the distribution rights were sold to Adobe in 1988. So originally, the product was known as Display.

Now, Photoshop is a computer program that may be used on both Windows and Mac systems. It's classified as a raster graphics editor, which means users can generate, edit, and save images in a variety of formats. In Photoshop, you can edit single photographs or big groups of images. Photoshop has a layer-based editing system that allows you to create and edit photos with a variety of overlays. Layers can be used to generate shadows and other effects, as well as act as filters that impact the colors beneath them.

Many automation options and keyboard shortcuts are available in Photoshop to help you save time on repetitive chores. To keep Photoshop's functionality up to date, add filters and plugins, new brushes and textures, and other essential add-ons. Moreover, Designers, web developers, photographers, graphic artists, and several other creative professionals, as well as enthusiasts, strongly believe in Photoshop. The program is used to edit, create, and retouch photos, as well as to apply special effects. It is also possible to generate graphics and then export them to other programs.

Performing basic activities, such as removing a blemish from a photo, or extensive photo editing and creation with Photoshop is very comfortable.

The phrase "photoshop," like "Google" and "Xerox," has become a verb, despite Adobe's objections. When an image is "photoshopped," it means that it has been altered to make the subject appear better.

Photoshop is frequently referred to as Photoshop CC because it has only been offered as a Creative Cloud subscription since 2017. The Creative Cloud collection involves more than 20 desktop and mobile apps. Therefore, the more apps you have in your subscription, the more it will cost.

Individual users may prefer the Photography bundle, which includes Photoshop, Lightroom, and 20 GB of storage for $9.99 a month.

Photoshop is available for a seven-day free trial as part of one of Adobe's Creative Cloud membership options, allowing you to get a feel for the software and decide if it's suitable for you. Photoshop has numerous sister products to consider if you don't require the entire capabilities of Photoshop CC. These include Photoshop Elements, Photoshop Lightroom, and Photoshop Express. For beginning users, Adobe Photoshop CC can be costly and overwhelming. If you only want to modify a photo once in a while, Photoshop Elements or Photoshop Express would suffice.

Photoshop Elements

Photoshop Elements is a stripped-down version of Photoshop CC with fewer features. It was designed for users who are new to photo editing and want a simple way to organize, edit, create, and share their photographs. Unlike Photoshop CC, Elements costs $99.99 and is offered as a one-time software purchase rather than a subscription.

Adobe provides a 30-day free trial of Elements to allow you to try out the software's features.

Adobe Photoshop Lightroom

Lightroom is a program for artists who want to organize and manage their photos simply. You can't doctor images the way Photoshop can, but you can lighten them up with a single click, modify colors, and enhance or sharpen digital photos.

Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic and Lightroom are the two versions of Lightroom currently available. The traditional desktop Lightroom has been renamed Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic. Lightroom is a cloud-based photo editing software that helps people to work on desktops, mobile devices, and the web.

Adobe Photoshop Express

Adobe Photoshop Express is a free software for iOS and Android devices that is the mobile version of Photoshop. It can also be downloaded from the Microsoft Store and installed on a Windows desktop running Windows 8 or above. It's significantly less complicated than Photoshop CC, offering a basic set of image-editing tools including contrast and exposure adjustments, as well as blemish removal. Text can be added to photos as well.

What is Illustrator?

Now, Adobe Illustrator is a piece of computer software that was once the only one available out there for graphic designers. It was first brought out in 1987 as a full-featured Windows software. Initially, it had advanced tracing and text manipulation features, along with color separation capabilities.

For newcomers, Adobe Illustrator is a wonderful place to start because it is easier to learn. When we purchase Adobe, we are given notes and manuals that explain all of the capabilities. Here are a few pointers to remember: 

  • When you first start using it, just keep scribbling, which will force you to engage with the software, and it is a simple activity that will help you learn.
  • When you're working on fonts and basic designs, avoid using colors and instead utilize "fill white" and black tones. This allows you to stay concentrated on your work.
  • Once you've learned how to use the Pen tool, you'll need to master mouse control to create precise circles, ellipses, rectangles, and other shapes.
  • Fill in the colors afterward to improve your skills and learn new commands.

It is a tool that includes a variety of commands such as the pen tool, swatches, mesh tool, and picture trace, among others. These commands allow us to draw more quickly and easily. Numerous companies require the services of a graphic designer to develop the logos for each of their products. Even so, some well-known firms have thousands of goods and are constantly upgrading them, necessitating the services of a graphic designer.

We can largely design banners because they are vector pictures with pixel-level control. Adobe Illustrator creates little numerical and alphabetical images that aren't constrained by size. This software is used to create wedding and invitation cards. This software is used to completely design images that are used on numerous websites regularly, particularly on e-commerce websites.

This software has a user interface that is extremely user-friendly. It is easier to train a new employee when you operate as a team. When you become an expert, you will notice how much easier it is to work and how quickly you can complete tasks.

Working with this program makes you feel more at ease because it offers numerous benefits.

  • It has various pre-made tools that allow you to create a variety of forms.
  • From a small dot to a big flex, you may build a banner of any size.
  • Images can be imported, edited, and modified all inside the same platform.
  • When used in conjunction with other Adobe products, it is very convenient.

You don't need any unique skills to be an expert because the experience will teach you in a shorter period. Even so, if you have any photographic talents, you will have an advantage. You will also become a professional in no time if you are skilled at painting and sketching.

Adobe Illustrator is software that has been in use for over 30 years and has covered every command. Adobe is a master in this industry, and practically all pros use this program, making it easy for us to learn from them. If you acquire a license for Illustrator or other Adobe programs, this can save you money.

As this software is such an essential aspect of marketing, it is in high demand in all types of businesses. Everyone wishes to make their logo and product look more appealing, which necessitates the hiring of a graphic designer. For example, in large e-commerce projects such as Flipkart, Amazon, and Myntra, where products are updated daily, graphic designers are required because they must upload multiple images of a single product.

This software has all commands since it saves you time by allowing you to use various programs at the same time. You can convert your photographs to practically any format because the current edition includes almost all of them. Because Adobe Illustrator is widely utilized, you will be able to get work faster, and the organization will be able to find expert individuals from all around.

People that create large flex logos and banners, as well as graphic imagery for websites and occasionally photography. Candidates who can deal with all of these activities are the most likely to learn.

You'll need to acquire a lot of expertise with this software before you can find a decent-paying job. This is a skilled job, thus you must demonstrate your abilities. Also, how quickly you grow your talents and create visually appealing graphics is determined by what you choose as your road to success.

Adobe is the only extremely ancient program on the market, and it is used in almost every field. This serves as a universal tool, saving you money on other software purchases if you are just active in one activity. As previously stated, learning this will help you advance your career, and you will be able to apply for jobs in practically any firm. By providing you with new and improved tools, you become more professional and versatile.

Main Differences Between Photoshop and Illustrator In Points

  • Photoshop is a program that allows you to manipulate, fix, and composite photos. Illustrator is used to create vector illustrations, manipulate them, composite them, and so on.
  • Photoshop was created in the year 1988.
  • Illustrator was first created in 1987.
  • Photoshop has a few vector art capabilities, but they aren't as sophisticated or useful as Illustrator's. On the other hand, illustrator shows many drawing tools that can be used to create unique graphics, artwork, and so on.
  • Photoshop's main use is to manipulate photographs and graphics. Although it is primarily a drawing program, Illustrator outperforms Photoshop when it comes to handling text.
  • The layer base feature is critical in the case of photoshop and is required for the software to function properly.
  • The layer base function isn't very beneficial for artists in the case of illustrators.

Conclusion

Hence, now we understand the major differences between photoshop and an illustrator.

References

  • Allen, J. (2020, March 8). What Is Photoshop? Retrieved from Lifewire: https://www.lifewire.com/what-is-photoshop-4688397
  • Khan, A. R. (2022, March 10). Difference between Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. Retrieved from TurboAnchor: https://turboanchor.com/difference-between-adobe-illustrator-and-photoshop/#:~:text=Adobe%20Illustrator%20works%20with%20Vector%20Graphics%20to%20create,clarifies%20their%20features%20a%20little%20more.%20Suggested%20Read%3A
  • What is Adobe Illustrator? (n.d.). Retrieved from EDUCBA: https://www.educba.com/what-is-adobe-illustrator/


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