Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop are both essential tools in the design industry, each serving distinct functions based on the type of graphics they manipulate. Illustrator is primarily for creating vector graphics, while Photoshop focuses on raster graphics, making them suitable for different design tasks such as illustrations versus photo editing. Key differences include their handling of layers, file formats, scalability of graphics, and editing capabilities.

1. Difference between
Adobe Illustrator
and Photoshop

2. ILLUSTRATOR VS
PHOTOSHOP
Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop are two of
the most popular software programs used in
the design industry. It might’ve confused you
at least once which one of the two you
should use when starting a new project. In
this article, we address the key differences
between the two. But before going further,
let’s look at the two kinds of 2D graphics,
namely Raster and Vector Graphics because
these two software’s foundation is based on
them.

3. VECTOR GRAPHICS
Vector Graphics consist of
points connected by lines and
curves, similar to the “connect
the dots” activities you may
have done as a kid. Vector
Graphics are not made up of
pixels that make them
independent of Image
Resolution. They’re used
primarily for Print Media,
where graphics with large
dimensions are required. The
most commonly used file type
is SVG or Scalable Vector
Graphics, compatible with all
devices.
A close up of a Vector Graphics image which isn’t
pixelated despite being enlarged

4. Adobe Illustrator is regarded as the most powerful tool for creating Vector Graphics, and other
options include InkScape for Linux and even Figma.
A close up of a Raster Graphics image which is pixelated after
being enlarged

5. RASTER GRAPHICS
Raster graphics are made up of pixels. Every pixel uses a specific color to produce an image.
When an image is zoomed in or enlarged, pixels appear as tiny squares on a graph paper or
canvas. When you take a photo with your phone or scan a document into your computer, the
image gets saved as a JPEG. JPEG is the most popular format for saving Raster Graphics.

6. DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ILLUSTRATOR AND
PHOTOSHOP
Adobe Photoshop Adobe Illustrator
It is used for creating and editing Raster
Graphics.
It is best used for creating and editing
Vector Graphics.
Used for editing and retouching Photos,
creating Mockups and digital sketching.
Used for digital Illustrations, Logo Design,
Brochures, Business Cards, Print Ads.
Can’t work outside the workspace or
Canvas.
Can work outside the workspace or
Artboards.
Layers contain a single Object. Layers may contain more than one object.
Single canvas in a project. Multiple artboards in a project.
Common file extensions are PSD, JPEG,
PNG and TIFF.
Common file extensions are AI, EPS and
SVG.
Cannot edit colors and effects afterwards. Can edit colors and effects afterwards.

7. Adobe Photoshop Adobe Illustrator
Useful for art based coloring,
shadowing and shading.
Useful for precise and accurate
designs.
Raster Graphics lose their quality
when scaled up or down.
Vector graphics do not lose their
quality when scaled up or down.
Plenty of filters and image editing
tools.
Limited number of filters.
Great for adding special effects. Gives better print output.
Suggested Read:
•Introduction to User Interface Design