AI Generated Vectors! - Illustrator CC 2024 Update

Introduction

Adobe Illustrator CC 2024 has officially launched with version 28.0, bringing several new features that revolve largely around artificial intelligence (AI). As a long-time user and Adobe Community expert, I was eager to explore these developments and share my insights.

New Beta Features

The latest update includes three notable AI-driven beta features:

1. Text to Vector Graphic

Similar to the generative fill feature in Photoshop, this tool allows users to generate vector graphics based on text prompts. The process begins by selecting a white rectangle, which then opens a contextual taskbar with a ‘generate’ option. The program suggested various prompts like "camping," which yielded slow results. Although the output resembled raster images converted to vectors through image tracing, this feature shows promise with potential improvements.

2. Retype

This feature enables users to identify fonts within raster images. As long as the fonts are available in Adobe Fonts or installed on your system, the feature aims to match them accurately. I tested it on various images, and while it successfully identified fonts, it struggled with more challenging images, sometimes failing to identify text. However, when it worked, it could seamlessly replace text in the original image, integrating background fill much like content-aware fill in Photoshop.

3. Mockup

The Mockup tool detects geometry within images and wraps vectors around them. Upon testing a mockup of a cup, I noted its capacity to identify shapes and blend them effectively. Adjusting blending modes improved the appearance considerably, making this a noteworthy feature.

Additional Features

This feature theoretically allows sharing artwork as a PDF via a link for review and comments. However, I encountered errors while trying to create links, making this functionality less than reliable for my current use.

Contextual Taskbar

The contextual taskbar has been introduced for easier access to various options depending on selected objects. It includes features like generating vectors, editing paths, and recoloring artwork. Although it's a shortcut to existing functionalities, it improves workflow efficiency.

Smooth Option

Lastly, there is a new smoothing feature that averages out paths. While I experienced mixed results with different drawing tools, it worked effectively with brush-generated lines.

Conclusion

Overall, while the new features show promise, their beta status indicates room for enhancement. As AI continues to shape workflows in programs like Illustrator, user feedback will be crucial in refining these tools.

Keywords

AI, Adobe Illustrator CC 2024, Text to Vector Graphic, Retype, Mockup, Share for Review, Contextual Taskbar, Smooth Option, Generative AI, Adobe Fonts.

FAQ

Q: What is the new Text to Vector Graphic feature in Illustrator CC 2024?
A: It allows users to generate vector graphics based on text prompts, similar to the generative fill in Photoshop.

Q: How does the Retype feature work?
A: This feature identifies fonts in raster images, providing users with exact matches from Adobe Fonts or the closest alternatives.

Q: What does the Mockup feature do?
A: It identifies the geometry of mockup images and wraps vectors around them, making it easier to create realistic representations.

Q: Why couldn't I get the Share for Review feature to work?
A: Some users, including myself, have encountered errors when trying to create review links, indicating that this feature may not be fully functional yet.

Q: What is the contextual taskbar?
A: It's a new interface in Illustrator that offers options based on the selected object, streamlining tasks like generating vectors, editing paths, and recoloring artwork.

Q: How does the smooth option perform?
A: The smooth feature averages out paths to create smoother lines, but its performance may vary depending on the drawing tool used.