Illustrator 10 is an all-round strong drawing program. Being vector-based, it is preferable for printing jobs (the lines are less jagged) but also works fine for Web-related projects. While not the same kind of must-have as is Photoshop (reviewed in our cameras section), Illustrator stands well on its own as a creative drawing tool.
What sets Illustrator apart from other drawing tools are its many time-saving shortcuts and automations. That doesn't mean these types of automated tools are unique, just that Illustrator gets them right. For example, if you want to make a logotype look like it's a label wrapped around a box, you get a label wrapped around a box, rather than a mysteriously skewed object that takes an hour of manual editing to look right. You start to really appreciate this type of quality difference as you get into more complex images.
So what's new in Version 10? First, there is a new system for managing 'symbols'. Symbols are graphics, a star for example, which can be repeated throughout an image. Rather than draw a bunch of stars, you can define one star as a 'symbol' and paste it in throughout the image. This is different from copying and pasting in that it uses very little memory, thus creating a smaller file that loads more quickly. Another benefit is that if you decide to change your stars to, say, another color, you only need to change your defined symbol, and all instances of the star will follow suit automatically. Illustrator 10 takes symbols beyond being mere time-savers, allowing you to manipulate multiple instances simultaneously using a new set of specialized brushes.
Another big improvement is shape management, where you can easily combine, divide, intersect, merge, crop and outline different objects. This comes in handy when you're putting together complex images. Of course, there are many small but good improvements: A new Arc tool, vector-based lens flares, 'liquefied' brushes for those intentionally jagged lines and new grids to help you structure your work, to mention a few.
Overall, Illustrator 10 remains a top-of-the-line product that won't disappoint. If Photoshop is your No. 1, must-have tool for digital imagery, Illustrator comes in as a close second.
