How to Convert Indesign to illustrator Indesign & illustrator Tutorial Like Comment Subscribe Share Hello ViewersSimple tutorial. Illustrator doesn’t have a way to setup master pages the way that InDesign does. This is a necessary tool when you’re building documents that use templates. Illustrator doesn’t allow you to automate page numbers. This is another feature InDesign supports, which can be especially useful when dealing with larger documents. For example, Illustrator works best for creating vector graphics – something you wouldn’t use InDesign for. Let’s take a look at both Ai & Id, and find out exactly who should use which for what! Illustrator Vs InDesign. Adobe has created a collection of apps that are incredibly powerful in the design world.
The first step toward efficient, creative projects is a strong understanding of contrasting design software dynamics. We’ll help you take that first step by comparing two powerful software tools. Adobe InDesign and Illustrator each have unique, beneficial design functions. Here’s a quick rundown of each system, followed by an in-depth breakdown of their similarities and differences.
InDesign
Adobe InDesign is a program that is used to create both print and digital projects. This typically includes things such as books, newsletters, brochures and newspapers. InDesign is often used by graphic designers, as it has extensive editing potential. It’s also used by marketers from time to time.
Illustrator
Adobe Illustrator is a software tool used to create different graphics, such as illustrations, artwork, drawings and more. Both the Windows and Mac operating systems are capable of running Illustrator. It is a vector graphics tool, meaning it constructs images using different lines that form shapes.
Now that you have some details about each app individually, here are four areas of comparison for the two systems, along with a breakdown for each:
1. Single and multi-page projects
Both InDesign and Illustrator handle single and multi-page tasks, so it’s important to weigh the benefits before deciding which to use. When it comes to single-page documents, especially print projects, Illustrator has the edge. Business cards and posters are ideal for Illustrator because it manipulates image and text size. It also handles visual features precisely.
Illustrator is capable of creating multi-page projects but InDesign is the superior multi-page option. InDesign has a Master Page function, which allows users to edit numerous pages without editing them individually. Furthermore, InDesign is ideal for multi-page, as it automatically numbers pages.
2. Comprehensive drawing features
Though it may seem obvious that Illustrator is the more in-depth drawing software, it’s critical to learn nuanced differences between the two programs’ drawing capabilities. Furthermore, it’s vital to know where Illustrator is lacking. When looking to draw creative, enhanced designs, Illustrator is the right choice. The artboard has multiple options and provides plenty of space to draw and create crisp designs. The only time Illustrator struggles with images is editing, so retain an alternative program to edit photos.
InDesign does have a few drawing options, including a pencil tool and the ability to draw some lines and shapes. Also, drawings done on Illustrator can be imported into InDesign. This is helpful when a team member completes a multi-page project, as Illustrator is better for single-page projects.
3. Logo creation and manipulation for organizations
InDesign creates shapes for logos but lags behind Illustrator in quite a few ways in this area. Illustrator is perfect for logo creation because images in Illustrator are made to fit any size while maintaining original quality. Logos change placements and sizes, so software that reacts correctly to the changes is necessary.
Another valuable function that makes Illustrator great for logo manipulation is the typesetting features. It shapes text to the preference of an organization. InDesign is great for text-related projects as well but it doesn’t measure up to Illustrator. Remember that each organization’s logo needs are drastically different. This information should guide you toward your program choice.
4. Beneficial integrations
A crucial aspect of choosing design software is determining how well it syncs with other programs. When it comes to integrations, Adobe InDesign flawlessly corresponds with important systems. One compelling InDesign integration is with Canto DAM, a digital asset management system designed to manage files.
Digital asset management is a comprehensive file storage solution. DAM provides a central location to store assets safely. InDesign connects to Canto and gives users a connection to open images from their media library in InDesign. This integration is vital for businesses who use InDesign and cloud storage systems.
The dynamics of a venture evolve and the choice between these software will change as well. Understand their subtle differences to create strong projects.
To get more insight into these two dynamic systems, watch our brief Illustrator vs InDesign video here:
When it comes to graphic designing, designers may have a wide range of tools available to produce the highest quality graphics and media. However, picking the best suitable tools and software is vitally important for designers to bring quality and outshine the competition. Therefore, this InDesign vs Illustrator comparison guide introduces you to the difference between InDesign and Illustrator. So, you can pick the right one for your next project. Let’s get rolling!
InDesign vs Illustrator: What are They?
InDesign and Illustrator both are the members of Adobe family. They are loaded with features and are paid software. However, the important question is why should a designer user one over another? Well, this article aims to shed some light on the features of InDesign vs Illustrator, so you can make an informed decision on which to use.
What is InDesign?
Coming from Adobe, InDesign is leading in the industry with its ability to create clean layouts for desktop and mobile devices. Design is basically a desktop publishing and typesetting software that is mainly used by publishers and artists. It is mainly used to create flyers, posters, newspapers, and magazines. And it is auto integrated with Adobe publishing Suite.
What is Illustrator?
Similar to InDesign, Illustrator is also a product by Adobe. However, it is a mathematical grid used to create vector design. It is used by designers to create logos with the help of default brushes it offers. The unique thing about Illustrator is that it is one of the best vector graphics software in the industry.
InDesign vs Illustrator: Which One to Use and When?
When to Use InDesign?
- When you need to create business cards or flyers, InDesign is the ideal program.
- InDesign can be used when you need to create a multi-page, text-heavy piece. InDesign is uniquely designed to layout text.
- When you are designing a magazine, brochure, or booklet, InDesign is ideal for you.
When to Use Illustrator?
- When you are creating digital art, then Illustrator can be the ideal program.
- Illustrator can be used when you need great features to create crisp, graphical illustrations that can help be scaled up or down accordingly.
- When you need to design a user interface, landing page, or wireframe as it can help you easily scale and move objects around.
- When creating branding materials, as it is mostly vector-based graphics and Illustrator is ideal for that. Moreover, it also offers multiple artboards, hence, you can brainstorm and refine ideas.
InDesign vs Illustrator: How do they work?
How does InDesign work?
To learn InDesign, a beginner can seek personal training, certification, hands-on classes, books, or online tutorials. Here some web design tips for beginners on how does InDesign works. Starting with creating a new document, firstly, open the software, you will see an introduction window pop-up that lets you gain access to existing files and recently closed files. You can also create a new document by simply clicking on the bottom left of the window.
Now you can start creating a new document. InDesign doesn’t offer to create a document and print option by default. A user has to find his way through. It allows users to work in points, millimeters, inches, and more units, as per their requirements. To set the units, go to Edit> Preferences> Units & Increments.
Use different tools on your document to create your masterpiece. There are different type of tools you can use with InDesign:
- Type Tools
- Drawing Tools
- Selection Tool
- Transform Tools
- Navigation Tools
- The Scissors Tool
Once you’re done with your document and want to save your project, save it by clicking on File> Save As, specify the location on your local machine, and click on Save.
How does Illustrator Work?
Illustrator is not a basic program with limited functions. There are a lot of features, which confuse a beginner. Beginners are recommended to start with building their artwork with simple shapes because shapes are edible, therefore, they can keep refining their work with no loss in resolution. Just go to File > New, to create a new file. Remember that you can also set the document size and color palette while creating a new file. Or even after your file is created you can simply go to File > Document Setup to make changes in the Document Setup Dialog box.
Instead of working on a document from scratch, you can also pick a template to work with. Don’t be afraid to try different tools and features offered by Illustrator. Get your hands on every tool listed on the menu box. Once you are satisfied with your document, save it by clicking on File > Save for Web and then select your file type. Just remember that you are not going to master it in just one night and you have to keep practicing to get a grip on tools.
InDesign vs Illustrator: What Different Features They Have
What are the Features of InDesign?
- Adobe InDesign offers accessibility and reuse of the documents by simply exporting them as PDF files. You can also apply tags as stories, headlines, figures, etc, to page items and then export the document.
- With InDesign, u can endnotes into your documents to add references directly from annotations.
- You can also use HTML export features to export simple and clean codes to implement designs. Furthermore, it can also remove the redundant div tags and other unnecessary groupings of content.
- It also offers you the feature of split windows that lets you compare two different layouts of the same document. You can split the existing window into two panes for easy comparison of the content of both layouts.
- Object Style dialog box lets you reposition and modify object sizes easily, at once across the entire document.
- You can resize multiple objects by changing their widths, heights, or both by changing the value for X and Y coordinates.
What are the Features of Illustrator?
- With Illustrator, you can use cut, copy and paste features to create multiple copies of the artboard for different documents.
- Illustrator has a new feature that can automatically repair the documents
- It is capable of creating paths that are automatically aligned to the nearest pixel grid to create pixel-perfect designs.
- Illustrator provides the snap to pixel capability that allows designers to customize the pixel-snapping feature of the program to align an artwork on specific pixel boundaries.
- It offers access to more than 90 million images, graphics, templates, videos, and other creative assets organized in Adobe Stock.
- It also offers built-in presents, therefore, designers can start working from blank pages rather than templates.
InDesign vs Illustrator: What Different Tools They Have
Tools of InDesign
- Type Tools: This type of tool allow you to create and format types in standard or customized paths or blocks.
- Drawing Tools: This tool allows you to draw and style simple and complicated objects including circles, rectangles, ellipses, polygons, and free form shapes.
- Selection Tool: This tool allows you to select or activate objects, points, or shapes.
- Transform tools: It allows you to resize, reshape, or reorient the objects, points, and lines.
- Navigation Tools: It allows you to control the view of documents, move around in documents, and measure distances in a document.
- The Scissors Tool: As the name reflects, it splits paths and frames.
Tools of Illustrator
- Magic Wand: This tool lets you select an object and the tool will select every object with similar properties. It is beneficial when it comes to setting the tolerance levels of the objects.
- 3D Revolve: Designers use this tool to create a 3D pushpin by applying highlights and shadows to create a more realistic effect and add a paper note to it.
- Live Trace: You can convert your photographs into vector graphics or other raster graphics using a live trace tool. You can resize images using Live Trace without loss in resolution.
- Spiral Tool: It’s one of the most intriguing tools offered by Adobe Illustrator that allows designers to design with swirls and flourishes.
- Selection Tool: A designer must know which selection tool is appropriate when it comes to select shapes, objects, points, etc, to save time and design better.
- Rotate Tool: With this tool, designers can create great patterns.
InDesign vs Illustrator: Available Plugins
Plugins of InDesign
- Aquafadas AVE: This plugin allows you to create a complete digital publishing suite from content design to cross-platform distribution and analytics. You don’t even need to write a single line of code while using this plugin. Some basic features are for free. However, for enhancements, you can use other paid features as well.
- Active Table: This is a paid plugin available for $79, which brings Microsoft Excel-like tables to InDesign. It means you can create spreadsheet-like tasks, complete with formulae, calculations, sort tables. This plugin is certainly easier to style and format tabular data
- Calendar Wizard: This plugin is available for free, which enables you to create highly customized, flexible calendars, including a large number of options, from holidays to phases of the moon.
- BookBarCode: Most designers use eternal apps to generate barcodes for their book covers. However, with BookBarCode, it is really convenient to generate barcodes for your covers within InDesign. You can create a vector barcode from an ISBN number, which is EAN-13 compliant and adjustable to your needs.
- Layer: With this plugin, you can create multiple versions of a layout inside a single InDesign file. Designers find it efficient because it enables them with easier trial-run options with their clients, without having to maintain any different documents.
Plugins of Illustrator
Illustrator offers some of the most robust plugins to create professional designs. You can create creative designs and can add elegance to your designs using these plugins:
- Cineware: This plugin is created by MAXON with TurboSquid, which is absolutely free to use. It is mainly used for creating 3D designs. This plugin allows designers to import Cinema 4D files of their choice and then balance the texture, lighting, and views to merge 3D components with 2D designs.
- VectorScribe v3: It allows you to have control over vectors. You can control paths, points, and handles for a simpler editing experience by editing and reducing file sizes together. It allows you to edit whatever shape you want along with the application of various styles of edges to your design.
- Gold Rush: Gold Rush plugin can offer foil, metallic, or glitter effects to your elegant designs. It offers 218 swatches in a raster format and 35 stroke elements. Different effects offered by Gold Rush are crumpled foil, hot foil effects, metallic paint, gold leaf, etc.
- Assimilate: This is a plugin filter that can combine multiple paths into one constant path, which finds similarity to the merge path command when using the blob brush tool.
- Fontself Maker: This is a very useful plugin for designers. It allows you to create standard and color vector fonts from your own engraving. It is easy to use as you can just pull and drop your engraving into the Fontself maker panel and it will do the rest for you.
InDesign vs Illustrator: What are their Pros and Cons?
Pros of InDesign
- Optimized to work with commercial printers and InDesign files are packaged, therefore, printers have your images and fonts.
- Comparatively, offer more options to work with large sums of text
- Better equipped for creating multi-page documents by just setting up master layouts to easily unify a series of pages
Cons of InDesign
- Not capable of editing raster-based graphics
- Limited capabilities when it comes to creating vector graphics
Pros of Illustrator
- Offers object selection
- Offers multiple flexible artboards
- Graphics can be scaled up or down as per requirements, without loss in resolution
- Allows to paste raster or pixel-based images created in Photoshop
Cons of Illustrator
- Not ideal for creating multi-page documents
- Existing images can be difficult to edit
InDesign vs Illustrator: Which Has the Best Pricing Structure?
Indeed, pricing also plays a vital role while deciding on a program. Pricing for both, InDesign and Illustrator are as following as on the time of writing of this article:
InDesign Pricing
InDesign is available with a subscription only. It majorly offers two plans:
- Adobe InDesign single app is available for $239.88 for a year
- Creative Cloud All apps InDesign + all adobe creative apps for $599.88 for a year
- A monthly plan is $31.49 a month
Illustrator Pricing
Convert Illustrator To Indesign
Similar to InDesign, Illustrator also comes with a subscription plan only. However, it is available for both monthly and annual plans. Two main plans it offers are:
- Adobe Illustrator single app is available for USD $239.88 for a year
- Creative Cloud All Apps Illustrator + all Adobe creative apps for USD $599.88 for a year
- A monthly plan is $31.49 a month
Some of the key differences between InDesign and Illustrator graphic design software are discussed below as well.
InDesign vs Illustrator: The Ultimate Comparison (2021)
How To Convert Ai File To Indesign
Factors | InDesign | Illustrator |
---|---|---|
Introduced in | 1999 | 1987 |
Graphic type | Raster | Vector |
Primary Purpose | Creating layouts | Editing photos and print media |
Plugin support | Yes | Yes |
Best works with | Creating Documents | Creating Graphics |
Quality | The resolution remains the same when zoomed in/out | The resolution remains the same when zoomed in/out |
Mostly used for | Multiple page documents +PDF Presentation + book layouts | Editing print media + creating an image for web + creating website design + creating Logos |
Product of | Adobe | Adobe |
Website | InDesign | Illustrator |
InDesign vs Illustrator: So, Which is Better?
How To Create Vector Art In Illustrator
So, in conclusion, there is no clear winner. However, there is no one better than the other. There are some features you will like in InDesign and others in Illustrator. So, ultimately, if you want to be a well-rounded designer, you need to be using both software to their full potential. However, when you need to design larger multiple-page documents, then InDesign is the better suiting program for you.
Indesign To Ai Converter Online
Indesign Aide En Ligne
On the other hand, if you just want to create some web design ideas or small leaflets or newsletters, then Illustrator makes a better choice. Because it has loads of art brushes and other tools to create some great artwork. Here at TemplateToaster – the industry’s leading Offline Website Builder Blog, you can learn about various other Website design software and logo design software. They are like infographic maker software, wireframe tools, photo editing software, Coreldraw vs Illustrator, Inkscape vs Illustrator, Lightroom vs Photoshop, Coreldraw vs Photoshop, Affinity designer vs Illustrator. Also, Illustrator vs Photoshop. Check out how to choose the font, color, and shape for your logo.