Adobe Illustrator CS5.1 for Mac: A Complete Guide to the Vector Graphics Software

Adobe Illustrator CS5.1 for Mac: A Powerful Vector Graphics Software

If you are looking for a professional and versatile vector graphics software for your Mac, you might want to consider Adobe Illustrator CS5.1. This software is part of the Adobe Creative Suite, and it allows you to create stunning logos, icons, illustrations, typography, and more.

Adobe Illustrator CS5.1 For Mac

Adobe Illustrator CS5.1 for Mac is designed for graphic designers, artists, web developers, and anyone who wants to express their creative ideas in vector form. Whether you are working on a print project, a web design, a mobile app, or a video game, Adobe Illustrator CS5.1 for Mac can help you achieve your goals.

In this article, we will review the features, system requirements, reviews, and alternatives of Adobe Illustrator CS5.1 for Mac. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of what this software can do and whether it is suitable for your needs.

Features of Adobe Illustrator CS5.1 for Mac

Adobe Illustrator CS5.1 for Mac has many features that make it a powerful and user-friendly vector graphics software. Here are some of the highlights:

Draw Inside mode

This feature allows you to draw or paint inside a shape without using a clipping mask. You can easily create complex artwork by filling shapes with different patterns, textures, or images.

Variable-width strokes

This feature allows you to adjust the width of any stroke along its path using width nodes. You can create custom profiles or use preset ones to create dynamic and expressive strokes.

Shape Builder tool

This tool allows you to combine or subtract shapes by simply dragging over them. You can also use this tool to create holes or gaps in shapes.

Bristle Brush

This feature allows you to create realistic and organic brush strokes using a new painting engine. You can control the shape, length, stiffness, thickness, angle, and spacing of the bristles to create different effects.

Perspective Grid

This feature allows you to draw in accurate perspective using a grid that represents one-, two-, or three-point perspective. You can snap objects to the grid or use the Perspective Selection tool to move, scale, or duplicate them in perspective.

Pixel-perfect web graphics

This feature allows you to create sharp and crisp web graphics by aligning them to the pixel grid. You can also use anti-aliasing options to control how your artwork is rendered on screen.

Multipoint scaling

This feature allows you to scale objects proportionally by using multiple anchor points. You can also use this feature to create scalable user interface elements such as buttons or icons.

Support for Apple silicon M1 chip

This feature allows you to run Adobe Illustrator CS5.1 for Mac natively on Macs with the Apple silicon M1 chip, which offers faster performance and better battery life than Intel-based Macs.

System requirements for Adobe Illustrator CS5.1 for Mac

To run Adobe Illustrator CS5.1 for Mac, you need to have a Mac that meets the following minimum system requirements:

Processor

Operating system

RAM

Hard disk space

Monitor resolution

GPU

Internet connection

Intel or Apple silicon M1 processor

macOS 10.6.8 or later

1 GB of RAM (3 GB recommended)

2 GB of available hard disk space for installation; additional free space required during installation (cannot install on a volume that uses a case-sensitive file system or on removable flash storage devices)

1024 x 768 display (1280 x 800 recommended) with 16-bit video card

Optional: To use GPU Performance, your Mac should have a minimum of 512 MB of VRAM (2 GB recommended), and your computer must support OpenGL version 4.0 or greater.

Required for software activation, validation of subscriptions, and access to online services.

Reviews of Adobe Illustrator CS5.1 for Mac

Adobe Illustrator CS5.1 for Mac has received positive reviews from various sources, such as professional websites, magazines, blogs, and users. Here are some of the pros and cons of the software based on these reviews:

Pros

• It has a rich set of tools and features that allow you to create any kind of vector artwork.

• It has a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate and customize.

• It has a high compatibility with other Adobe products and formats, such as Photoshop, InDesign, PDF, EPS, SVG, and more.

• It has a powerful performance that can handle complex and large files without lagging or crashing.

• It has a flexible pricing plan that lets you choose between a monthly subscription or a one-time purchase.

Cons

• It has a steep learning curve that requires time and practice to master.

• It has a high cost that might not be affordable for some users or beginners.

• It has some bugs and glitches that might affect the functionality or stability of the software.

• It has a limited support for some file formats, such as AIFF, BMP, GIF, JPEG 2000, PNG, TIFF, and more.

• It has a large file size that might take up a lot of disk space and memory.

To get a better idea of what users think about Adobe Illustrator CS5.1 for Mac, here are some ratings and feedback from different sources:

Source

Average rating (out of 5)

User feedback

[Amazon]4.4"I love this program. It is easy to use and very versatile. I use it for everything from logos to illustrations to web design. It is worth every penny."

[CNET]4.0"Adobe Illustrator CS5 is a state-of-the-art vector graphics editor that offers everything you need for professional design and artwork."

[Macworld]4.5"Illustrator CS5 is one of the best vector graphics programs available on the market today. It's packed with useful features that will help you create stunning artwork in no time."

[Trustpilot]3.9"I have been using Illustrator for years and I love it. It is easy to use and very powerful. However, I have encountered some issues with the software crashing or freezing sometimes."

[G2]4.4"Illustrator is an amazing tool for creating vector graphics. It has a lot of options and functions that allow you to create anything you can imagine. However, it can be overwhelming and confusing at first."

Alternatives to Adobe Illustrator CS5.1 for Mac

Adobe Illustrator CS5.1 for Mac is not the only vector graphics software available for Mac users. There are some alternatives that you might want to check out if you are looking for a different option or a cheaper solution. Here are some of the most popular alternatives to Adobe Illustrator CS5.1 for Mac:

Inkscape

Inkscape is a free and open-source vector graphics software that can create and edit vector images, such as logos, icons, diagrams, maps, and web graphics. It has a similar interface and features to Adobe Illustrator, such as layers, paths, shapes, gradients, filters, text, and more. It also supports many file formats, such as SVG, PNG, PDF, EPS, and more.

Gravit Designer

Gravit Designer is a cloud-based vector graphics software that can create and edit vector images, such as logos, icons, illustrations, animations, and more. It has a modern and intuitive interface and features, such as tools, effects, styles, symbols, grids, guides, and more. It also supports many file formats, such as SVG, PNG, PDF, JPG, and more.

Vecteezy

Vecteezy is an online vector graphics software that can create and edit vector images, such as logos, icons, illustrations, backgrounds, and more. It has a simple and easy-to-use interface and features, such as templates, shapes, fonts, colors, filters, and more. It also supports many file formats, such as SVG, PNG, JPG, and more.

Vectr

Vectr is a free and cross-platform vector graphics software that can create and edit vector images, such as logos, icons, illustrations, banners, and more. It has a sleek and minimalist interface and features, such as tools, layers, shapes, text, filters, and more. It also supports many file formats, such as SVG, PNG, JPG , and more.

Canva

Canva is an online graphic design software that can create and edit vector images, such as logos, icons, illustrations, posters, flyers, and more. It has a user-friendly and drag-and-drop interface and features, such as templates, elements, fonts, colors, effects, and more. It also supports many file formats, such as PNG, JPG, PDF, and more.

Conclusion

Adobe Illustrator CS5.1 for Mac is a powerful and versatile vector graphics software that can help you create stunning and professional vector artwork for any purpose. It has many features and tools that allow you to draw, paint, edit, and transform vector images with ease and precision. It also has a high compatibility and performance with other Adobe products and formats, as well as the Apple silicon M1 chip.

If you are interested in Adobe Illustrator CS5.1 for Mac, you can download or buy it from the official Adobe website. You can also get a free trial of the software for 30 days to test its functionality and suitability for your needs.

Alternatively, you can check out some of the alternatives to Adobe Illustrator CS5.1 for Mac that we have mentioned in this article. They might offer different features, prices, or user experiences that might suit your preferences better.

We hope this article has given you a comprehensive overview of Adobe Illustrator CS5.1 for Mac and its features, system requirements, reviews, and alternatives. We hope you have enjoyed reading it and learned something new.

FAQs

Here are some of the frequently asked questions about Adobe Illustrator CS5.1 for Mac:

How much does Adobe Illustrator CS5.1 for Mac cost?

Adobe Illustrator CS5.1 for Mac costs $599 for a one-time purchase or $19.99 per month for a monthly subscription. You can also get it as part of the Adobe Creative Suite 5.5 Design Standard or Premium packages, which cost $1299 or $1899 respectively.

How can I get a free trial of Adobe Illustrator CS5.1 for Mac?

You can get a free trial of Adobe Illustrator CS5.1 for Mac from the official Adobe website. You will need to create an Adobe account and download the software on your Mac. The free trial lasts for 30 days and gives you access to all the features and functions of the software.

How can I update Adobe Illustrator CS5.1 for Mac to the latest version?

You can update Adobe Illustrator CS5.1 for Mac to the latest version by using the Adobe Application Manager or the Creative Cloud desktop app on your Mac. You will need to have an active internet connection and an Adobe account to update the software.

How can I learn Adobe Illustrator CS5.1 for Mac?

You can learn Adobe Illustrator CS5.1 for Mac by using the online tutorials, guides, videos, and forums provided by Adobe on their website. You can also find many other resources online, such as books, courses, blogs, podcasts, and more.

How can I contact Adobe support for Adobe Illustrator CS5.1 for Mac?

You can contact Adobe support for Adobe Illustrator CS5.1 for Mac by using the online chat, phone call, email, or social media options provided by Adobe on their website. You can also find answers to common issues and problems on their help center or community forums. dcd2dc6462