Adobe Illustrator vs Air
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Adobe Illustrator starts at $22.99/mo and Air starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
At a glance
Best for
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Text to vector graphic
- Generative recolor
- Generative shape fill
- Mockup tool
- Creative Cloud Libraries
- Conversational search
- Creative intelligence
- AI design with Canvas
- Reviews and approvals
- Storing and sharing
- Brand management
| Feature | Adobe Illustrator | Air |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Professional vector design app with Firefly generative tools | Creative asset library with AI search, design and review tools |
| Category | Design | Design |
| Pricing model | Free trial | Freemium |
| Starting price | $22.99/mo | See pricing page |
| Free plan | No, 7-day trial | Yes |
| Made by | Adobe | Air |
| Based in | United States | United States |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
Adobe Illustrator starts at $22.99/mo and Air starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
2 plans
Illustrator
$22.99/mo
- Annual plan, billed monthly
- Illustrator desktop, web and iPad
- Generative credits included
Creative Cloud Pro
$69.99/mo
- Annual plan, billed monthly
- 20+ apps incl. Photoshop
- Premium Firefly features
Prices in USD, checked Oct 28, 2026 or later. Plans change often, so confirm on each tool's site before you buy.
Pros and cons
Adobe Illustrator
- Industry-standard vector toolset
- AI output stays editable
- Deep Creative Cloud integration
- Expensive subscription
- Steep learning curve
- Generative credits are capped
Air
- Search that works in plain language
- Review and approval in the same place
- Free plan to try it
- AI work runs on credits
- Free plan cannot buy extra credits
- Paid prices not shown in the evidence
Which one should you choose?
Choose Adobe Illustrator if you want:
- Industry-standard vector toolset
- AI output stays editable
- Deep Creative Cloud integration
Watch out: expensive subscription.
Choose Air if you want:
- Search that works in plain language
- Review and approval in the same place
- Free plan to try it
Watch out: ai work runs on credits.
Adobe Illustrator vs Air FAQ
What is the difference between Adobe Illustrator and Air?
Adobe Illustrator: Professional vector design app with Firefly generative tools. Air: Creative asset library with AI search, design and review tools. Both are design tools.
Is Adobe Illustrator or Air cheaper?
Adobe Illustrator starts at $22.99/mo and Air starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Do Adobe Illustrator and Air have free plans?
Adobe Illustrator: No, 7-day trial. Air: Yes.
Who makes Adobe Illustrator?
Adobe Illustrator is made by Adobe, based in United States.
Who makes Air?
Air is made by Air, based in United States.
Which should I choose, Adobe Illustrator or Air?
Choose Adobe Illustrator if you value industry-standard vector toolset and ai output stays editable. Choose Air if you value search that works in plain language and review and approval in the same place.