15 Illustrator Add-ons

Illustrator is an incredibly powerful tool for designers, with a vast array of features and capabilities that can streamline the design process and produce stunning results. However, there are also a number of add-ons available that can expand upon Illustrator’s already impressive functionality and take your work to the next level. Here are 15 Illustrator add-ons that will blow your mind.

1. Astute Graphics

Astute Graphics is a collection of leading-edge, creative Illustrator tools that enable vector designers to work efficiently and with creativity without being hindered by technical constraints. Plugins such as VectorScribe, Phantasm, and Stylism offer a range of tools that can help you to create precise and beautiful vector artwork with ease.

2. VectorFirstAid

VectorFirstAid is an add-on that can help you to identify and fix common issues with your Illustrator files. It scans your documents for common problems such as open paths, stray points, and ungrouped objects and then provides quick and easy solutions for correcting these issues. This can save you a lot of time and frustration in the long run.

3. WidthScribe

WidthScribe is a plugin for Illustrator that adds a set of tools that allow you to manipulate the width of your vector strokes. Whether you’re creating calligraphic artwork or technical diagrams, this plugin can help you to create beautiful, flowing lines with a high degree of precision.

4. Phantasm

Phantasm is a set of tools for color correction and manipulation in Illustrator. The plugin includes features such as color adjustment, curves manipulation, vector halftone effects, and live color adjustments. This allows you to have greater control over the color of your design in a way that can significantly impact the final result.

5. Symbols Library

The Symbols Library is a collection of vector symbols that you can quickly and easily add to your Illustrator projects. The library includes a range of symbols for graphic design such as arrows, lines, and shapes, as well as symbols for web design such as buttons and icons.

6. Fontself Maker

Fontself Maker is a plugin for Illustrator that allows you to create your own custom fonts. This can be a fun and creative way to add a unique touch to your design work, and can be especially useful if you work in branding or logo design where custom typography is often a key part of the design.

7. DrawScribe

DrawScribe is a collection of vector drawing tools that can help you to create complex vector shapes with incredible precision. This plugin includes tools for easily creating curves, smooth points, and even for generating shapes from photographs or sketches.

8. VectorScribe

VectorScribe is a plugin for Illustrator that adds a range of tools to help you optimize your workflow and create complex graphics more quickly and easily. This plugin includes tools for creating perfect circles, lines, and curves, as well as features for more advanced tasks such as dynamic measure tool and dynamic shapes to assist in modifying objects.

9. Shuffle

Shuffle is a set of scripts for Illustrator that can help you to randomly arrange and distribute vector shapes in your design. This can help you to quickly create unique and organic designs with a high degree of randomness.

10. Hot Door CADtools

Hot Door CADtools is a plugin for Illustrator that adds a set of tools for technical drawing and illustration. This plugin includes tools for creating dimension lines, architectural graphics, and isometric projection grids, among other features that can facilitate technical illustration.

11. CValley Xtream Path

CValley Xtream Path is a plugin for Illustrator that allows you to edit paths with more precision. The plugin includes a range of features such as path smoothing, corner reshaping, and path extension features. These tools can help you to create clean, precise lines more easily, facilitating in creating designs that have a high degree of detail.

12. ColliderScribe

ColliderScribe is a plugin for Illustrator that helps you to set up and accurately align complex vector shapes. This plugin includes a number of tools that can help you to create accurate path intersections and detect overlapping shapes, which can be particularly useful for creating complex designs with geometric shapes.

13. MirrorMe

MirrorMe is a plugin for Illustrator that allows you to create symmetrical designs with ease. This plugin includes a range of tools for creating symmetrical shapes and patterns, which can help you to create uniform designs with a high degree of precision.

14. Vectoraster

Vectoraster is an add-on for Illustrator that allows you to create vector patterns and images based on raster images. The plugin includes a range of controls over the resulting vector output, such as path spacing adjustments, different pattern types, and colors. This tool is essential when you are attempting to create unique and organic designs and are turned off by the inorganic edge raster images provide.

15. Font Awesome

Font Awesome is an icon font and toolkit for Illustrator, containing over 1,000 high-quality vector icons. The font is entirely scalable, meaning that it can be used in any size, and includes a range of styles and categories, making it an incredibly versatile vector graphics resource for many designs.

These add-ons are just a few of the many tools available to extend the functionality of Illustrator. Whether you’re looking for tools to streamline your workflow, create precise and detailed vector designs, or add unique touches to your work, chances are there's an add-on out there that can help. Try some of these add-ons today and see how they can improve your design work!