We have already given you the info on the latest & greatest changes in Photoshop CS6, but Adobe is also rolling out an updated version of their other flagship tools: InDesign & Illustrator.

In this post we take a look at the best new features of InDesign & Illustrator CS6 to help you decide whether to upgrade to Creative Suite CS6 this summer. Take a look at our Creative Suite CS6 blog post to find out which payment options are available.

Once Adobe releases CS6 to the public we will be updating our Illustrator and InDesign courses to include the latest features, but for now here are our top 3 updates to each tool:

Adobe Illustrator CS6 New Features

1. Seamless Tiles Patterns

llustrator CS6 comes with a new pattern editing mode. This allows you to select an object and turn it into a pattern. As you edit the object, the entire pattern is edited.

When you apply the pattern to an object you can then edit the pattern live in pattern editing mode. These changes are then reflected onto your document as you go.

2. Image Trace

Adobe have really simplified vector graphics with this update by adding an Image Trace tool that beats live trace.

Simply insert your raster image and use the Image Trace tool to turn it into a vector graphic.

The tool allows you to edit the settings to get the vector image you want. Adobe claims that the vectorisation tool is so good that a vectorised image almost looks the same as a live image.

Presets such as ‘Black and White Logo’ will give first time graphic designers some easy to use tools that produce attractive results.

3. Gradients on Strokes

The ability to apply gradients to strokes is a much sought after addition to Illustrator CS6.

What makes the tool even better is the three ways to apply a gradient. You can apply within the stroke, along the stroke or across the stroke. This tool will allow users to create graphics almost entirely with strokes – as shown in the image below:

Did you know that you can now edit video using Photoshop CS6? Follow the link for more information and an idea of what this means for Adobe’s most popular product.

Adobe InDesign CS6 New Features

1. Liquid Layouts

This new feature of InDesign CS6 allows users to set different rules for each object.

When changing the size or shape of an entire document, each element will adjust according to its rule. This should speed up workflow and ensure that no elements are accidentally warped in the process.

2. Alternate Layouts

The Alternate Layouts feature is especially useful for showing a number of layout options to clients.

Before, you would have to create a new document for each layout but now you can save as many layouts as you want within one document.

3. PDF Forms

In previous versions of InDesign you would have had to use Acrobat to add forms to your InDesign layout. Now you can do it directly in InDesign.

It is always a joy when Adobe incorporate functions from Acrobat into InDesign as it eliminates the need to switch between tools and makes it easier to go back and edit documents in InDesign without having to make changes in Acrobat each time.

You can download trial versions of InDesign & Illustrator CS6 from Adobe if you want to get to grips with these new features before committing your cash!

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adobe cs6 new features, adobe new features, cs6, Illustrator, InDesign

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