Generally the last version to maintain stable performance on Catalina before Adobe moved to macOS Big Sur (11) as a minimum requirement for newer versions. Unsupported Versions
Can't Install Illustrator on macOS Catalina - Adobe Community
: Draw a line across a shape, go to Object > Path > Divide Objects Below to slice the shape along that line. 3. Styling & Modern Effects
If you are still using a perpetual CS6 license, you must move to a Creative Cloud subscription to get a version of Illustrator that functions on modern Apple hardware.
Some users have reported success installing Illustrator 2023 or 2022 (specifically versions around 27.3) via the Creative Cloud app's "Other Versions" menu, though this is not guaranteed as Adobe actively hides older, incompatible software.
Using Adobe Illustrator on macOS Catalina is possible, but it requires careful version management and an acceptance of some known limitations. If you're already on Catalina with a working version (24.0 or 23.1), you can continue using it, though you won't receive future feature updates.
Catalina strictly requires 64-bit applications. Older versions of Adobe Illustrator (like CS6 or earlier) contain 32-bit components, including their installers and licensing engines. They will not launch or install on macOS Catalina. Supported Illustrator Versions
If you have an older version already installed on your Mac when you upgrade to Catalina, it might continue to function. However, if you need to reinstall it or set it up on a new Catalina machine, you will face significant obstacles. A possible lifeline reported by some users is to contact Adobe Support directly via live chat and request a direct download link to a compatible version. For those needing to cleanly remove non-functional older versions from Catalina, Adobe's is the recommended solution.
For most users, the wisest long-term strategy is to plan an upgrade path. This might mean updating your Mac to a newer macOS version like Monterey or Ventura to use the latest Illustrator releases. If your current hardware doesn't support newer operating systems, it may be time to consider investing in a newer Mac.
This is where many users face the most significant challenges. Older versions of Illustrator, including popular perpetual licenses like , CS5 (version 15) , and earlier, were not designed or tested for macOS Catalina .
Look for in the available list and click install. The installer will automatically configure the app for your system. Common Issues and Fixes on Catalina
Alternatively, exploring modern vector graphics alternatives like Affinity Designer or Inkscape could provide a more sustainable, secure, and often more affordable workflow on your existing hardware. The choice ultimately depends on your specific needs, budget, and tolerance for risk, but being informed is the first step to making the right decision for your creative work.
Operating Illustrator on Catalina introduces unique bugs due to Apple's heightened security measures, specifically and File Access Permissions . Permissions and File Access Errors
For a visual walkthrough on how to access these older versions within your Creative Cloud account, watch this guide: How to install a previous version of Illustrator Michael Bullo YouTube• Apr 2, 2019 Are you trying to recover a specific file that won't open, or are you looking to upgrade your hardware
This public link is valid for 7 days and shares a thread, including any personal information you added. This link or copies made by others cannot be deleted. If you share with third parties, their policies apply. Can’t copy the link right now. Try again later.