The turning point came with , which introduced global color management, layers (a feature FreeHand had first), and a major UI overhaul. However, the most legendary feature—the Pen Tool as we know it—was perfected during this era. Adobe refined the keyboard modifiers (holding Option/Alt to break handles, Command/Ctrl to move anchor points) into an ergonomic standard that every vector app now copies.
The Vector Renaissance: A Historical Analysis of Adobe Illustrator’s Evolution and Impact (1987–Present) adobe illustrator history
The war ended decisively in when Adobe acquired Macromedia. Adobe immediately discontinued FreeHand, absorbing its best features (like the multi-page spread and smart guides) into later Illustrator versions. This monopoly cemented Illustrator as the sole professional vector tool. The turning point came with , which introduced
When Macromedia acquired FreeHand in 1995, many designers feared Adobe would become complacent. Instead, Adobe released Illustrator 7.0 (1997) , a complete rewrite that integrated seamlessly with Adobe Photoshop (which had become a powerhouse). This was the first version to feel “modern”: floating palettes, docking, and full CMYK color separation for print. The Vector Renaissance: A Historical Analysis of Adobe
