Adobe Illustrator Beta for Microsoft Windows on ARM: A Game-Changer for Graphic Designers

In recent years, Adobe has been slow to fulfill its promise of bringing its suite of applications to Windows on ARM. This delay has been a point of contention among users who rely on Adobe’s powerful tools for their creative endeavors. However, a significant milestone has been reached with the release of Adobe Illustrator in beta for Windows on ARM. This move underscores Adobe’s determination not to fall behind as more and more applications are being developed for this emerging platform. Adobe was one of the first major software companies to express support for Windows on ARM, but their initial efforts lacked enthusiasm and were fraught with issues.

For instance, Photoshop has been available on Windows on ARM for several years, but it has been plagued by instability and frequent crashes, making it unreliable for professional use. Lightroom is another Creative Cloud application that currently works on Windows on ARM, but it has not been enough to satisfy the needs of Adobe’s extensive user base. The addition of Illustrator is a significant development, providing graphic designers with the native performance they require to create scalable designs that look good on any device. Despite being in beta, this release is a promising step forward for Adobe and its users.

The introduction of Illustrator for Windows on ARM is particularly noteworthy because it addresses a critical gap in the availability of professional-grade design tools on this platform. Graphic designers who need to create vector-based illustrations will now have access to a tool that offers native performance, which is crucial for handling complex design tasks efficiently. While the beta version may still have some kinks to work out, its availability is great news for those who have been eagerly awaiting a more robust design solution on ARM-based devices.

Adobe had initially promised a beta version of Premiere Pro for Windows on ARM in July, but it has yet to materialize. For video editing, users currently have to rely on alternatives like Davinci Resolve 19, which offers native ARM support in its latest beta. The lack of a native Premiere Pro option has been a significant drawback for video editors who prefer Adobe’s ecosystem. However, the release of Illustrator suggests that Adobe is making progress and may soon deliver on its promise for other applications as well.

Illustrator is just one of many applications that have added native support for Windows on ARM in recent months. Other notable examples include Davinci Resolve and Slack, both of which have recently released ARM-native versions. The previous version of Slack was notably slow on ARM devices, so the new native version is a welcome improvement. Most major web browsers, including Google Chrome, now run natively on ARM, making Windows on ARM laptops more feasible for everyday use. This growing momentum is encouraging and suggests that these devices are becoming a more viable option for a broader range of users.

Despite these advancements, gaming remains a significant issue on Windows on ARM devices. Many popular games are not yet optimized for ARM, limiting the appeal of these devices for gamers. However, Adobe’s move to bring its applications to Windows on ARM indicates that this is not just a temporary trend. The slow implementation of applications on this platform has been a problem in the past, but the increasing support from major software developers is a positive sign. If this trend continues, Windows on ARM could become a more attractive choice for a wide variety of users, including those in creative fields.

The Snapdragon X Elite chip, Qualcomm’s high-performance ARM-based processor, promises better performance and faster speeds for Windows devices. However, there are still issues with compatibility for ARM-native applications, including most popular VPN apps. TechRadar reached out to several VPN providers to understand how they are addressing this issue. ExpressVPN’s chief engineering officer, Peter Membrey, suggested installing a VPN on a router as a workaround for ARM devices. While this is a viable solution, it underscores the need for native ARM applications to fully realize the potential of these devices.

Most VPN providers, including top-ranked NordVPN, are actively working on building ARM-native applications. Private Internet Access (PIA) is in the final stages of testing a beta version for ARM devices, and other providers like ProtonVPN and Mullvad VPN are also working on releasing ARM solutions. Windscribe and Surfshark are two notable VPN providers that currently offer service for Snapdragon laptops. Consumers can also choose to install a router VPN or use a Windows PC without ARM infrastructure to access VPN services. These efforts are crucial for ensuring that users can maintain their privacy and security while using ARM-based devices.

Another Adobe application that has recently become ARM-native on Snapdragon X laptops is the Illustrator Beta. While users are still waiting for other applications like Premiere Pro, the availability of Illustrator is a significant step forward. Users can download the Illustrator Beta with ARM64 support from the Creative Cloud client. Adobe initially promised a July release for this update, and although it arrived later than expected, it is a welcome addition for designers who rely on this powerful tool. Performance is crucial for heavy editing tasks, and the native ARM support in Illustrator is expected to deliver the performance users need.

Samsung’s Galaxy Book 4 Edge, powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite processor, has also benefited from Adobe’s recent updates. At launch, the Galaxy Book 4 Edge faced issues with app compatibility, unable to run popular software like Google Drive, Fortnite, and most Adobe applications. However, with the release of the Illustrator Beta for Windows on ARM, the Galaxy Book 4 Edge is now capable of performing some pro-grade tasks. This is a significant improvement and makes the device more appealing to professionals who need reliable performance for their creative work.

As Windows on ARM gains popularity, more developers are likely to support the platform. Samsung has recently launched a new promotional offer for the Galaxy Book 4 Edge, possibly to boost sales. The laptop is now available for purchase globally, including in the US, and it features AI capabilities with Galaxy AI. Samsung has also started taking pre-orders for the device, signaling strong confidence in its potential. The company’s recent product launches, including a new range of TVs and the upcoming Galaxy Watch 7 Ultra, indicate a continued focus on innovation and expanding its product lineup.

The transition to supporting Windows on ARM has been largely successful this year, thanks to significant efforts by Microsoft to get developers on board. As a result, many popular applications now run smoothly on ARM devices. However, there remains a significant gap in the ecosystem – the lack of full Adobe Suite support. While applications like Photoshop and Lightroom have been recompiled to support ARM, they are not without their issues. Reports of bugs and instability persist, particularly with Photoshop. Other applications like Acrobat run fine in emulation, but video editing tools like Premiere Pro, After Effects, and Media Encoder are still unsupported on Snapdragon X chips.