Category: Tutorials

Get ready to take your illustrations away from your desktop computer and onto your iPad! Adobe Illustrator on the iPad is now available to download on the App Store! Now, for the first time, vector artists will be able to create their beautiful graphics, logos, icons and more using Adobe Illustrator on an iPad. 

Many people have been asking, “When will Illustrator come to iPad?” Illustrator on the iPad was one of the most exciting announcements from Adobe MAX back in 2019. Having redesigned Illustrator “from the ground up”, this new version allows you to take advantage of the iPad’s exceptional touch capabilities, and of course the Apple Pencil.

Now, the answer to the question “When will Illustrator come to iPad?” has finally been revealed. The vector graphics program features core tools such as paths and typography, in addition to some new ones developed specifically for the touch experience!

So follow along with the steps below as we take a look at how we can make the most out of experiencing Adobe Illustrator for iPad whilst also comparing the functions with the desktop version.

If you prefer to learn via video content, you can do so over on our Envato Tuts+ YouTube channel:

What You’ll Learn in This Illustrator on iPad Tutorial

• How to use Adobe Illustrator on iPad Pro
• An introduction to many of the tools and new features available and how they compare between the desktop and iPad versions
• How to create a simple logo using Illustrator on the iPad
• How to use the Pathfinder options on Illustrator on the iPad
• How to create a Gradient on Illustrator on the iPad

1. How to Get Adobe Illustrator on iPad

Step 1

First, let’s learn how to get Adobe Illustrator on iPad using the Apple App Store. From the App Store main menu, tap on the Search icon in the bottom right. Type Adobe Illustrator iPad into the search bar that appears at the top of the screen.

For those of you asking “Does iPad Pro support Adobe Illustrator,” the answer is yes! It is compatible with most generations of iPad and requires iOS 13.0 or later

Step 2

Adobe Illustrator iPad should be among the first options that you can select to download. Just tap on the Download or Purchase button as you would normally.

Step 3

You can also check out the Adobe Inc. developer page to have a look at what other creative and drawing apps you might be interested in. From Photoshop to Lightroom, Adobe Creative Cloud has some of the best creative apps that help you make the most out of your device!

2. A Tour of Adobe Illustrator on iPad

First Impressions

For those of you who are already very familiar with the desktop version of Adobe Illustrator, prepare to be surprised! Compared to its desktop counterpart, the user interface (UI) has been almost completely redone. And that’s a good thing!

As with most of Adobe’s other recent mobile-focused apps (Photoshop, Fresco, etc.), the UI has been simplified to allow users quicker access to the tools they need. This means that using the app will be a lot easier for beginners.

Compared To…

Compare this to the default UI of the desktop version of Adobe Illustrator, where you have panels everywhere! It can be very daunting and confusing for a first-time user. 

Long-time users of the desktop version of Adobe Illustrator may be concerned that the iPad version is just another pared-down version of the program that we all know and love. Or that it is considered a “lite” version. 

While you shouldn’t expect a full mirror of the desktop app, you will be surprised at some of the unique tools that are available on the iPad version. Let’s continue with our comparison below.

3. How to Use the Pen Tool on Illustrator for iPad

The Desktop Pen Tool  

Often considered one of the most powerful tools in Illustrator’s arsenal, the Pen Tool is used for the majority of your workflow creating vectors. 

However, for most beginners it can be tricky to use as it requires multiple other functions to get the most out of it. This includes things such as learning how to use Bézier Handles and holding down specific keys on the keyboard for adjustments.  

The iPad Pen Tool

Using the Pen Tool on the iPad is an absolute joy! It has been designed specifically to use with a touch device, without the need for a keyboard. You can access it by tapping on the Pen Tool Icon on the left menu bar.

Pen Tool Behaviour

The behaviour of the Pen Tool on the iPad is very similar to the way it works on desktop. Tapping on different points on the canvas will create straight lines, while holding and dragging will create curves.

4. How to Use the Touch Modifier on Illustrator for iPad

The Touch Modifier

The Touch Modifier is an on-screen button that acts as a sort of keyboard replacement for shortcuts. This changes and adapts to whatever tool you are using, so you can hold it down to access your other sub-tools.

• Using the primary touch shortcut: Tap and hold the centre of the touch shortcut circle icon with your other hand to activate the primary action of your selected tool.
• Using the secondary touch shortcut: Tap and slide to the outer edge of the touch shortcut circle icon with your other hand to activate the secondary action of your selected tool.

5. How to Use the Pencil Tool on Illustrator for iPad

The Desktop Pencil Tool

Another powerful tool that is widely used in Adobe Illustrator is the Pencil Tool. On the desktop, this tool will allow you to create freeform paths as you click and drag along the screen. This allows you to create fast sketches or give your illustrations that hand-drawn look.

The iPad Pencil Tool

Using the Pencil Tool on the iPad has a few cool features that are unique to the device. Firstly, by stopping your path (without releasing your Apple Pen from the screen), you can create Corner Points. This is extremely useful for separating your curves while still using one continuous line!

6. How to Use the Mirror Tool on Illustrator for iPad

Symmetrical Objects on the Desktop App

One of the easier ways you can create a symmetrical object in illustrator is to duplicate your shape using Control-C to copy and then Control-Shift-V to paste in place. Then, by Right-Clicking on the object, you can choose Transform > Reflect.

You will then be given the option to reflect the object Horizontally or Vertically.

Symmetrical Objects on the iPad App

Unique to the iPad version of Adobe Illustrator is the Mirror Tool. This allows you to create mirrored illustrations live, so you can see exactly what the result is going to be in real time!

7. How to Use Pattern & Radial Repeat

Radial Pattern on Desktop

To create a radial pattern using the desktop version of Adobe Illustrator, you need to begin by creating a shape. Select your shape and then hit the R key on your keyboard to select the Rotate Tool. Alt-Click on the canvas to bring up the Rotate dialogue box.

Enter a fraction for the Angle (e.g. 360/20) and then click on Copy.

Upon returning to the artboard, just press Control-D to repeat until you have a radial pattern.

Radial Pattern on iPad

On the iPad, creating a radial pattern is much easier! Simply select your shape and use the Radial Repeat Tool to create your pattern, and use your Apple Pen to Tap-Drag to increase or decrease its size. 

You can also easily increase or decrease the number of shapes within your radial pattern.

8. How to Type on a Path on Illustrator for iPad

Type on a Path Desktop Version

To create text on a path, you must first create the path you want to use. Click and hold the Type Tool (T) until you see the option to select the Type on a Path Tool.

With the tool selected, simply hover over the path you want to use until it’s highlighted in blue (indicating that you can apply the tool to the path). Then just click anywhere on the path to add your text.

Type on a Path iPad Version

On the iPad, creating text on a path is even easier than on the desktop version. First, create your path.

Create some text using the Type Tool.

Drag and drop your text onto the path, use the Selection Tool to select both the path and the text, and then select the Type on Path tool.

9. How to Create a Simple Logo on Illustrator for iPad

Step 1

Now that we are familiar with the tools of Adobe Illustrator for the iPad, let’s go ahead and create a simple logo. First, create two circles using the Circle Tool. You can also change the colour of each to help differentiate between the two shapes.

Step 2

Place one circle on top of the other, and then select both shapes. Use the Minus Front Tool followed by the Convert to Path Tool to create the first shape of our logo.

Step 3

Duplicate the shape a couple of times until you have three shapes. Then use the Move Tool to arrange them until you get a pattern that you like.

Step 4

Tap on the Color Tool, and then choose Gradient followed by Linear Gradient.

Step 5

Select the first Color Node on the selected shape, and then choose a colour that you like from the Color Wheel.

Step 6

Select the second Color Node, and then choose another colour to complete the gradient.

Step 7

You can then adjust the location for the Gradient Transition by using the gradient slider.

Step 8

Repeat this process for the remaining two shapes to complete the logo.

The Final Verdict

Adobe Illustrator iPad has been a long-awaited app, and it has been really worth the wait! With its unique features and modern, minimalist look, Adobe Illustrator for iPad truly feels at home on the tablet. The features are intuitive, and using the Apple Pencil makes using the app a completely new and joyful experience. 

This is great news for beginners, and it can act as a great introduction to the desktop version of Adobe Illustrator.

So there you have it! Now you know how to use Illustrator on iPad Pro, and we don’t have to wonder “when does iPad Pro support Adobe Illustrator” anymore! Having compared some key features between the desktop version and the iPad version of Adobe Illustrator, hopefully you have a better idea of the advantages and disadvantages of each. 

Want to Learn More About Illustrator?

We have loads of Adobe Illustrator tutorial content, both written and video. 

Head on over to our Envato Tuts+ YouTube channel for regular design educational content. Including our amazing course on Adobe Illustrator for Beginners.

If you’re looking for written content, head on over to these tutorials to find out where you’d like your Illustrator journey to continue:

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  Adobe Illustrator
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  Adobe Illustrator
  100 Best Illustrator Text Effect Tutorials (for Beginners & Beyond!)
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  Poster Design
  30+ Best Poster Design Tutorials for Photoshop, Illustrator, and More!
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  Isometric
  22 Illustrator Tutorials for Creating Isometric Illustration
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Once you’ve mastered the basics, why not try our 10 Essential Design Tips for Illustrator.

For more advanced users, we have a cracking course on Mastering Logo Design in Adobe Illustrator.

Design & Illustration Apps for the iPad

Looking for Adobe Illustrator iPad alternative apps? Check out some of our content for Adobe Fresco, Procreate, and Affinity Photo:

• 
  Adobe Fresco
  An Introduction to Adobe Fresco and How It Compares to Procreate
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• 
  Affinity Photo
  A Beginner’s Guide to Affinity Photo for iPad
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• 
  Affinity Photo
  Affinity Photo for Beginners: A Quick Start Guide
  Abbey Esparza

• 
  Affinity Photo
  Transitioning From Adobe Photoshop to Affinity Photo
  Abbey Esparza

• 
  Procreate
  How to Create a Punk-Rock Portrait in Procreate
  Maria Dimova

Tech and startup companies live on the cutting edge. The mission is creativity, and the goal is invention. And these forces, however strong, require a strong public presence to truly succeed. 

That’s where inspiring tech company logos come in. Suppose you’re a creative visionary who has just introduced the next big idea. And now you need branding to match!

Logos are at the tip of the branding spear. When done right, technology company logos become fixed in the minds of millions. But for every one of those, there are untold numbers of startups that come and go without ever being noticed. 

The ultimate key is to truly understand your vision and mission, and craft a high tech logo to match it. You can make a cool tech logo quickly using a logo maker from Envato Placeit or a tech logo template from Envato Elements.

20 Best Tech & Startup Logo Designs From Placeit (2021)

Featuring thousands of professional templates, the challenges of design are left up to the professionals with Placeit. All you’ve got to do is drop in your own content and download the finished product. 

Best of all—Placeit operates totally within your favorite web browser, with no need to purchase or understand complicated editing software. By using Placeit, the hard work is gone from tech logo ideas, and you’ve got even more time to promote your next big thing. Let’s explore 20 of the best tech and cool startup logos from Placeit for 2021!

1. Logo Template to Design a Startup Toucan Logo

Featuring a fun illustration and bold typography, this tech logo design template is versatile enough to suit almost any startup. The featured toucan brings character to your great idea. Don’t hesitate to explore different color combinations and fonts to hit on something truly unique.

2. Logo Maker for Technology Companies

With a specific focus on high-tech firms, this sleek, modern template design upgrades your branding in a flash. Keep it in mind for futuristic ideas and visionary creations.

3. Tech Company Logo Maker

Elegant minimalism is a hallmark of IT company logo inspiration. Many IT concepts are designed to bring simplicity to formerly complex tasks. Why should marketing be any different?

4. Online Logo Maker for Cybersecurity Firm

Antivirus software is a niche area of modern tech startups. It can also capture new customers once you get their attention. This polished new logo template makes that easy, with a wide array of options to tailor your offerings to your market.

5. Abstract Logo Design for Tech Corporations

Abstract design emphasizes generalities and simplicity of style. It’s ideal as you promote your big ideas. This template captures the spirit of minimalism perfectly.

6. Logo Maker for Manufacturing Tech Industry

Tech startups don’t just live online. They’re sweeping heavy manufacturing as well. For a gritty, industrial look for your startup branding, turn to this template to build something new and great.

7. Advertising Company Logo Generator

We’ve talked a lot about marketing your startup, but now imagine marketing your marketing startup. Indeed, advertising is a fast-growing segment of tech companies, thanks to the countless new mediums out there today. Show off your design prowess close to home with this amazing template.

8. Minimalist Logo Creator for Developers

Tech startup logo designs often focus on logos with adjacent text. This stylish tech logo maker builds off that and adds a couple of touches that fit the developer audience.

9. Marketing Company Logo Maker

Featuring a collection of abstract logo images and modern fonts, this template is at the forefront of technology company logos. With fully customizable colors and backgrounds, it’s the ultimate in creative power in a single download.

10. Building Logo Maker

Capture the spirit of progress and innovation with this vertical startup logo template. The focus is on creation and design, with geometric icons inspired by the world’s great buildings. Use them to style your startup’s branding.

11. Entrepreneur Consultant Logo Maker

No matter the mission of your tech startup, this template is designed to help your new startup succeed. The abstract globe illustration looks great but can be replaced. Just drop in your own content to build an incredible logo.

12. Start Up Logo Maker with Abstract Icon

A play button is the perfect way to symbolize your forward-thinking approach to success. And with this sleek new template, you can bring them to your own logo design. For startup logo inspiration, this offering is truly tough to beat.

13. Start Up Design Logo Maker for Computer Repair Center

To add new inspiration to your tech startup logo, turn to this offering from Placeit. With a graphic to represent computing, it’ll fit your repair startup’s brand. Explore the unique color palettes and placeholders for even more variety.

14. Technology Logo Maker for Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence is a modern and futuristic industry, but you’ll still want to have a logo that’s timeless. This tech logo maker fits that bill perfectly. It’s minimal and features an eye-catching graphic. Add your brand’s name and colors for a nice option for your logo.

15. Abstract Logo Maker for Tech Consultants

Software as a service (SaaS) is an increasingly popular niche in the tech industry. Whether you’re starting your SaaS company or are looking to rebrand, this abstract logo maker is an excellent choice. You can quickly experiment with different color and graphic options.

16. Abstract Logo Maker with Abstract Icons

Elegant and yet understated, this abstract template keeps the focus on your name and branding. With sleek, cool graphics designed to complement your image, you can give new life to your startup brand with this easy-to-use template.

17. Cybersecurity Logo Maker for Antivirus Software

Delivering an emphasis on data security, this logo template fits right in with the contemporary tech space. Thanks to bold styling and minimalist design, customers will be inspired to check out your software. Abstract iconography makes this template easily customizable to fit a variety of new startup offerings.

18. Abstract Corporate Logo Maker With Futuristic Drone

Sell drones and related services with this stunning template. Featuring abstract graphics and bold, funky text, you’re sure to make an impact with this unforgettable offering. Your potential customers will agree.

19. Corporate Logo Design Creator for a Startup Company

Built to put your tech startup on the world stage, this startup logo encompasses world-class design in a stylish package. Complex backgrounds render a new look and feel with every edit, so it’s easy to make this one truly your own.

20. Tech Company Logo Design Generator With Quadcopter

Finally, check out this incredible tech logo design. While it features bold typography and a quadcopter graphic, it’s easily shaped into your own image with some tweaks. Don’t forget to adjust the background colors as well for even more customization.

5 Quick Ideas for Building Tech Company Logos

As you can see, Placeit offers countless incredible options to help you get started building your new tech startup logo. Each design is packed with startup logo inspiration, with the goal of catapulting your firm into the forefront. Now that we’ve explored a few of the many great templates to choose from, let’s take an in-depth look at how to use them.

As we discussed before, Placeit’s online editor makes building tech company logos a breeze. There’s no need to employ complicated and expensive editing software. Instead, you build your logo in your web browser and simply click download when finished. It’s quick, easy, and a surefire way to bring premier branding to your startup. Let’s learn how easy it is to build your very own Placeit tech startup logo, in just five simple steps.

1. Choose the Right Template

As we saw above, Placeit offers a wide variety of tech and startup logo design templates. To explore them, simply type in your chosen keywords in the search box. Placeit will display all of the results, complete with easily viewable thumbnails. As you can see in this preview image, the variety is truly unmatched and is sure to suit any purpose. When you see one you like, just click on it to open a larger preview.

2. Customize the Logo

I’ve clicked on a template I like here, and Placeit will take me to the design screen for that template. The first thing I want to do is customize the logo that sits in the background of the logo design. To do that, I’ll simply scroll through these options over on the right side in the Graphic sidebar. You’ll see many preview images here. To apply one, I’ll simply click on it to change the logo.

3. Customize the Text

Next up, you can also customize text by adjusting words, fonts, and sizing. These options live in the left sidebar. I’ll add some text of my own by typing over the placeholders. And then, I can adjust the font and text size with the handy dropdowns here.

4. Change the Colors

Last but not least, it’s time to adjust the background colors. Backgrounds are adjustable thanks to this handy sidebar on the right side. To change the color, simply click on the dropdown and select another option from the color chooser. For even more customization options, click on More to open up a full color wheel. You can also paste in a color hex code here for precise matches.

5. Download the Finished Product

When you’re finished building your own tech and startup logo, click on Download to receive your image file. Once it’s downloaded, you can use it to promote your startup across the full marketing spectrum.

Bonus Tech Company Logos From Envato Elements for 2021

As amazing as Placeit is, it isn’t your only option for logo design. Envato Elements is a top choice for creatives building startup logo designs. 

Envato Elements is an all-you-can-download service available with a low monthly fee. It features thousands of professional templates built for easy use and stylish design.

Here’s a little peek at some of the premium tech logo templates you can download from Envato Elements for 2021.

1. Lion Modern Tech Logo (AI, EPS)

The mighty lion gets a tech-themed makeover with this template. It’s a versatile design that works for many niches in the tech industry. Lion Tech is built for use with Adobe Illustrator and is 100% editable. 

2. Fox Tech Colorful Logo (AI, EPS, JPG, PDF)

Sticking with the animal theme, Fox Tech is another useful logo template. The fox graphic is a vector, making it scale to all sizes without losing its quality. It’s colorful and easily reproduced. Apply this logo to printed promo materials, social media, and more.

3. Green Tech Logo (AI, EPS, PDF, CDR)

Going green is not only better for the environment, but it’s also an excellent design choice. Both minimal and attractive, Green Tech is a perfect choice for your sustainability-focused startup. Quickly make edits with this 100% editable tech logo template.

Unlimited Tech Company Logos With Envato Elements

Rather than being an online editor like Placeit, Envato Elements offers project templates for popular editing software. This gives you even more flexibility and creative power to build the tech startup logo of your dreams. The content library is robust, but easily accessible to all.

Don’t forget to search Envato Elements’ incredible library as you embark on your startup creative journey. By using Envato Elements, you can unlock the ultimate creative control to build your brand image just as you wish.

4 Top Tips for Tech Logos

For startup logo inspiration, let’s explore some top tips for building a successful tech & startup logo:

1. Be memorable. You’re competing in a crowded space, and no matter how special your product, you’ll have to try hard to stand out. Aim at branding that’s fun, classy, and inspired by your mission.
2. Be vibrant. A part of being memorable lies in using a memorable color palette effectively. Even sleek shades of silver and gray count—ask some of today’s most successful tech companies. The goal is to leverage color to match your style and purpose.
3. Remember that words count. Logo images, as effective as they are, often fall short without text to match. Never forget that fashionable fonts dramatically upgrade logos, and should be employed any time you want to share your name and slogan.
4. Keep it simple. Tech and startup companies thrive on innovation; the reinvention and improvement of our world. So busy and complex logos might contradict this purpose. Clean design never goes out of style.

The best way to understand these simple principles is to explore the logos of your favorite startups. More often than not, you’ll find them to ring true in their design elements. Use these as guideposts coupled with your own creativity. When combined, one-of-a-kind timeless logos are within easy reach.

If you aren’t a graphic designer, that’s okay too! Quick and easy tech logo inspiration lies within easy reach. Placeit is an online resource to develop stunning graphic design content. 

Start Building Your Startup or Tech Logo Today

You’ve seen how critical it is to build a unique, unforgettable logo for your tech startup. 

You’ve also learned how to build an amazing design in seconds, thanks to Placeit and Envato Elements. Now it’s your turn. Explore these stunning logo templates, or select one of your own, and get to work building your brand. Thanks to these tools, the process is easier—but more rewarding—than it’s ever been before.

Want to find out more about logos? With Envato Tuts+, you can learn about the elements of great logos and get inspired by logos from other industries!

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