Why Versions Matter

For many years, a new version of Illustrator just meant the addition of new drawing toys. The file architecture and text composition engine remained fairly static, so there was little danger of adversely affecting a file by bouncing it between users with different versions of the program. Saving to an earlier Illustrator format for someone using an earlier version of the application didn’t threaten the integrity of a logo.

However, there can be disappointing results when you attempt to go too far back in time with content produced by using features such as transparency, envelope distortion, 3D effects, or multiple artboards. Illustrator does a valiant job of digesting newer content so that older versions can handle it, but this process is often a one-way street. For example, a dimensional effect created in Illustrator CS4 will display and print correctly in Illustrator 10, which did not have the 3D features, but the dimensional controls will be gone when the file is reopened in Illustrator CS4. If you’re working in a mixed environment with users who have multiple vintages of Illustrator, be mindful of these speed bumps. The ideal solution is to move all members of a workgroup to the same version, but that isn’t always feasible and is virtually impossible if you are dealing with external suppliers or recipients. In self-defense, keep a current working version of your Illustrator document when it’s necessary to save nostalgic versions for collaborators in case something’s munged by saving to an earlier version.