Illustrator is an Adobe product that helps graphic designers with vector editing and creating. This handy tool is useful to have around, but some designers and artists prefer to use different versions of it.

Yes, you can have multiple versions of Illustrator installed. While Adobe provides limited support for past versions of Illustrator, users of the software are welcome to keep past versions if they choose.

There may actually be some benefits to having multiple versions on Illustrator installed. If you are interested in how to do this, read on below to find out more about what it entails.

Can You Have Multiple Versions of Illustrator Installed?

Adobe Illustrator was first released in 1987, and has since provided users with the tools to create and edit vector graphics. This helps with achieving high-quality results that can be scaled without losing polish. Different versions offer variations in the user experience.

The most recent version of Illustrator for desktop is 27.0, released in October 2022. This indicates the popularity of the program, with many users having a favorite version of it. Adobe allows the use of multiple versions of Illustrator for those who prefer that access.

Can I Have Two Versions of Illustrator?

You can have up to two versions of Illustrator installed at once. Using the latest two full versions of the program will also give you access to support from Adobe. Juggling between two different versions can open up a wide range of tools for your vector graphics.

Multiple versions of Illustrator can be installed, but using two allows you to explore the best of your favorites. You can either opt for the latest two versions to make sure you get dedicated support for them, or opt between the newest and an older one of your choosing.

How to Install Multiple Versions of Illustrator

While you can have multiple versions of Illustrator installed, you may not be aware of how to have more than one on your computer.

Following these steps will help you have two separate versions of Illustrator instead of downgrading or upgrading one.

1. Open the Creative Cloud App

When you install Adobe products on your computer, you will automatically have access to the Creative Cloud app. This is where you’ll see all your installed Adobe software under ‘All Apps’. You can also filter them by category.

The Creative Cloud app will show you the available updates for your Adobe programs, and it will also show you the versions you have installed. If you want to have multiple versions of Illustrator, first open the Creative Cloud to see what you have available.

When you are in the Creative Cloud app, make sure to go to the ‘Apps’ section and scroll down to the very bottom of the list. You should enable the ‘show older apps’ setting to check all versions you have installed.

If you don’t see the version of Illustrator you want there, you should go to its installation page on the Adobe website. You can Google the version of Illustrator you want, or go to the product page and customize your options there.

2. Check This Option When Installing New Versions

When you want to install new versions of Illustrator, make sure to pay attention to the installer. This will come with its own options, that you can access by clicking on the Alt or Option key.

In the options menu for the installer, uncheck the ‘remove older versions’ box. This will prevent the versions of Illustrator you already have from being automatically upgraded. Once you do this, you will be able to have multiple versions of Illustrator installed.

You can always double check on the versions you have installed after adding a new one to your collection.

3. Download Newer Versions via Creative Cloud

If you want to have quicker access to the newer versions of Illustrator, bear in mind that you can install the two newest options from the Creative Cloud app. This will save you some time and ensure you have full Adobe support for your versions of Illustrator.

When you use the Creative Cloud app to install other versions of Adobe Illustrator, here’s what to do:

1. Scroll to the app you want to get, in this case Illustrator.
2. Click on the ‘more options’ icon, usually represented by three dots.
3. Click on ‘other versions’.
4. You will see a list of available versions of Illustrator
5. Click on ‘install’ next to your preferred version. This is where you can also uninstall versions of Illustrator you no longer need.

4. Make Sure to Preserve Previous Versions with Creative Cloud

When you use the Creative Cloud app to install different versions of Illustrator, there are some ways to ensure your previous versions won’t be replaced. You should open your Creative Cloud app then click on the account icon, which you’ll find on the right at the top.

Click on ‘preferences’, followed by ‘apps’. Enable the auto-update option to make sure that all your Adobe programs are operating optimally without hassle. You will then see a list of all your apps.

Go to Illustrator and click on ‘advanced options’. You will see a drop-down list that includes ‘import previous settings and preferences’ and ‘remove older versions’. Make sure to uncheck ‘remove older versions’.

The most recent two versions of Illustrator can both receive updates, and using this method will keep them current without removing either of them.

Can You Have Two Versions of Adobe on Your Computer?

When you purchase Adobe products, you will be linking them to your Adobe license. This will authorize these products for use on your computer. The Adobe license allows you to have up to two versions of the company’s products installed.

While you will be able to authorize your Adobe license on two separate computers, you will only be able to use it on one at a time. Make sure to keep your Illustrator versions on the main computer you use.

Conclusion

You can have multiple versions of Illustrator installed on your computer if you’d like. This is especially useful if you want a broader enjoyment of this vector graphics editing software without narrowing it down to one version.