Feature summary | Illustrator (February 2023 release)

Last updated on Feb 28, 2023

Learn about new features and enhancements in the February 2023 release of Illustrator on the desktop (version 27.3).

Illuminate 3D objects using multiple lights

You can add up to ten light sources to your 3D object and adjust the lighting angles to accurately capture time and ambience in your artwork. You can also let your object cast multiple shadows to make your artwork look more real.

For information on how to use multiple lights, see Create 3D graphics in Illustrator.

Try it in-app!

Convert an object to 3D and illuminate it using multiple lights.

Add multiple lights

Reveal the structure of 3D objects using wireframes

You can render your 3D object as a wireframe to view its underlying structure and focus on its dimensions, angles, and perspectives. Once you render your object as a wireframe, you can make easy edits to its 3D properties.

For information on how to render 3D objects as wireframes, see Create 3D graphics in Illustrator.

Try it in-app!

Convert an object to 3D and render it as a wireframe.

Render as wireframe

Find overlapping areas of objects to click and intertwine

You can locate overlapping areas of selected objects as you hover over them, making it easier to intertwine with just a click.

For information on how to click and intertwine, see Intertwine objects.

Try it in-app!

Click to intertwine overlapping objects.

Intertwine objects

Reuse asset export settings

You can save asset export settings as presets so that you don't have to specify scales and file formats each time you export assets. You can also export and import these presets to maintain consistency across projects.

For information on how to save and export presets, Collect assets and export in batches.

Try it in-app!

Save your preferred export settings as a preset.

Save as preset

Search for document versions

You can add descriptions to your document versions to easily identify them later. You can search for document versions using names and descriptions, or by choosing timestamp or bookmark filters.

For information on how to search and filter document versions, Work with Illustrator Cloud documents.

Try it in-app!

Look for your document version using search or filter.

Open document version

Add version descriptions, and use search and filter to find cloud document versions

Secure review links using password

You can password-protect your public Share for review (Beta) link, making it secure. If you invite reviewers by email, they don't need to enter the password to access the link. If you disable the password requirement and enable it later, you have to create a new password.

For information on how to password-protect your review links, Share documents for review.

Locate linked or embedded files on the computer

After you place a file in a document, you can locate it on Windows explorer (Windows) or Finder (macOS) easily by navigating to the Links panel.

For information on how to locate files on your computer, Manage linked and embedded files.

Try it in-app!

Find the location of your linked or embedded file on your computer.

Locate your file

Improvements to pan, zoom, and scroll

You can experience better performance with pan, zoom, and scroll as Illustrator temporarily hides annotations such as bounding boxes and guides.

Improved pan, zoom, and scroll on Windows Trackpad

Improvements to Image Trace

Illustrator improves the tracing output for small-sized images.

Improvements to color settings

The following are the improvements to color settings:

Illustrator remembers the last used color mode so that you can continue with your preferred color scheme whenever you open Illustrator.
The Gradient panel now reflects the color mode selected in the Color panel instead of starting with Grayscale.