Adobe Illustrator takes drawing to a new level for web and print designers alike, and every Adobe Illustrator upgrade offers new tools and features. If your company has a design department, then you probably already own Adobe Illustrator or you plan to buy Adobe Illustrator software very soon.

But the Adobe Illustrator software costs more than many other drawing programs—and for good reason: it does more. If you're committed to spending the money to add this design tool, then it makes sense to get the most out of your Adobe Illustrator software, and this guide will help you do just that. Here's what you should do to maximize your investment:

1. Download the Adobe Illustrator trial

2. Buy Adobe Illustrator software or get the appropriate Adobe Illustrator upgrade

3. Get Adobe Illustrator training

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Download the Adobe Illustrator trial

Try before you buy--you can test Adobe Illustrator for free for one month before you hand over a chunk of change. This gives your designers time to make sure the newest version of Adobe Illustrator will work on their systems and come up to speed on any changes that are a part of an Adobe Illustrator upgrade, making the learning curve less steep once your company spends the money on the software.

I recommend: Create a free account, and download the Adobe Illustrator trial at Adobe Systems. CNET Networks also offers a free download along with reviews and articles about Adobe Illustrator. If you want to download a free trial of an older version, like Adobe Illustrator 10.0, you can do so at Softpedia.

Buy Adobe Illustrator

If you already own Adobe Illustrator, then you'll only need to purchase the Adobe Illustrator upgrade. But if you don't own any versions of Adobe Illustrator or if you own an older version, then you'll need to purchase the full version of Adobe Illustrator.

I recommend: Providers of Adobe Illustrator software, like SoftwareMedia, let you buy Adobe Illustrator software slightly cheaper than Adobe Systems. Keep in mind that such suppliers of Adobe Illustrator software may not sell software upgrades or offer an Adobe Illustrator download.

Get Adobe Illustrator training for your design team

Adobe Illustrator tutorials and other training help your design team maximize your investments. Even if your team formerly used Adobe Illustrator 8.0, Adobe Illustrator 9.0 or Adobe Illustrator 10.0, each new version of Adobe Illustrator adds new features and new ways to do things. Ask your designers to work through at least one Adobe Illustrator tutorial, and offer them additional training if they want it.

I recommend: The lynda.com site offers a multitude of Adobe Illustrator tutorials and other training options, as does Adobe Systems itself.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Beware of Adobe Illustrator software providers who promise a much lower price than the one Adobe Systems charges. Providers of Adobe Illustrator software who undercut Adobe Systems by a substantial amount may have hidden charges or sell you an older version of Adobe Illustrator, so read the fine print and double-check those charges.