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Jajojomo
Known Participant
March 2, 2022
Question

I hate Illustrator! Struggling to do even simple tasks with Illustrator on Mac. Is a mouse the key?

  • March 2, 2022
  • 5 replies
  • 2512 views

Is it vital to use a mouse when using illustrator on a Mac? I've having difficulty, even the simplist of tasks are beyond me, and not like the tutorials. Do I need to go back to using a mouse?  Thanks.

5 replies

M
Mickal_Jason0362
Participant
January 9, 2025

lllustrator can definitely be tricky, especially if you're just getting used to it. While a mouse can help with precision, many people use a trackpad or even a drawing tablet, depending on what works best for them. If tasks are still feeling difficult, it might help to slow down and focus on mastering one tool or feature at a time.

Dave Creamer of IDEAS
Community Expert
Dave Creamer of IDEASCommunity Expert
Community Expert
March 3, 2022

I always use a mouse with Illustrator. (I have a Wacom tablet, but I tend to use that more for Photoshop and Painter.)

The only thing I use a computer trackpad for is email and browsers...

David Creamer: Community Expert (ACI and ACE 1995-2023)
    Monika Gause
    Community Expert
    Monika GauseCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    March 2, 2022

    Is that by any chance one of the new M1 Macbooks?

     

    I'm using one of those now and it's neither the first time I used a trackpad nor is it the first time I'm using Illustrator, but man, that trackpad sucks so much.

    J
    JajojomoAuthor
    Known Participant
    March 2, 2022

    Hi Monika

     

    Thanks for the question. No it's not the M1, it one of the Intel i9 MacBooks from 2019. My introduction to Illustrator has been far from positive, although I can appreicate the awsome things it can do and the vast function it has. One day I hope to at least get the basics down. At present even drawing round corners and handles are giving me grief.  I need to practice patience as well as Illustrator I guess. Have you been able to see if a mouse improves things for you?

     

     

    J
    JajojomoAuthor
    Known Participant
    March 4, 2022

    I love using a mouse. I'm even using them for freehand drawing and I can fully recommend using a mouse. Particularly with modification keys, mice for me beat the trackpad every time.

     

    The mice I use all the time are rather small Logitech. You have to find a mouse that suits your hand. For me they need to be rather flat and not too long. If you can, go to a store and try some out. I would always prefer the ones with a real scroll wheel and real buttons to whatever Apple has invented. The last time an Apple mouse did its job reliably for me was the Apple Desktop Bus mouse: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_mice_by_Apple,_Inc.#Apple_Desktop_Bus_Mouse_(G5431/A9M0331)


    Hi Monika

    Thank you, I'll look into the Logitec options. Seems that mice are much more expensive than when I last purchase one years ago!

    michelew83603738
    Community Expert
    michelew83603738Community Expert
    Community Expert
    March 2, 2022

    I am sorry you are struggling. I use a Wacom and find that very intuitive - I never use a mouse. Perhaps take a local class at a junior college or something like that so it will be in person and they might be able to see what it is you are struggling with. Sometimes online classes or tutorials just don't work for some people. Also, be patient with yourself if you are just learning. It is a hard program and things online make it look simple - it is not!

      J
      JajojomoAuthor
      Known Participant
      March 2, 2022

       Hi Michelew83603738

      I really appreciate your response!  I feel a bit brighter now, I felt so defeated and disapointed in myself earlier.  I'm seeing where to find things etc in the tutorials, but these handles and drawing curves with the pen function are always wrong for me, seems like I'm not clicking Shift key or something, I don't know.  I think you are right, I need an in person class to see what I'm doing wrong when using the trackpad on my MacBook Pro.  Appreicate your advice, have a good day,

        Jeff Witchel, ACI
        Community Expert
        Jeff Witchel, ACICommunity Expert
        Community Expert
        March 2, 2022

        Hi Janet23406910mdq9,

        If you prefer using a mouse, go for it. People work well with or without a mouse. It really is a personal preference.

        As far as "having difficulty, even the simplist of tasks," have you thought about getting training? Illustrator really is a complicated application until you learn the ins and outs. Here's a list of Adobe Certified Instructors if you're interested: https://learning.adobe.com/partner-finder.html

          J
          JajojomoAuthor
          Known Participant
          March 2, 2022

          Hi Jeff

          Thanks so much for your helpful response! I was so frustrated today! I am using a Mac Book Pro and havent used a mouse in years. It's good to know a trackpad is not out of the question. I will look out for a certified trainer in my area, that's a great idea. Thank you for your help!

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