Why is custom shape tool available in photoshop but not illustrator?

[Taylor5C60]

As the title states, I often think that the geometry tools in illustrator are somewhat limited for example creating a simple cad interface for prototyping part would be nice . The custom shape tool in illustrator allows me to design a shape in a CAD program and bring in the said shapes without having to import vectors etc. Maybe someone can offer me a work around or an alternative Adobe program to illustrator for what I am looking for.

Best

T

[Kurt Gold · Accepted solution]

I cannot tell *why* Illustrator does not provide a Custom Shape tool like Photoshop.

The closest you may however get is creating symbols in the Symbols palette. You may also create custom symbol libraries, so you can use them in any document.

[Bill Silbert]

You can submit your suggestion as a feature request at: https://illustrator.uservoice.com/forums/333657-illustrator-desktop-feature-requests

[Mike_Gondek]

Create your own custom symbol  library of your favorite geometirc shapes.

[marliton]

Hi. Illustrator is a very complete vector application. You can create any shape using the drawing tools: https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/using/drawing-basics.html

[Anubhav M]

Hello @Taylor5C60,

Thanks for reaching out. Custom Shapes is currently not available in Illustrator. You may however create custom symbols in Illustrator and save them as mentioned by Kurt and Mike. Kindly try the steps shared in this tutorial and check if it helps: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icsVJ76qy6c.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Thanks,

Anubhav