Whether you are an in-house freelance designer or a professional graphic designer, you always want that your designs and photos look impressive and help you to excel in your career as a proficient graphic designer. But for this, you can’t overlook the importance of the best laptop for adobe illustrator and photoshop.
Not all laptops present in the market can smoothly run adobe illustrator and photoshop, and when you invest a handsome budget in the wrong laptop, it results in a complete disaster. Moreover, you face the issues like lagging and bugging when working with this software, and it has something to do with your laptop.
Undoubtedly, adobe illustrator and photoshop provide high-quality performance beyond expectation, but this software also have some requirements that can’t be ignored. The key requirement is an efficient laptop with faster RAM, an excellent graphics card, a high-resolution display, a large SSD hard drive, and a modern processor.
Sounds a little daunting? Don’t worry! Because if you are going to make your first purchase of the best laptop for adobe illustrator and photoshop or want to replace your old laptop with the most efficient and updated model, then this article is for you.
Read on till the end, and you will know all the essential features that must be present in your new laptop for a fast and smooth workflow. In addition, we have also mentioned some high-performing laptops for photoshop and adobe illustrator that you can choose from.
Minimum requirement for Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop
Ram: 4 GB.
CPU: Dual Core 2.5 GHz or faster processor.
Hard disk space: 30 GB of free space for installation and an additional 9 GB for temporary files
Graphics card: NVIDIA, AMD/ATI dedicated graphics card with at least 512MB of video memory and support for Shader Model 4 in a resolution of 1024 x 768 or higher.
Minimum resolution: 1024×768
OS: Microsoft Windows 10, 8.1, 7 SP1, and Vista, all 64-bit
Which laptop is best for Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop?
Generally, when you go to the market to buy the best laptop for adobe illustrator and photoshop, you will come across a wide variety of laptops that claim to have excellent and updated developed systems to run the heavy software for graphic designing. But you must be careful while investing your money because not all laptops allow the smooth running of this software. Therefore, to help you choose the best, we have listed the top six laptops that are worth buying.
- 2020 Apple MacBook Pro
- Microsoft Surface Laptop 4
- ASUS ZenBook 13 Ultra-Slim Laptop
- Lenovo IdeaPad 3
- Acer Aspire 5 A515-55G-57H8
- MSI P65 Creator-1084
- ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo UX581
2020 Apple MacBook Pro
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About:
Apple designed one of the best laptops for adobe illustrator and photoshop. There is an M1 chip that excels from others in terms of CPU, GPU, and exceptional performance in machine learning. On top of that, the feature that makes it the best choice is its 20hrs battery life, and it is the longest battery life ever in a MAC.
Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop are the programs most commonly used by graphic designers. There’s a reason why this is true- Illustrator and Photoshop have been the top two selling products since 2010. That same year, Apple introduced a hardware feature called Retina Display to their MacBook Pro line of laptops. This is a screen with a screen resolution of at least 300 pixels per inch, which makes all text and images on the screen appear extremely crisp
Besides that, the FaceTime HD camera with an advanced image signal processor ensures clearer and sharper video calls.
Performance:
Apple MacBook pro for photoshop is equipped with an 8-core CPU that provides 2.8x faster performance. This allows you to complete your work faster than ever. In addition, the 16-core Neural Engine is also there for quick and advanced machine learning.
GPU:
There is an 8-core GPU with up to 5x faster graphics for graphic-intensive apps and games.
Memory:
For a better experience in terms of memory, it is equipped with 8GB of unified memory. With this significant memory, you can do your work at a fast pace.
Storage:
The apps and files open in just an instant because of the high and superfast SSD storage. The up to 2TB SSD storage is perfect for your adobe illustrator and photoshop.
Display and Design:
When talking about the display, it has a 13.3-inch Retina display and enhances your photoshop result with its 500 nits of brightness. This peak level brightness allows you to work finely on even the minor details of the image and make the colors more vibrant.
Interface:
In MacBook Pro, the two Thunderbolt enable data transfer, charging, and video output through a single port.
Other details:
The active cooling system sustains incredible performance. Moreover, the M1 chip and macOS Big Sur give it high security and privacy features that help to keep your data protected. A simple touch on the sensor instantly unlocks the MAC, and a press locks it.
Final Thoughts:
The 2020 Apple MacBook Pro is perfect for artists who require portability, reliability, and power. The display is sharp, the design is stunning, and performance-wise this laptop does not disappoint. However, while using it I found that there were some issues with overheating when rendering large files or heavy multitasking. This also includes typing on the keyboard due to the inability of the laptop to dissipate heat
Specifications:
- Processor: Apple M1 chip
- Graphics: Apple 8-core GPU
- Display: 13.3-inch LED-backlit display with IPS technology
- Resolution: 2560 x 1600 pixel
- Battery timing: 20hr
- Memory: 8GB
- Operating system: macOS
Microsoft Surface Laptop 4
[amazon box=”B08YWX4W7G”]
About:
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 provides 70% more speed and multitasking power to do what you want. In addition, the thin, light, and elegant design make it attractive, while the dual far-field Studio Mics allow you to be heard loud and clear on calls because it captures your voice and reduces the background noise.
The Microsoft Surface Laptop is a must-have for any graphic design enthusiast. Windows 10 makes it easy to get around, and the use of a touchscreen means you can access all your Photoshop tools from one place. The lightweight aluminum body also ensures your laptop won’t slow you down during a marathon Adobe session
Performance:
Microsoft is back with its fourth-generation sleek and stylish laptops. This best laptop for adobe illustrator features an exclusive 11th Gen Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 processor that provides smooth flow, excellent performance, and fast working across programs like photoshop and adobe illustrator.
GPU:
The Intel Iris Xe Graphics enhances the quality of the work and can easily be utilized for adobe illustrator.
Memory:
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 has 8GB RAM. Therefore, it provides good performance, and you can easily edit your images with the help of software without any issues.
Storage:
The 256 GB SSD storage ensures the smooth running of software and allows you to store your designs and photos in bulk.
Display and Design:
Its sleek and elegant design makes it more attractive. In addition, the brilliant PixelSense 15-inch touchscreen with pen output adds value to its overall design.
Interfaces:
You can plug in your daily use accessories with built-in USB-C and USB-A, Surface Connect for charging, headphone jack.
Other details:
Thanks to the front-facing 720p HD camera, now you can show your best side on video calls with excellent video and image quality. In addition, the Omnisonic Speakers backed by immersive Dolby Atmos6 allow you to enjoy the theater-like sound for movies and shows.
Final Thoughts:
Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 is a great choice if you are looking for an elegant, thin, and light laptop to create your art. Microsoft Surface Luxury 12-Inch Tablet with Keyboard is a versatile drawing tablet that can easily be attached to any surface. If you want the best of both worlds, choose this option as it allows you to have a full laptop and a drawing tablet in one.
Specifications:
- CPU: Ryzen 5 5600X
- Screen display size: 13.5 inches
- Hard Drive: 256 GB SSD
- Screen Resolution: 2256 x 1504 pixel
- RAM: 8 GB LPDDR4
- Operating system: Windows 10 Home
- Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
ASUS ZenBook 13 Ultra-Slim Laptop
[amazon box=”B082L4S385″]
About:
The new ASUS ZenBook 13 OLED brings you visuals that you have never experienced before. Its weight is only 2.45lbs with a 13.9 mm thin profile, and that makes it highly portable. It is compact, lightweight, and thinner, but it is built to deliver powerful performance and excellent true-to-life visuals that provide a unique look to your photos and designs.
The ASUS ZenBook 13 Ultra-Slim Laptop is perfect for a lightweight yet powerful laptop for graphic designers. It has an Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM, which means it can handle any task you throw at it. The battery is also incredibly long-lasting and can give up to 14 hours of power. It has a sleek aluminum chassis with a backlit keyboard, making it an attractive option for people who like to work in dark places. The display is Full HD 1080p which is high enough resolution for most uses.
Performance:
ZenBook 13 is equipped with the latest 11th generation Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor that offers 8M cache, up to 4.2 GHz, and 4 cores. With this best laptop for photoshop and video editing in your hand, you will enjoy uninterrupted speed and smooth workflow.
GPU:
For adobe illustrator and photoshop, graphics also play an important role after memory and processor. This laptop undoubtedly provides excellent graphics with its Intel Iris Plus Graphics.
Memory:
This laptop is your one-time investment as it offers 8GB LPDDR4X RAM that is perfect for running adobe illustrator on your laptop.
Storage:
Besides memory and processor, this laptop is loaded with enough storage. Its 256GB SSD storage help to store the bulk of data. It also helps you to do multitask without any problem.
Display and Design:
The ZenBook 13 has 13.3 inch OLED NanoEdge Bezel display. There are 400nits for brightness. In addition, it has 1920 x 1080 FHD resolution, OLED ultra-vivid colors, and HDR enhanced realism that enhances every detail of your art.
Moreover, the ASUS OLED display has a 0.2ms response time which is 50x faster than the average laptop LCD.
Interfaces:
For fast and effective transfer of data, it has HDMI, Thunderbolt 4 USB-C, USB Type-A, and a micro SD card reader. All these versatile interfaces further increase the worth of this laptop. Also, check Best Touch Screen Laptop For Drawing.
Other details:
ASUS AI Noise Canceling Technology employs machine learning to isolate unwanted noise from human speech and provide the best communication experience. In addition, the ASUS OLED laptop emits 70% less harmful blue light to reduce visual discomfort.
It features an amazing 13hr battery life, while the fast-charge feature can restore the battery up to 60% charge level in just 49 minutes.
Final Thoughts:
Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop are powerful combinations for designing anything from websites to logos. If you want a laptop that allows you to run these programs quickly and smoothly, the ASUS ZenBook is your best bet. It not only has enough power to handle these programs but also includes convenient features like an extra-large touchpad and Windows 10 Pro. It is expensive but if you can afford it, its sleek design and solid performance make it worth the investment for serious graphic designers
Specifications:
- Memory size: 8GB
- Screen size: 13.3 inches
- Screen resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Operating system: Windows 10
- RAM type: DDR4 SDRAM
- CPU speed: 2.4GHz
- GPU: Intel Iris Plus Graphics
Lenovo IdeaPad 3
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About:
Speed of processing is important for people who use Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. However, many laptops are overpriced because they include unnecessary software that will only slow the machine down. The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 runs at a middling speed that has just enough power to run popular graphic design programs, but will not slow you down with pesky preloaded software
With the Lenovo IdeaPad 3, you can enjoy the high performance for multiple types of tasks. So whether you are working on adobe illustrator or photoshop or doing some other task, you will experience long-lasting performance with this practical notebook. Plus, you can enjoy the crystal clear voice and ultra-clear display on this laptop.
Performance:
The AMD Ryzen 5 3500U Mobile Processor provides multi-core processing power that helps you get more things done faster and more effectively.
GPU:
The Graphics Coprocessor of the laptop plays an important role in performance when you are working with adobe illustrator and photoshop. It combines with a processor and allows you to work at a fast pace.
Memory:
With the 8 GB DDR4 RAM, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 allows you to work comfortably on adobe illustrator and create multiple designs, and multitask without any interruption.
Storage:
This laptop comes with enough storage that maximizes the overall performance of the software like Photoshop, and Tail OS. The 256 GB storage is the best you can get in any laptop on this budget. Moreover, it allows you to store a large of data on your laptop.
Display and Design:
The 14 inches FHD screen with 1920 x 1080 resolution and narrow side bezels give you more viewing area and less clutter. It provides perfect image clarity and delivers a clearer and excellent visual experience. The overall design of the laptop is good and quite durable.
Interfaces:
For effectively transferring the data, there are three USB ports and HDMI. With this laptop in hand, you don’t have to worry about your investment as its all features clearly show that it is worth buying.
Other details:
You can keep your privacy at your fingertips with a physical shutter for your webcam that brings peace of mind. In addition, the Dopoundsy Audio delivers crystal clear sound. It is highly portable and weighs only 3.30lbs. The Q-control lets you easily switch between Max modes for faster performance and battery-saving mode for a quieter user experience.
Final Thoughts:
The Lenovo is a great laptop for those who want to complete a few projects with adobe illustrator and photoshop programs without bankrupting themselves with overpriced graphic design laptops. This is an important consideration, as high-quality graphics have become central to many professional communications materials. While this laptop may not be ideal for video editing and other graphics-intensive programs, it will certainly allow you to take your graphic design sketches into the digital realm.
Specifications:
- Processor: 2.1 GHz Ryzen 5 3500U
- RAM: 8GB DDR4
- Screen size: 14 inches
- Hard Disk size: 256 GB
- Operating system: Windows 10
- Weight: 3.30lbs
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels
- Graphics Coprocessor: AMD Integrated Graphics
Acer Aspire 5 A515-55G-57H8
[amazon box=”B087RSXFSG”]
About:
Acer has always been a reliable brand for laptops, and this model does not disappoint. It is powered by the i5-1035G1 processor and 8 GB of RAM, so it will be able to handle Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop with ease. The NVIDIA GeForce 350 MX GPU will be very useful for Adobe programs. It has a 15.6-inch Full HD display with 1920 x 1080 resolution. The Acer Aspire E15 is designed for users who are constantly on the move, giving them all the performance they need in one sleek package.
The Acer Aspire 5 laptop is quite powerful and portable and delivers excellent performance on every aspect of everyday computing. It is exceptional in its performance, connectivity, and design. Plus it is perfect for heavy software like adobe illustrator and is ideal for creating design and editing photos. It is the ideal companion for your on-the-go lifestyle.
Performance:
The 10th generation Intel Core i5-1035G1 processor is present in Aspire 5. It provides up to 3.6GHz and 6MB smart cache and also improves your productivity for Illustrator.
GPU:
The graphic coprocessor that is present in this laptop is NVIDIA GeForce MX350. It enhances the performance of adobe illustrator and provides a more accurate picture quality.
Memory:
The Acer Aspire 5 has 8 GB DDR4 RAM that is suitable for adobe illustrator and photoshop.
Storage:
The 512GB NVMe SSD will give you enough storage capacity to store your designs. In addition, it will help increase the laptop’s performance and help you work on Photoshop and Illustrator without any interruption. We also have review of Best laptop for streaming.
Display and Design:
The 15.6 inches full HD IPS screen has a narrow-bezel design. To enhance visual appearance and protect your eyes, it includes Acer Color Intelligence and Acer Blue Light Shield technologies.
In addition, the backlit keyboard helps you to work comfortably in any environment. The aluminum top cover and thin and light design make it attractive and durable.
Interfaces:
For extensive connectivity, the Acer is loaded with a full range of ports. There is USB Type-C, two USB 3.1, HDMI, and many more. Also we have a review of Laptop for Photo Editing and Graphic Design.
Other details:
Along with exceptional performance, the laptop stays at your side all day with up to 8 hours of battery life. In addition, the HD Webcam ensures clear quality videos and images. With two built-in microphones, the Acer Purified Voice ensures that all communications are clear and filter out typing noise.
Final Thoughts:
The Acer Aspire E15 is a laptop that will be able to handle all of your Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop demands. It has the specs that you look for in a laptop, and it won’t cost you an arm and a leg. If you are looking to get a laptop that can handle your graphics designing needs, this is definitely the one for you.
Specifications:
- Screen size: 15.6 inches
- CPU speed: 3.6 GHz
- Weight: 3.97lbs
- RAM: 8 GB DDR4
- Graphics Coprocessor: NVIDIA GeForce MX350
- Processor: Intel Core i5 10th Gen
- Average battery life: 8 hours
MSI P65 Creator-1084
[amazon box=”B07TN4C5VZ”]
About:
The MSI P65 Creator-1084 is a lightweight, thin laptop that’s aimed at creative professionals. It has an Intel i7 processor and 16GB of RAM, making it powerful enough for those who need to run heavy applications such as Adobe Photoshop. This alone makes it a great choice for creative professionals looking for a laptop they can use to create art.
The MSI P65 Creator is also the best laptop for adobe illustrator and photoshop. With its excellent features, it makes your life much better and easier. It can handle multitasking and quickly create beautiful scenes with proper lighting, shadows, and reflections.
Performance:
It is equipped with an Intel Core i7-9750H processor that works on 12 Threads and 6 Core and provides sufficient rendering speed.
GPU:
Graphics Coprocessor NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 is present. This RTX is highly reliable for adobe illustrator and photoshop. You know that the graphic is the third important component after memory and processor. So, this laptop will be the best choice for smoothly running your desired software.
Memory:
The MSI P65 Creator has 32 GB RAM that allows multitasking operations and is more than enough required by adobe illustrator and photoshop. Therefore, there is no need to upgrade it, and it is a one-time investment for the next 6-7 years.
Storage:
Like in its other features, this laptop is also efficient in terms of storage. The 1TB Teton Glacier is enough for storing a bulk of data. In addition, it allows you to work on multiple projects without causing any problems.
Design and Display
The 15.6 inches screen size with anti-glare 4K UHD display has a 144Hz refresh rate. The space grey and sandblasting texture make it attractive, while the aluminum-built chassis provide a reliable environment. The eye-catching design and high resolution make it worth buying.
Interfaces:
It is equipped with a Thunderbolt 3 port, USB 3.2 Type-A Gen2 port, two USB 3.2 Type-A Gen1 ports, an HDMI port, and a microphone jack for fast data transfer.
Other details:
With Windows Hello, you can easily sign in with your face or fingerprint three times faster than the password. In addition, the Intel Optane memory learns your behavior and automatically prioritizes the frequent applications. The P65 provides flexibility in a working environment with up to 8 hours of battery life.
Final Thoughts:
The MSI P65 Creator-1084 is one of the Best Laptops for Photo Editing. So, you can run software such as Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator. It’s lightweight, thin, and powerful enough to handle these tasks. Designers will also appreciate the sleek black color of the computer itself. Overall this is an excellent choice for designers looking for a new laptop that can handle their workload.
Specifications:
- RAM: 32 GB
- CPU speed: 2.6 GHz
- Screen size: 15.6 inches
- Storage: 1 TB
- Operating system: Windows 10 Pro
- Processor: 2.6 GHz apple_ci7
- Graphics Coprocessor: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060
ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo UX581
[amazon box=”B07W4SGSKX”]
About:
ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo is one of the best laptops on the market for graphic designers and photographers who rely heavily on Adobe Creative Suite programs like Illustrator and Photoshop. It comes equipped with a powerful Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB solid-state drive, making it more than capable of handling even the most demanding design tasks.
Display:
Plus, its 15.6-inch 4K UHD NanoEdge display is stunning, and the innovative ScreenPad Plus gives you plenty of extra screen real estate to work with. So if you’re looking for a top-of-the-line laptop that will help you take your creative work to the next level, the ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo is worth considering.
Performance:
The ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo is one of the most powerful laptops, thanks to its Intel Core i7 processor and GeForce RTX 2060 graphics card. It can easily handle even the most demanding design tasks, and its 4K UHD display is gorgeous. In addition, the innovative ScreenPad Plus gives you plenty of extra-screen real estate to work with.
Connectivity:
ASUS ZenBook comes with a generous selection of ports, including Thunderbolt 3, USB-C, HDMI, and more. As a result, you’ll have no trouble connecting all of your external devices, and the laptop’s Wi-Fi 6 support ensures that you’ll enjoy fast and reliable wireless performance.
Final thoughts:
The ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo is a top-of-the-line laptop perfect for graphic designers, photographers, and other creative professionals who rely heavily on Adobe Creative Suite programs. It’s packed with powerful hardware, has a stunning 4K UHD display, and comes with the innovative ScreenPad Plus feature that gives you plenty of extra screen real estate to work with.
Specifications:
- 15.6-inch 4K UHD NanoEdge display
- Intel Core i7-9750H processor
- 16GB of RAM
- 1TB solid-state drive
- GeForce RTX 2060 graphics card
Buyer’s guide for the best laptop for adobe illustrator and photoshop
There are some important factors that you should keep in mind while purchasing a laptop. Below we have mentioned some key considerations that help you choose the best according to your requirements from the several options present in the market.
Processor
The processor is the heart of the laptop and plays a central role in its performance. Software like Adobe Illustrator needs a robust processor that is capable of handling the routine load.
The low-powered processor slows down your laptop, and you have to deal with lags and crashes. Therefore, for adobe illustrator, you need a fast and high-performing processor.
RAM
RAM of the laptop is another crucial factor to consider when choosing a laptop. The more RAM the laptop has, the more fastly it accesses the short-term data and files. In addition, the good RAM allows you to run multiple software simultaneously and does not allow the laptop to slow down during working.
The minimum RAM required for Illustrator and Photoshop is 8GB, while the recommended RAM is 16GB as it works efficiently on this RAM. For smooth functioning and improved workflow, you can go for more.
GPU/Graphics Card
The laptop specified for graphic designing must have a graphics card. It means that the GPU is separate from the CPU of your computer. Therefore, it makes the laptop more powerful, and it can handle heavy processing tasks easily.
In addition, the efficient GPU saves your time, provides more power to run adobe illustrator and photoshop efficiently, and makes the visuals more amazing. Therefore, must ensure before buying that the laptop has integrated GPU to run the Illustrator without any issue.
Storage
If you regularly use Illustrator and Photoshop, you are creating many designs and storing a large number of files. These all files will take up space on the laptop. Therefore, it is better to look for a laptop that has high storage capacity.
Mostly the laptops for Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop have 256GB of storage that is enough. But according to your workload, you can also go for 512GB for better performance. Some laptops provide 1 or 2 TB storage. So, choose carefully according to your requirement.
Screen Resolution
The screen size and display resolution are crucial considerations when buying the best laptop for adobe illustrator and photoshop. The laptops having a screen resolution of at least 1920 x 1080 pixels are best for graphic designing.
The higher the resolution, the more you will be able to work efficiently on the details of the designs. Therefore, you should keep this consideration in mind when investing your money to buy a laptop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 8GB RAM enough for adobe illustrator and photoshop?
The minimum requirement for adobe is 8GB. On this RAM, it definitely works on your system, but it may run slow. While the recommended RAM for adobe illustrator and photoshop is 16GB. If you need, you can easily upgrade the RAM of your system for smooth working.
What processor speed do you need for Photoshop?
Adobe recommends using the 2 GHz CPU for Photoshop. If you can afford you can use the better and faster CPU, and it will be worth it. For most tasks, Photoshop depends on the CPU; therefore, for better results, aim for 3 GHz or higher.
How many cores does Photoshop require?
Adobe Photoshop makes perfect use of up to 8 cores for most of its crucial tasks. However, once you go beyond that number, you may not see any huge performance gains.
Is Adobe Illustrator difficult to learn?
Adobe Illustrator is not usually that difficult to learn. The basics are easy enough for most people, but new features are always added, so you have to keep up with the latest updates. It’s sort of like Photoshop in this regard, though; if you don’t keep up with the updates, you’ll be left behind.
What is the best laptop for Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop?
The best laptop for adobe illustrator and photoshop is the Macbook Pro with Retina. This is because Apple Macintosh computers are powerful, have distinctive features that Windows laptops don’t, are easy to use, and are reliably compatible with Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
Conclusion
When you are looking to purchase a new laptop for Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop, it is important to look at what level of performance is required when using these applications. If you are working with larger files and more complex projects, some factors need to be considered. The central processing unit (CPU), in addition to the amount of physical memory (RAM), are two points that should be taken into consideration when trying to make your decision. The other thing you should consider is the type of operating system. Whether it is running Windows or Mac OS X, this can influence what types of graphics cards are supported by any given machine.
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