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About Astute Graphics
What is Astute Graphics?
Astute Graphics is a collection of over 20 plugins for Adobe Illustrator that automate tedious tasks, from vector drawing and color control to symmetry and texturing. It solves the problem of slow, repetitive design work by adding precision tools, smart shortcuts, and time-saving effects directly inside Illustrator. It is best for professional illustrators, graphic designers, and digital artists who rely on Illustrator daily—not casual users or those who only need basic vector editing.
Who is it for?
Astute Graphics is built for designers who want to cut hours off their workflow. Real use cases include creating halftone patterns with Phantasm, drawing symmetrical mandalas with MirrorMe, or applying live stipple effects with Stipplism. It is also ideal for stylus users (e.g., Wacom, iPad Sidecar, MS Surface) thanks to plugins like DynamicSketch and InkFlow. If you rarely use Illustrator or only work with simple shapes, this tool is likely overkill.
Key capabilities
The suite includes Autosaviour for auto-backups, ColliderScribe for precise alignment, FindReplace for locating objects by visual attributes, and Stylism for live drop shadows and glows. All plugins are compatible with Illustrator 2020–2026 on macOS and Windows. Over 200,000 designers already use Astute Graphics to speed up their creative process.
Key features
- DynamicSketch — Intuitive vector sketching with a natural, stylus-friendly drawing experience.
- Phantasm — Instant color control and vector halftones, applied as non-destructive live effects.
- MirrorMe — Apply real-time symmetry to layers or selections for perfect mirrored artwork.
- InkScribe — Advanced path creation with precise distance constraints and handle-free dragging.
- Autosaviour — Automatic file back-up and crash recovery to protect your work.
- Stylism — Easy drop shadow, feather, glow, and block shadow effects that remain editable.
- FindReplace — Locate or select objects by visual attributes and replace any artwork in complex files.
SaaSpartout Score
6.9
/10
Editorial score from our review methodology — not user ratings.
Astute Graphics Pricing
Astute Graphics pricing: from £119/user/year.
Single User (1 seat/year)
£119/year (+ VAT where applicable) for one user. Includes the entire collection of Astute Graphics plugins, 12-month subscription with updates, compatibility with Adobe Illustrator 2020–2026, hundreds of video and blog tutorials, and technical/customer support. Start with a 7-day free trial; a 7-day money-back guarantee applies on purchase.
Business / Enterprise (Teams)
For teams with enhanced management features: owner controls all licenses from one account, team leader access, ability to reassign licenses, manage multiple teams, and add seats at a pro-rata rate. Billing visible only to admin; includes technical support. Contact Astute Graphics for pricing. A 7-day free trial is available.
Free Trial: When you create an account, you receive 4 free plugins. Installing any premium plugin starts a 7-day free trial.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Astute Graphics cost?
Astute Graphics costs £119 per user per year for the Single User plan, plus applicable VAT. A 7-day free trial is available.
Is there a free trial of Astute Graphics?
Yes. Creating an account gives you 4 free plugins. Installing any premium plugin starts a 7-day free trial. A 7-day money-back guarantee also applies on paid purchases.
Who is Astute Graphics best for?
It is best for professional illustrators, graphic designers, and digital artists who use Adobe Illustrator daily and want to speed up vector drawing, coloring, texturing, and alignment tasks.
What are the top alternatives to Astute Graphics?
Alternatives include native Illustrator features (e.g., Image Trace, Live Paint), VectorScribe (similar plugin suite), and free scripts or actions. No other suite offers the same breadth of 20+ integrated plugins.
Does Astute Graphics work with Adobe Illustrator on Mac and Windows?
Yes. It is compatible with Adobe Illustrator 2020 through 2026 on both macOS and Windows. It also works with stylus devices like Wacom, MS Surface, iPad Sidecar, and Xencelabs.
What is the main limitation of Astute Graphics?
It requires an active internet connection for installation, activation, and use. It also only works within Adobe Illustrator, so it is not a standalone design tool.
