Adobe Illustrator Training for Older Versions (CC 2018 & Earlier)

Still working with Adobe Illustrator CC 2018 or an earlier Creative Cloud version? You’re not alone. Many organisations continue to use older Adobe software for compatibility, licensing or workflow reasons so this course is designed specifically for you. This is Adobe Illustrator training tailored to legacy versions, helping you get the most from the tools you already have without needing to upgrade.

What this course is about

Learn Adobe Illustrator 2018 or earlier versionsAdobe Illustrator CC 2018 and earlier versions are still widely used across organisations that rely on established workflows, legacy artwork or fixed licensing setups. This course provides clear, practical training designed specifically for teams and individuals working with older Illustrator releases.

Many organisations continue to work with older Creative Cloud versions of Illustrator, including CC 2018 and earlier subscription releases, as well as environments still using Illustrator CS6, the final pre‑subscription version. These setups remain stable and familiar, and this training supports them with version‑specific Illustrator training, legacy Illustrator workflow support and guidance tailored to the tools available in each release.

The focus is on helping learners get the most from the software already in place — improving confidence, speeding up everyday tasks and supporting consistent, efficient workflows. Training is delivered in a friendly, structured way and can be tailored to match the version in use, the type of work produced and the experience level of the group.

Who is this legacy Illustrator Training for?

This training is designed for organisations, teams and individuals who continue to work with Adobe Illustrator CC 2018 or earlier Creative Cloud versions. Many workplaces maintain older software for stability, licensing or compatibility reasons, and this course supports those environments with clear, practical guidance.

It’s particularly suitable for:

  • Teams working with legacy artwork, templates or brand assets
  • Organisations using fixed or long‑term Adobe licensing
  • Departments operating in mixed‑version environments
  • Staff who need consistent workflows across older Illustrator releases
  • Anyone who prefers to learn on the version already installed in their workplace

The course is adaptable for complete beginners through to more experienced users who want to streamline their day‑to‑day tasks on older versions of Illustrator.

What do you learn on an Illustrator introduction legacy course?

The course focuses on practical Illustrator workflow training designed for older Creative Cloud versions, helping teams work confidently with the tools available in their installed software.

Working with the Illustrator Interface

  • Navigating panels, tools and workspaces
  • Understanding legacy interface differences
  • Managing documents, artboards and views

Drawing and editing artwork

  • Creating shapes, paths and illustrations
  • Using the Pen, Pencil and Brush tools
  • Editing anchor points and curves
  • Working with strokes, fills and appearance settings

Working with colour and swatches

  • Colour models and swatch management
  • Gradients, patterns and legacy colour tools
  • Applying consistent brand colours across artwork

Typography and text handling

  • Adding and formatting text
  • Working with Type on a Path and Area Type
  • Managing fonts in older Creative Cloud environments

Images, links and artwork management

  • Placing and updating linked images
  • Embedding artwork where required
  • Managing file sizes and compatibility

Layers, groups and organisation

  • Structuring artwork for clarity
  • Using layers, groups and isolation mode
  • Preparing files for handover or print

Exporting and saving artwork

  • Saving in legacy formats
  • Exporting for print, web and internal workflows
  • Ensuring compatibility with older systems


Training content can be adapted for beginners or more experienced users who want to refine their workflow on older Illustrator versions.

How the training works?

Legacy Illustrator training is delivered in a clear, structured format and can be tailored to suit the version in use, the type of work produced and the experience level of the group. Sessions are practical, hands‑on and focused on helping learners build confidence with the tools already available in their workplace.

Delivery options

Training can be provided either:

  • Onsite, at your premises
  • Online, via live instructor‑led sessions


Both formats include demonstrations, guided exercises and opportunities to work on real‑world examples.

Tailored to your version and workflow

Because older Illustrator releases vary in features and interface, the course is adapted to match:

  • The specific version your team uses
  • Your existing artwork, templates or brand assets
  • The tasks your staff carry out day‑to‑day


This ensures the training is relevant, efficient and aligned with your current setup.

Suitable for teams or individuals

Training can be arranged for:

  • Individual learners
  • Small groups
  • Larger teams or departments


Content is adjusted to suit mixed‑ability groups or focused sessions for specific roles.

Flexible course lengths

Sessions can be delivered as:

  • A full‑day course
  • A half‑day session
  • A series of shorter modules
  • A customised programme for teams with specific requirements

Also included

All legacy Illustrator training includes a set of additional resources and support designed to help learners continue building their skills after the session.

Post course support

Participants receive ongoing email support for questions that arise once they begin applying their new skills in real projects. This ensures the training continues to deliver value long after the session has finished.

Tailored course content

Training materials and examples can be adapted to reflect your organisation’s artwork, templates or brand requirements, helping teams work more efficiently with the assets they use every day.

Our reviews

Greta Powell Training Reviews“I had a great in‑person training session with Greta. The day was taken completely at my pace, with time to tailor the content to what I actually use day to day at work. We covered a lot across Illustrator and Photoshop, and everything was explained clearly. Greta is very friendly and made me feel at ease straight away. It’s brilliant knowing I have ongoing support if I ever get stuck.” Smart Payment Technologies Ltd, Coalville

“Greta delivered training to our team at Walsall College and was an amazing instructor, fast‑paced, clear and incredibly supportive. She took time with anyone who needed extra help and made the whole group feel confident. I’ve always had a barrier with computers, but after the first day I couldn’t wait to get back on it. I can’t recommend her enough.” Wayne Aveline, Fashion Designer & Senior Lecturer, Walsall College

Additional reviews are available on the main Illustrator training pages.

Like to find out more or book this legacy Adobe course?

If you’d like to book this Introduction course or check availability, just get in touch. We’ll help you build solid, practical Illustrator skills in a clear and confidence‑boosting way.

More about Illustrator legacy training FAQs

Yes. Training is available for Illustrator CC 2018 and earlier versions, and is tailored to match the software your organisation uses.

This course is designed specifically for older Illustrator releases. If you’re using the latest Creative Cloud version, the updated Introduction course will be more suitable.

Some tools and features vary between releases. The course focuses on the tools available in your version and provides clear alternatives where newer features aren’t present.

Obviously on most of these versions there are no AI options.

Yes, training can be adapted for groups working across different versions, with workflows explained in a way that keeps everyone consistent.

Booking with us

Please get in touch with us via the online booking form or click to:

 CONTACT US

We will then get in touch and send the details of booking reservation and find out your timeframe for training.

We will then send across dates.

Once the booking is confirmed we then organise a pre-course call /meeting to discuss the course and any logistics around the day.

Payment

Payment for training is via BACS or Credit Card

Credit Card payment is via Stripe

*Greta Powell Training Ltd does not collect or store your card details.

Purchase Orders

We accept purchase orders from UK registered companies and the public sector.