Illustrator - which version?

[Blind]

If I were to get a version of Adobe Illustrator for the sole purpose of laying out perspective grids while learning, which version should I go for? I would think the latest, version 10, would have way too many bells & whistles that I would never use and be far more $$ than I'd spend. If I could find a cheap copy of version 9 or 8 or maybe even lower out there that would serve the purpose, that would probably be the way to go (unless there's another app I should be looking at?). But I don't want to go too low. Does version 8 sound right? I've never used any version of Illustrator, btw... in case you couldn't tell >8)

[blankslatejoe]

well, if you're JUST wanting to lay out a perspective grid you could just... you know... use a pen and paper and use the money you save on a scanner..

Also, there are ways of making photoshop do what you want, but yeah, illustrator will do a good job too.

For what you want to do, you could go alllllll the way back to illustrator 3 or 4. I was using that to lay down some perspective grids way back when. But since they arent supported much more, I'd stick with nothing older than 6 or 7.

Assuming they'll run on your machine, 6 and 7 were both kickbutt. I dont think you got the layers pallette until 8 though, but layers aren't really neccesary in illustrator anyway, since you stack shapes as is. So yeah, whatever you can find for the cheapest that will run on your system is what you should go with. Really, any version will do what you want, since what you are wanting to do is a core feature of illustrator.

[Blind]

For what you want to do, you could go alllllll the way back to illustrator 3 or 4. I was using that to lay down some perspective grids way back when. But since they arent supported much more, I'd stick with nothing older than 6 or 7.
^^^This is exactly what I was looking for, Joe. Thanks, man... I've never used any version of Illustrator before. i just wanted to know that if I pick up a bargain bin copy of an old version, that it will do the little I need it to. I was looking at the feature list on Adobe's site for version 10 and it's got way more than I'd ever use it for. I'll try and snag a version 6 somewhere. Thanks again...

PS - Of course I like the pencil/paper/t-square method, too! I'm just looking for a quick digital way to get some perspective lines into Photoshop. I think Illustrator will be better for that with the expanded scratch area surrounding the artist board. Seems just like having pins and string to me.

[blankslatejoe]

hahha, ok, i was just poking fun with mentioning the hand drawing method. Its good to know the roots.

Keep in mind it'll take a little bit of learning to get the hang of illustrator, so be patient with it. Eventually you'll get it though. and then it'll do what you need it to easily.