Catalina introduces strict data privacy controls. You may receive errors when Illustrator tries to save files, access fonts, or use external drives.
As of 2025, Adobe only officially supports the current version and the previous two versions of Illustrator. Running older builds on Catalina is a security and stability risk.
This approach demands significant RAM and CPU, which can slow down complex vector rendering. 4. Optimizing Illustrator CC Performance on Catalina
Apple no longer provides security updates for macOS Catalina, leaving your system vulnerable to emerging threats. adobe illustrator macos catalina
Let me know in the comments – I update this post regularly with new workarounds.
Adobe and Apple no longer provide active security updates for macOS Catalina. If your hardware allows it, upgrading your Mac is recommended for the best security and access to the latest Illustrator features.
If you've already upgraded to Catalina with older versions installed and wish to remove them, Adobe recommends using the . Catalina introduces strict data privacy controls
Here is a quick cheat sheet:
macOS 10.15 Catalina introduced major architectural changes to Apple's desktop operating system. The most significant shift was the complete removal of 32-bit application support. For digital artists, designers, and production professionals relying on Adobe Illustrator, this update fundamentally changed how creative software operates.
Mostly compatible but requires specific updates to fix minor bugs. Incompatible Illustrator Versions Running older builds on Catalina is a security
: macOS Catalina was the first version of macOS to officially drop support for 32-bit applications.
The most important factor regarding this topic is Apple's decision to starting with macOS Catalina (10.15).
If you rely on a legacy version of CS6 for daily work, you must remain on macOS Mojave (10.14) or earlier.
Catalina requires all software to be "notarized" by Apple. Older Illustrator installers (pre-2020) lack this. You will see: "Adobe Illustrator can’t be opened because Apple cannot check it for malicious software."