Why no Undo History?

[dosware]

I read a recent post here stating that Illustrator has no history function. I am testing v12 after years of Corel Draw usage. Because I enjoy "creative experimentation" with vector graphics, I am genuinely at a loss why a history option would remain absent in such a mature product. Is there an option to adjust number of undo levels saved- if not, how may undo steps are saved?

In a previous post on this topic, someone offered the opinion that a history function was "not necessary" in a vector editor vs. a raster editor like Photoshop. I clearly need to be enlightened because my usage style must not be the norm. What am I missing here? Thanks!

[Scott Weichert]

There's no history editor, but Illustrator can do multiple undos. Just keep hitting Command-z (PC: Ctrl-z) and you'll step backwards.

I've seen many people request it, but what's unclear is how seeing the undo steps would be of use? Are you seeking non-linear editing?

I believe Illustrator retains up to 250 undo levels, but don't quote me on that.

[dosware]

Thanks for the quick response Scott...

Non-linear editing- I'm not familiar with this term. I guess that's where my use of a vector editing program may diverge from typical usage in professional circles. I use it to experiment with new designs/ shapes/ fills, in essence- new art. Trial, error, experimentation is my typical approach.

Sometimes I desire to revert to a previous state to alter a certain transformation- and documentation of those previous states (history) can be useful. I can't fathom why using a documented history of object transformations would be less efficient than using Ctrl-Z.

Perhaps I am approaching my "creativity" in a non-typical fashion. If you can clarify in more detail, maybe that would benefit many of us who are perplexed by a lack of a history function.

[Scott Weichert]

Well, I guess it all does amount to your work style. Command-z works for everything I've ever needed. I can see some benefit in seeing the steps you've taken but beyond that why?

Non-linear editing -- Photoshop can do this, which is why it has a History Palette (or Panel anymore). This means you can paint from one history state to the current state essentially moving step 8 to step 25 - non-linear - not restricted by the order of previous steps.

Due to application logic and functionality Illustrator just won't work this way. So in order to trouble themselves with a History Palette for Illustrator I think the developers are waiting for someone to have more of a reason than showing the steps which have been taken. A history palette would need some sort of functionality rather than simply displaying a list which Command-z would step backwards through. I don't think they are against it at all, just wanting a real reason why.


What I do when experimenting is I get a base that I'm happy with, then simply add a new layer and continue. If I'm not certain I like the added elements, just turn off the layer, add a new layer and continue. I can then turn layer visibility on and off to see the different states I've created and mix and match elements or delete layers. Basically, I use layers as history states. Creating a new layer when I know I'm going off on a tangent.

[simm]

I learned in school that there are no limits to the undo levels in Illustrator..

[rwillustrator]

Illustrator has unlimited* undos.

* Undos are only limited by the amount of RAM you have in your computer. When you run low on memory, Illustrator starts dumping undos.

From a pure technical perspective, Illustrator's undo function is pretty ancient. If there were a History panel in Illustrator, it would say "path, path, path" on every line. The Illustrator team would need to do a major overhaul with how undos work in order to have any meaningful History function. And the operative word here is "meaningful" -- what use would a history panel have in Illustrator? For design iterations, it's easy enough to just work on a design, drag out a copy and experiment, drag out another copy and experiment, etc.

[the_modelbase_guy]

Mordy, you know too much about the product. LOL

[Husker]

Mordy, you know too much about the product. LOL

Isn't that wonderful? :)