Adobe Illustrator CS6 and all previous iterations (CS5, CS4, etc.) are not compatible with macOS Catalina. There is no workaround to run these versions on this operating system without virtualization.
To get the best performance out of Adobe Illustrator on macOS Catalina, follow a clean installation and configuration process. Step 1: Use the Creative Cloud Desktop App
Several users have reported success by and requesting a direct download link for a Catalina-compatible version. While not guaranteed, this is worth trying if you have an active subscription.
Adobe has replaced it with ExtendScript Debugger 1.1.0 , which you can download and use for your scripting needs.
Catalina changed how memory and graphics are handled. Use these settings to keep Illustrator running fast.
Because macOS Catalina is no longer the newest operating system, finding the right version in your Creative Cloud dashboard requires a few extra steps. Step 1: Download Creative Cloud
If you are running Illustrator CS6 or earlier, it will not work on macOS Catalina. Period. There are no workarounds, patches, or hacks that will make a 32-bit version of Illustrator launch on Catalina.
Adobe Illustrator on macOS Catalina: Compatibility, Installation, and Alternatives
Note: Newer versions of Illustrator (such as CC 2022, 2023, and beyond) require higher baseline operating systems like macOS Big Sur, Monterey, or Ventura, and cannot be installed on Catalina. 3. System Requirements Checklist
These were the primary versions supported during the lifecycle of Catalina.
If your Mac cannot officially support these newer operating systems, you may be facing hardware limitations. In this case, consider purchasing a newer Mac that can run the latest software.
: Click on two different anchor points on a path to snip the shape into two separate segments.
Modern versions of Illustrator (2022 and later) are now optimized for Apple Silicon (M1/M2 chips). If you have a newer Mac, you shouldn't be running Catalina anyway. But if you are stuck on a trusty Intel Mac from 2013-2015, Catalina remains a stable, if slightly aging, workhorse for Adobe Illustrator.