Adobe Illustrator CS6 is a powerful vector graphics software that lets you create logos, icons, drawings, typography, and illustrations for print, web, video, and mobile. The latest version of Illustrator CS6, 17.0.0, was released in October 2012 and introduced some new features and enhancements that make your work easier and faster.

One of the most notable improvements in Illustrator CS6 is the Adobe Mercury Performance System, which boosts the speed and stability of the software on large, complex files. With native 64-bit support on both Mac OS and Windows, you can access all the RAM on your computer and handle multiple high-resolution images without slowing down. You can also preview effects such as Gaussian Blur and Drop Shadows much faster than before.

Another new feature in Illustrator CS6 is the Image Trace tool, which lets you convert raster images to editable vectors with a simple click. You can choose from a variety of presets or adjust the settings manually to get the best results. You can also use Image Trace to create seamless patterns from any image.

Illustrator CS6 also offers more control over gradients and strokes. You can apply gradients to your strokes along the length, across the width, or within the stroke itself. You can also adjust the opacity and placement of the gradient stops. Moreover, you can use the new Pattern Options panel to create and edit repeating patterns with ease.

Other enhancements in Illustrator CS6 include a more streamlined and modern interface, inline editing in panels, improved color sampling and panel, new type panel options, dockable hidden tools, and more. If you want to learn more about Illustrator CS6, you can visit the official website[^1^] or download a free trial version[^2^].

In this article, we will show you some examples of how to use the new features and enhancements in Illustrator CS6. We will also give you some tips and tricks to make your work more efficient and creative.

Image Trace is a new tool in Illustrator CS6 that lets you convert raster images to vector graphics. This is useful when you want to edit or scale an image without losing quality. To use Image Trace, follow these steps:

1. Open or place the image you want to trace in Illustrator.
2. Select the image and click on the Image Trace button on the Control panel.
3. Choose a preset from the drop-down menu or click on the Image Trace panel icon to open the panel and adjust the settings manually.
4. Click on the Expand button to convert the image to paths and anchor points.
5. Use the Direct Selection tool or the Lasso tool to select and modify the paths as you wish.

You can also use Image Trace to create seamless patterns from any image. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Open or place the image you want to use as a pattern in Illustrator.
2. Select the image and click on the Image Trace button on the Control panel.
3. Choose a preset from the drop-down menu or click on the Image Trace panel icon to open the panel and adjust the settings manually.
4. Click on the Expand button to convert the image to paths and anchor points.
5. Select the paths and go to Object > Pattern > Make.
6. A new Pattern Options panel will open. Here you can name your pattern, change the tile type, size, spacing, and overlap of your pattern. You can also preview how your pattern will look on different objects.
7. Click on Done when you are satisfied with your pattern. Your pattern will be saved in the Swatches panel and you can apply it to any object.