Even by 2021 standards, the CS6 interface holds up surprisingly well. It features the characteristic dark gray UI that Adobe introduced with this version, which reduces eye strain and helps artwork stand out against the canvas.
To understand the demand, one must first understand Adobe’s licensing shift. Before Creative Cloud (2013), Adobe sold software via a —you paid once, you owned it forever. adobe illustrator cs6 archiveorg 2021
Following the launch of CS6, Adobe shifted its focus towards a subscription-based model with the introduction of Creative Cloud (CC) in 2013. While this transition offered users access to the latest software updates and new features continuously, it also marked the end of the Creative Suite era, making CS6 one of the last versions of Adobe's software available for purchase as a standalone product. Even by 2021 standards, the CS6 interface holds