Illustrator is great for graphic design but it's not for everyone. Here's a list of several powerful vector design tools you don't want to miss.
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In this post, we’ll explore 14+ paid and free graphic design tools that you can use as vector editor Adobe Illustrator alternatives.
While Adobe Creative Cloud — Illustrator, Photoshop, Adobe XD, InDesign, and more — may be known as the industry standard for graphic design, its expensive monthly subscription model ($20.99 per month or $52.99 per month for the entire Creative Cloud) can bruise a budget.
This post delves into some surprising alternative vector design tools to uncover:
Initially, Gravit was designed as an online vector editor to create icons, banners, logos, and other graphic elements. However, developers introduced new functions and this alternative to Adobe Illustrator free trial became a powerful graphics tool which is now compatible with Mac, Windows, and Linux platforms. Pros: Adobe Illustrator has multi-platform support, offers many edit options also on mobile devices. Helps to create professional artworks. No limit to designing. Cons: It's a little difficult to understand it's designing. Overall: Adobe Illustrator is a powerful editor and offers to design, create and edit beyond any limits. Best for vector designing and comes with multi-platform support.
- Features
- Files supported
- Pricing
- Compatible systems (Windows, Mac, iPad, etc.)
- Potential downsides
For a list of some FREE Adobe Illustrator alternatives, scroll to the bottom.
If you’re looking for alternatives to Adobe Photoshop, we’ve also got a handy list here, along with our picks for the best web design software tools.
Vectors vs. rasters: quick lesson for the uninitiated
For context, graphic designers work on two types of static image formats: vectors and rasters. Vectors are made from lines, curves, and shapes (plus some machine learning magic). Rasters are comprised of pixels.
Have you ever noticed an image get super grainy when you try to blow it up? That’s raster image pixelation at work (and why you don’t want your logo to be a raster).
Vectors: Scale ’em up, scale ’em down. Vectors are easily editable and resizable — perfect for logos, icons, illustrations, print/signage graphics, and even some animations.
Rasters: Preferred for digital photography, enormously wider range of color palette options (16 million), better for nuanced detail
If you’re looking for Adobe Illustrator alternatives to create digital graphics, logos, illustrations, and animations for print, web, and interfaces — you’re in the right place.
Our list of top Adobe Illustrator alternatives:
- RelayThat
- Affinity Designer
- CorelDRAW
- Sketch
- Figma
- Snappa
- Canva
- Artboard
- Vector Creator
- Boxy SVG
- Graphic
- Gravit Designer
- Inkscape
- Vectornator
- Design Wizard
- + more free Adobe Illustrator alternatives at the end
Sure, Adobe Illustrator may be king. But if you’re into coups, here’s where you should start:
1. RelayThat
RelayThat flips the whole idea of a professional marketing graphics design tool on its head by allowing you to import your brand assets (or magically upload from a URL). This cloud-based graphics design superstar let’s you immediately get to work with thousands of premade, social-friendly layouts based on specific branding.
- Files: Import PNG, JPEG, and SVG. Export PNG and JPEG
- Trial version: No
- OS: Web app, optimized for Chrome
- Pricing model: AppSumo Lifetime Deal: $49 forever [limited time]
Potential downsides: Focus on digital social media graphic creation, limited layout sizes
2. Affinity Designer
Built and continuously improved as Serif’s pièce de résistance, Affinity Designer is designed to be intuitive for the experienced Adobe user. With one of the most comprehensive vector design toolsets on this list, plus raster finishing, Affinity Designer might be the alternative you’re looking for.
With full compatibility with Adobe’s Suite, Affinity Designer supports standards: 10-bit, CMYK, CIELAB, and Pantone. Affinity Designer has some capabilities similar to Photoshop, like bitmap functions. Users like that the program is not too heavy and doesn’t take up too much RAM.
- Files: PSD, AI, PDF, SVG, JPG, TIFF, EXR
- Free trial: Yes (for Mac and Windows)
- OS: Mac, PC, iPad
- Pricing: One-time price of $49.99, free and frequent updates (only $19.99 on iPad)
Potential downsides: Relatively newer product, awaiting more advanced editing features that Illustrator has, lack of educational and how-to resources
3. CorelDRAW
Compatible with other tools in the Corel graphic suite including Photo-Paint, a Photoshop competitor, CorelDRAW gives you a robust set of vector illustration tools. Get vectors ready for print fast and easy, edit multi-page documents, convert bitmap to vector non-destructively, and generate QR codes.
![Download adobe illustrator for mac for free Download adobe illustrator for mac for free](/uploads/1/2/6/5/126557932/516449395.png)
Check out the LiveSketch feature on touch-enabled devices to turn sketching into precise vector graphics. CorelDRAW is the go-to software for many printing industries in certain parts of the world.
- Files: Download to AI, PSD, PDF, JPG, PNG, SVG, DWG, DXF, EPS, TIFF + more
- Free trial: Yes
- OS: Windows and Mac (and tablet-compatible app)
- Pricing: Buy a full license for $669 or get an annual subscription for $198
Potential downsides: Very large application size, fairly expensive, fewer updates
4. Sketch
Built for UI design, prototyping, and wireframing, Sketch also gives users powerful vector graphics editing abilities. Users report that it is fairly easy to use and has strong organizational/breadcrumb features. Plus, Sketch has a diverse suite of educational resources.
- Files: PNG, JPG, TIFF, WebP, SVG, EPS, SVG code, PDF. AI and PSD files are upload-only, giving you a flattened layer.
- Free trial: Yes
- OS: Mac
- Pricing: $100 per year to renew license
Potential downsides: Reliance on third-party plugins and integrations (may be good or bad), focus on UX/UI and prototyping
(For a free Sketch alternative for Windows, check outLunacyfrom icons8.)
5. Figma
As a collaborative wireframing and UI design tool, Figma isn’t a direct Adobe competitor, but its collaborative, web app-based approach might be worth your consideration. Share files with links, instead of exporting each time you need another pair of eyes on your work.
Speaking of collaboration, Figma might be most well-known for offering real-time teamwork-friendly possibilities. This Adobe Illustrator alternative is focused in on design made for the web, so its tools for pure vector graphic creation are more basic. But you’ve still got your pen tool, vector networks, and smart components.
- Files: Export to PNG, JPG, SVG, or PDF. Import .sketch, PNG, JPG, GIF or Figma Files (.fig)
- Free trial: Sort of? It is free up to 2 editors and 3 projects
- OS: Windows, Linux, Mac, and Chrome
- Pricing: Free up to 2 editors and 3 projects, $12-45 per editor per month after that
Potential downsides: Not a pure vector graphics editor, not touchscreen compatible, reliance on plugins, focus on UX/UI and prototyping
6. Snappa
Snappa is great for creating professional marketing designs in that made-for-social-media style. Its UI is a lot simpler and more lightweight compared to Adobe – of course, that comes with many relative limitations as well. Users seem to like its easy graphic resizing feature and library of visual assets. As part of the Stocksnap.io family, you also get access to tons of pre-licensed, free stock images.
- Files: Download to JPG or PNG
- Free trial: Free up to 5 saved/downloaded designs per month
- OS: Web app
- Pricing: $10-$15 per month or $120 annually
Potential downsides: Focus on digital social media graphic creation, limited file export options
7. Canva
Many people who use Illustrator or Sketch rely on tools like Canva when they need to create graphics quickly. Canva is extremely versatile, and while it doesn’t have the same deep vector editing features as Illustrator, the tool boasts an impressive range of assets, vector icons, templates, and ready-made design solutions.
- Files: Upload SVG, PNG, or JPEG. Download to JPG, PNG, PDF, Powerpoint, GIF, or MP4.
- Free trial: Yes
- OS: Web app
- Pricing: $12.95 per month or $119.40 annually
Potential downsides: Limited export options, users dislike the feeling of being nickeled and dimed for +$1 additional assets.)
[Looking for Canva alternatives? We’ve written about 9 different options.]
8. Artboard
Built by the team at Mapdiva, Artboard is a Mac app with surprisingly smart vector editing capabilities. With tons of drawing tools, timesaving workflows, layers, and boolean tools, Artboard is a simplified Illustrator alternative for quick design turnaround.
- Files: Import JPEG, BMP, GIF, PNG, TIF, PDF, and SVG. Export to PNG, TIF, JPEG, and fully scalable PDFs.
- Free trial: Yes
- OS: Mac
- Pricing: Starts at $39.99 for a single user license
Potential downsides: User complaints about the lack of a pathfinder tool, struggle to edit text
9. Vector Creator
From the team at Icons8: meet Vector Creator. This tool is uniquely focused on creating those soft people illustrations you see all over SaaS websites.
- Files: Import in SVG, PNG, and JPEG. Export to PNG or editable .SVG with Icons8 license (Pro features include SVG export and attribution removal)
- Free trial: Free version
- OS: Web app
- Pricing: Free or $19.90 per month for Vector Creator Pro (plus all of Icons8)
Potential downsides: Newer tool, basic features, lacks file export options
10. Boxy SVG
Using SVG as its native document format, Boxy SVG was made just for scalable vector graphics. This tool is available across operating systems and devices.
- Files: Upload PNG, JPEG, GIF, WebP, PDF and AI files. Download to PNG, JPEG, GIF, WebP and HTML. Plus .pdf for Windows and macOS apps
- Free trial: Not really
- OS: MacOS, Windows, Linux, ChromeOS, web app
- Pricing: $9 or $9.99 per month depending on the version, free for Linux
Potential downsides: Dated UI, super focused on vector editing (SVGs) so missing some broader graphic design features
11. Graphic
Graphic started as a vector drawing iPad app, but it’s since moved to iPhone and Mac OS X as well. This vector software also gives you tools like layers, editable brush strokes, and UI creation elements.
- Files: Import and export SVG, PDF, and PSD
- Free trial: No
- OS: iPad, iPhone, MacOS only
- Pricing: Mac App Store for only $29.99
Potential downsides: Originating from iPad, this tool has a different feel from native web or desktop apps (may be a good or bad thing)
Free Adobe Illustrator Alternatives:
12. Gravit Designer
Gravit Designer is a free vector graphic design app geared toward professional designers. Choose from a wide library of shapes, illustrations, etc., and export infinitely scalable vector graphics. The paid PRO version has even more vector graphic features, including cloud file syncing and offline mode, as well as way more file import/export options.
- Files: Export to PNG, JPG, PDF, and SVG. With PRO: Import PDF, EPS, SVG, AI, and .sketch
- Free trial: Full free version. Free trial of PRO.
- OS: Any desktop (Mac OS, Windows, Linux, and Chrome OS)
- Pricing: Free. Get PRO for $49.99 per year
Potential downsides: Doesn’t support graphics tablets, some users complain that it can take up a lot of RAM, missing some key features under the hood like snap to grid functions
13. Inkscape
Free, open-source, and impressive, Inkscape gives you flexible drawing tools, embedded bitmaps, transformations, gradient editor, node editing, boolean operations. Sure, the UI is a bit dated. But with Inkscape, you can design, edit, draw in 2D, easily convert bitmap images into vectors, and create compliant SVG files.
- Files: Import/export: SVG, PNG, OpenDocument Drawing, DXF, sk1, PDF, EPS, + more
- OS: Windows, Mac OS X and GNU/Linux
- Pricing: It’s free
Potential downsides: Interface can be overwhelming, can lag or crash when working with super high-res files, no preview features for the visualization of filters and effects
14. Vectornator
Starting as an iPad app, Vectornator is a pretty interesting free choice with some more advanced vector editing tools like boolean operations, grouping, pen tool, anchoring, and masking capabilities. Plus, this will be a tool to watch, since real-time collaboration is coming soon.
- Files: AI, SVG and PDF
- OS: iPad, iOS, MacOS only
- Pricing: It’s free
Potential downsides: It’s really new and it remains to be seen how all the features will develop and mature.
15. Design Wizard
Design Wizard gives you the freedom to create great videos and images easily. The resize feature is a standout here, and allows you to quickly resize images on the free plan. Design Wizard holds over 1 million premium images and thousands of high-quality videos. And every video and image has also been licensed for commercial use!
Files: Upload SVG, PNG, JPEG or MP4. Download to JPG, PNG, PDF, SVG, M-JPEG, MP4
Free trial: Yes
OS: Web app
Pricing: $9.99 per month for Pro or $49.99 per month for Business
Potential downsides: No print or music integrations as of yet!
Here are more free alternatives to Adobe Illustrator that you may want to check out:
- Vectr – free vector graphics software
- GIMP – free, not for Macs
Free vector-editing adjacent tools:
- Vecteezy (Vector images with an editor)
- Vector Magic (convert files with an editor)
You can also check out our list of discounted graphic design tools to help you create without breaking the bank.
Good luck! We hope you find an Adobe Illustrator alternative that you love — a tool that can scale with you! Comment below letting us know which tool is your favorite to work with!
Adobe Illustrator
- Rank (4.5/5)
- Reviews: 415
- License: Free Trial
- Downloads: 14.7k
- Version: 23.0.3
- Compatible: Mac/Win
- Free Illustrator Mobile: Android/iOS
Don’t know how to get Adobe Illustrator for free but want to create professional designs without paying $20 per the month subscription? Check out these two safe ways of downloading Adobe Illustrator free without violating the law, its free alternatives, and all secret piracy dangers.
Free Illustrator Benefits
- Professional designing tools
- Simple learning curve
- Can be integrated with other Adobe products
- Supports all kinds of formats
- Easy access to Adobe Fonts
- Can be used for presentations
Using Adobe Illustrator for free on a regular basis is unfortunately impossible, although you may test this vector editor for 7 days completely free of charge, or install a free Adobe Illustrator on your smartphone. Adobe Illustrator Free Trial is a great way to test the program performance without any limitations for 7 days. This variant is suitable for those who have not decided what vector editor to download.
Adobe Illustrator For Macbook
Adobe Illustrator Free Trial FAQ:
In case you have any questions about Adobe Illustrator Free Trial, look through the answers in the FAQ section.
- Is it possible to download Adobe Illustrator CS6 trial?
No. Illustrator is the only and the most recent trial version of Adobe Illustrator which may be downloaded for free.
- Is Adobe Illustrator free trial a full version of Illustrator?
Yes. It has all functions and updates of the recent Illustrator version.
If you’re interested in other Adobe products, read more about how to get Lightroom for free and use Photoshop free.
- Will I get a discount for Adobe Illustrator if I am a student?
Yes. Students and teachers may buy a subscription on the whole Creative Cloud Collection with a 60 % discount.
- What to do if the trial period is over?
Go to the 'Buy' section and select one of the available plans.
Another Way to Use Adobe Illustrator Free
Adobe Illustrator Draw
- Rank (4/5)
- Reviews: 205
- License: Free
- Downloads: 9.3k
- Version: 3.6.6
- Compatible: Android/IOS
Illustrator Draw Benefits:
- Layer support
- Customizable brushes
- Integration with other Adobe softwares
- Simple UI
Adobe Illustrator Draw offers all popular tools and functions for vector drawing on a simple and modern interface. The app supports layers and various brushes. Since Draw belongs to Creative Cloud Collection, it is compatible with the following apps: Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Capture, Adobe Photoshop Sketch, and Lightroom mobile app.
- View more about the best Wacom tablets and make your work faster and easier.
You may send created illustrations to your computer and continue vector editing in the form of vector contours in Illustrator or paste sketches into Photoshop. Illustrator Draw supports the newest software, such as Adobe Ink, Adonit Jot Touch with Pixelpoint, Wacom, Pencil by FiftyThree Company, and Apple Pencil. It allows creating pictures by means of pressure-sensitive styluses. Moreover, thanks to this application, you may publish your works on Behance, and the most important thing is that the app is completely free.
- Check out the best tablet for photo editing or graphic design.
Why Shouldn’t You Use Adobe Illustrator Pirate Version?
Some users may think that there is nothing wrong about downloading and using torrents. Downloading a pirate program from Torrent, you will get Adobe for free. However, that’s where the benefits end and criminal responsibility begins. Below, I will describe the consequences of using unlicensed software.
- Lawsuit
I believe that the most important consequence resulting from using pirate software is criminal liability. Probably, many of you haven’t even guessed about such a law, although ignorance of the law is no excuse, as you know.
The thing is that if you download unlicensed software, you will get several warning messages on your e-mail describing the consequences of the illegal downloading. In case you don’t stop and continue misusing the pirate app, the Internet connection deactivated by your provider, and you will get summons. As a result, you will have to pay a fine in the amount from $1000.
- Viruses
Pirate software, as a rule, is one of the biggest virus distributors on your computers. Having downloaded Adobe Illustrator free from the unreliable source, you may get different viruses. The most harmless thing that may happen is the automatic installation of different unnecessary programs. Moreover, viruses may slow down the performance of your PC. The most serious consequences are that your operating system will be damaged or your personal data may be even stolen.
- No updates
Adobe Company constantly pleases us with updates which correct various bags, enhance or add new tools. Having downloaded hacked Adobe Illustrator, you can’t update it to the recent version and will use it till you download another, unlicensed version (which rarely happens).
- Limited functionality
In order to hack the program, hackers find weak points in the program to open source code and crack it. When the program is cracked, hackers change source code in such a way that software may be used constantly. When source code is changed, hackers may hurt some tools. As a result, they will not function correctly, or stop working at all. It is really common for hacked programs.
- No customer support
Adobe is rather a serious company which takes care of its users. Purchasing their product, you will get 24/7 support, which you can address with various questions. The support team will assist while handling some program issues or explain how this or that tool works. Downloading a pirate image editor version, you will not be able to take advantage of this possibility.
3 Adobe Illustrator Free Alternatives
Not everyone can afford to pay from $10 to $80 per month for the vector editor. That is why many independent designers and regular users look for affordable alternatives. If you start studying the vector graphics, the programs which I have chosen as free alternatives to Adobe Illustrator may be ideal to satisfy your needs. Without doubts, Illustrator will win in all respects, although I tried to pick up the closest image editors which are suitable for basic vector operations.
1. Inkscape
- Hotkeys
- Convenient image edit functions
- Completely free
- System resource-demanding
- File import issues
Inkscape is a special program which is designed to create and process vector illustrations. It’s a perfect Adobe Illustrator free alternative, which is frequently used to design business cards, posters, schemes, logos, and diagrams. It allows creating and editing vector images by means of various tools. You may draw objects using such tools as a pencil, pen, and calligraphy. Moreover, there are different rectangles, ellipsis, polygons, spirals, text possibilities, and much more. You may also open and save graphics in GZIP format.
In addition, the program allows editing image of many popular formats, for example, SVG, PNG, OpenDocument, DXF, sk1, PDF, EPS, PostScript, etc. Inkscape is a great utility with many useful functions and a simple interface. I recommend this app for those, who need a reliable program to create and edit graphics.
Adobe Illustrator For Mac For Free Download
- Check out more Adobe Illustrator alternatives.
![Adobe Illustrator For Mac For Free Adobe Illustrator For Mac For Free](/uploads/1/2/6/5/126557932/167519531.jpg)
2. Gravit
- Big library of vector assets
- Simple user interface
- Available browser version
- Relatively limited functionality
Initially, Gravit was designed as an online vector editor to create icons, banners, logos, and other graphic elements. However, developers introduced new functions and this alternative to Adobe Illustrator free trial became a powerful graphics tool which is now compatible with Mac, Windows, and Linux platforms. The program has the full set of tools necessary for vector graphics processing.
Adobe Illustrator Free Download
It supports layers, curves, geometric figures, various tools for selecting and transformation, texts, and many other functions to work with objects. Gravit Designer library of vector assets includes badges, forms, emoji, and illustrations, which may be combined during photo editing. By the way, Gravit may be used as a raster graphics editor, since there are such functions as cropping, masking, blending, resizing, and filter adding. Edited works may be saved in PNG, JPG, or SVG formats.
3. Vectr
- Completely free
- Easy to use
- Cross-platform
- WordPress integration
- Available browser version
- Limited functions
- Personal account is a must
Vectr is a relatively new app which is rapidly developing, adding and enhancing various functions. It’s a simple and understandable picture editor, which allows you to perform standard vector operations such as create and edit geometric figures, curves, etc. It has several levels and pages, which help organize the project. Vectr allows importing such format files as AI, EPS, SVG, PNG, and JPEG.
It is frequently used for annotation, image correction, and drawing mockups and diagrams. What is more, it may be used to create logos, watermarks, user interface design, website mockups, social networks banners, icons, and 2D images. Thanks to Vectr, you can create zoomed vector illustrations using simple and understandable functions. The program is easy to master and suitable for those, who start working with a vector and are completely satisfied with basic functions regarding illustration editing.
Download Adobe Illustrator Free
To test this software for free, download the licensed trial version or use the mobile application.
Adobe Illustrator For Mac For Free Cracked
Ann Young
Adobe Illustrator For Mac For Free
Hi there, I'm Ann Young - a professional blogger, read more