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Adobe Illustrator might be the gold standard in vector design, but hey…
That doesn’t mean it’s right for everyone — especially creatives on a tight budget.
With subscription costs (among other things) climbing higher every day, more and more budget-conscious designers are looking for tools that offer the same features of Illustrator without the monthly price tag.
And, luckily, you’ve got options.
Whether you’re a seasoned designer or a newbie just starting out, there are plenty of free and open-source Illustrator alternatives that can help you get the job done without spending a dime!
Today’s blog is breaking down the 10 best free Adobe Illustrator alternatives available today to prove that you don’t need a pricey subscription to bring your most creative ideas to life!
Let’s get started!
1. Lunacy by Icons8
If you’re looking for a free Illustrator alternative that doesn’t skimp out on features, Lunacy by Icons8 is a solid choice.
Starting off as a Windows-based app for opening Sketch files, it has since evolved into a full-blown vector design platform in its own right. It’s available now on Windows, macOS, and Linux, and is packed with everything you’d expect from a professional design tool, like layer support, smart shapes, pen tools, and even built-in assets like icons and illustrations!
Thanks to its intuitive interface and compatibility with .sketch, .svg, and .png file types, it’s an especially great choice for UI/UX designers.
And, as an added bonus, it works offline, so you can design from wherever you want, Wi-Fi or not!
Get it here on Lunacy’s website!
2. Inkscape
When it comes to open-source vector editors, Inkscape is a hands-down favorite — and for good reason.
This free Illustrator alternative has been kicking for years and is constantly being updated by a passionate community of users and developers.
It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, and offers a powerful set of tools for creating and editing vector graphics, including flexible drawing tools, bezier curves, node editing, path operations, and full SVG file support.
This makes it a top choice for everything from logos and typography to technical illustrations!
3. Figma
If collaboration is something that’s on your must-have list for an Illustrator alternative, then Figma is one of the best free design tools out there, full stop. Its free plan offers plenty for individuals and even small teams, including unlimited files and collaborators.
While it’s more commonly known as a UI/UX tool, it also handles vector graphics like a champ, making it a great tool for web and interface designers alike.
It’s browser-based (so no downloads needed), works across platforms, and allows multiple people to design together in real time, making it perfect for remote teams and solo designers who work hands-on with their clients.
That, combined with its intuitive tools, clean interface, and huge component system has made it one of the most popular choices in the design world!
Click here to give Figma a try!
4. Boxy SVG
Boxy SVG is a tool built for the specific purpose of creating and editing SVG files, making it a perfect choice for web designers, icon creators, and anyone else who works with scalable graphics.
The interface is nice and clean and has customizable keyboard shortcuts with easy integration with Google Fonts.
Whether you prefer working in a browser or a desktop version for offline use, Boxy SVG has you covered. It’s a lightweight, easy-to-use tool that strikes a great balance between simplicity and functionality, making it an ideal choice for anyone who needs precise control over SVG files without getting bogged down by extras.
Try Boxy SVG by clicking here!
5. SVG-Edit
If you need to make quick edits to your SVG files without having to install anything, then SVG-Edit might be the tool for you.
This free, open-source tool runs directly in your browser and supports all modern browsers, so you can start editing right away, no account creation or downloads required.
It’s a lightweight and fast tool that’s ideal for basic tasks like tweaking icons, editing paths, or adjusting shapes. And while it’s not designed for more complex projects, it is a great option for fast fixes or projects with minimal vector work.
Try out SVG-Edit by clicking here.
6. Corel Vector (formerly Gravit Designer)
Corel Vector is a sleek, web-based vector design tool that offers a modern UI and cross-platform compatibility, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and even Chrome OS. It's particularly useful for creating illustrations, UI designs, and scalable graphics.
New users can take advantage of a 15-day free trial, which provides access to all Pro features, like offline mode, high-resolution exports, and advanced design tools. However, after the trial period, a subscription will be required to continue using the software.
7. Krita
While Krita is more known as a powerhouse for digital painting, it also supports vector layers too, making it a great free Illustrator alternative for illustrators and concept artists who work with both raster and vector graphics.
It’s completely open-source, runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, and includes tools for brush customization, perspective grids, and advanced layering. So, if your focus is more on expressive illustration as opposed to clean corporate graphics, Krita might be just the tool you’re looking for.
8. GIMP
GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is more often looked at as an alternative to Photoshop, but it also includes basic vector capabilities as well.
Which means that with the right plugins and a bit of customization, you can work with paths, shapes, and scalable graphics, even if it’s not a dedicated vector editor!
GIMP is free, open-source, and runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, and more. It’s a great tool if you’re working with a mix of raster and vector elements or if you’re just looking for a customizable environment. Just keep in mind that GIMP makes a good basic vector editing tool, so if your projects rely heavily on vector precision, then it might not be the one for you.
*And for a more in-depth write up of GIMP, click that link for one of our recent blogs!
9. Vectr
New to vector design?
Vectr is a great Illustrator alternative for newbies to start with. It’s a simple, browser-based editor with a clean, beginner-friendly interface and just enough tools to create basic graphics, logos, and mockups.
It also supports real-time collaboration, so you can design with your team or share feedback easily. Vectr works across all major platforms and doesn't require installation, making it perfect for quick projects and casual use!
10. Photopea
Photopea is a web-based editor that combines the functionalities of both Photoshop and Illustrator in a surprisingly powerful browser app!
It’s mainly known for raster editing, but it also supports vector formats like SVG and AI as well, making it a very versatile tool for designers looking for an Illustrator alternative.
It opens PSD, AI, Sketch, and SVG files with no downloads or logins needed, making it a flexible and handy tool for any designer who jumps between different file types or needs a fast way to work with both raster and vector assets without switching programs.
Are Free Illustrator Alternatives Good Enough?
Good question.
And, honestly, it depends on what you need.
Free Adobe Illustrator alternatives have come a long way in the past few years, and many of them offer plenty of vector editing features, clean interfaces, and even collaborative functionality, often without a steep learning curve and definitely without the monthly subscription fees.
For common tasks like logo design, social media graphics, UI mockups, and basic illustrations, free tools like the ones mentioned above are more than capable of holding their own.
Where they shine brightest is accessibility and simplicity, meaning that you don’t need high-end hardware. Most of them run right in a browser or on any operating system, making them an attractive option for students, freelancers, and anyone just starting out.
That said, there are some trade-offs. Advanced features like gradient meshes, custom brushes, or complex scripting support may be limited or missing. And if you work in a high-end professional environment — especially one where Adobe files are king — you might find yourself running into compatibility issues.
The bottom line is this: free Illustrator alternatives are good enough to meet most design needs. But if your work demands higher-end features or integration with other Adobe tools, you might find yourself outgrowing them.
How to Choose the Right Free Adobe Illustrator Alternative
Not all free design tools are built the same!
The best one for you will depend on its features and how you plan to use it. Here are a few key factors to consider before you commit:
- Feature Set — Are you looking for basic vector tools or something that mimics Illustrator’s advanced functionality? Tools like Inkscape offer powerful features, while simpler options like Vectr are best for quick edits or beginner projects.
- User Experience — Some tools prioritize ease of use with drag-and-drop simplicity, while others have a steeper learning curve. If you’re new to vector design, go for something intuitive like Lunacy or Corel Vector.
- File Format Support — Make sure the tool supports the file types you need — especially if you’ll be sharing files with others. Look for compatibility with formats like SVG, PDF, AI, and EPS.
- Platform Compatibility — Check whether the software works on your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux) or if it runs in the browser. Figma and Vectr, for example, are browser-based and work across any device.
- Collaboration Needs — If you’re working on a team or need to gather feedback, tools with real-time collaboration like Figma are ideal.
- Use Case — Match your tool to your task:
- Logo design: Inkscape, Boxy SVG
- UI/UX mockups: Figma, Lunacy
- Illustration: Krita, Corel Vector
- Quick SVG edits: SVG-Edit, Vectr
The best tool is the one that fits your specific workflow — so don’t be afraid to test out a few before choosing!
<div class="c-blog_comp-cta cc-component-2"><div class="c-blog_comp-cta-left"><div class="c-blog_comp-cta-left-wrap"><img src="https://global-uploads.webflow.com/61cdf3c5e0b8155f19e0105b/63695243d096983691046ac3_Potential-Creative.png" loading="lazy" alt="" class="c-blog_comp-cta-left-img"></div></div><div class="c-blog_comp-cta-right cc-dark"><div class="c-blog_comp-content"><div class="c-text-wrapper cc-mb-32"><div class="c-title-4 cc-bold"><strong>Like to work as a freelancer with consistent income?</strong></div></div><div class="c-text-wrapper"><div class="c-text-2">Designity's collaborative model is designed to give you all of the perks of being a freelancer without the income instability.<br></div></div></div><div class="c-blog_comp-wrapper"><a href="http://designity.com/creatives" target="_blank" class="c-button w-button"><strong>Join Our Creative Community</strong></a></div></div></div>
Ready to Put Your Vector Skills to Work?
Already mastered the free (and paid!) tools and looking for more real-world vector design projects to fill your pipeline?
If so, then we have one last suggestion to make:
Why not join the Designity community?
Designity is a flexible, remote Creative as a Service platform where top-tier creatives collaborate on everything from logos and branding to illustrations and UI design for different companies in a huge variety of different industries.
As a Designity creative, you’ll also get the following perks:
- Access to consistent, high-quality design projects
- A Creative Director to handle client communication (so you can focus on what you love to do)
- A supportive, vetted network of professionals to collaborate with and learn from
- A totally schedule flexibility
- Plenty of growth opportunities
- So much more!
Whether you’re an Adobe die-hard or a fan of other toolkits, if you’ve got the skills, we’ve got a place for you!
Apply now with our one-of-a-kind application and let’s see where Designity can take you!
