Alternatives to Adobe Illustrator

Adobe's vector graphics application for logos, icons, illustration and typography. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.

Replacements

Listings that take over the same core job as Adobe Illustrator.

  • Inkscape

    A free vector editor that works natively in SVG, for logos, diagrams and illustration.

    FreeOpen sourceWindowsmacOSLinux

    Inkscape is free and open source under GPL-3.0-or-later, runs on Linux as well, and uses SVG natively, but complex documents can slow its canvas.

  • Affinity Designer 2

    Vector design app for illustration, branding and UI work.

    PaidProprietaryWindowsmacOS

    Affinity Designer 2 replaces the subscription with a one-time purchase, but version 2 is legacy and new features now go into the unified Affinity app.

  • Linearity Curve

    Apple-first vector design app with a fast, free-to-start workflow.

    FreemiumProprietarymacOSiOS

    Linearity Curve has a free tier and a touch-friendly workflow, but runs only on Mac and iOS, and advanced features need a paid plan.

  • Boxy SVG

    SVG editor focused on lean, fast workflows for web and icon design.

    FreemiumProprietaryWindowsmacOSLinuxWeb

    Boxy SVG focuses on lean SVG editing for web and icon work and adds Linux and web versions, but suits complex print illustration less well.

  • Vectr

    Online vector graphics editor with AI logo and background-removal tools.

    PaidProprietaryWeb

    Vectr runs in the browser with AI logo and background-removal tools, but full functionality needs a paid subscription and complex work can lag native editors.

  • CorelDRAW

    Commercial vector illustration, layout and graphic design software for Windows, Mac and the web.

    PaidProprietaryWindowsmacOSWeb

    CorelDRAW is also paid and closed source, runs on Windows, macOS and the web, and combines vector illustration with layout, photo editing and typography in one suite.

  • Amadine

    A vector graphics and illustration app for Mac, iPad and iPhone with a lifetime license option.

    PaidProprietarymacOSiOS

    Amadine runs on Mac, iPad and iPhone with a lifetime license option, offering text on path, CMYK mode and SVG, PDF and EPS export, but no Windows version.

  • Vectorpea

    A free online vector graphics editor that opens and edits AI, SVG and PDF files.

    FreeProprietaryWeb

    Vectorpea is a free browser editor that opens AI, SVG and PDF files with nothing to install, suited to quick edits rather than full illustration projects.

Also worth comparing

These listings name Adobe Illustrator as their own alternative, so the relationship runs both ways.

  • Affinity

    Free professional app from Canva that combines vector design, photo editing and page layout.

    FreeProprietaryWindowsmacOS

    Adobe Illustrator handles the vector design side with generative vector AI and Creative Cloud integration, but it is subscription only and does not cover photo editing or layout.

  • Graphite

    A free, open-source vector graphics editor and animation engine built around a node graph.

    FreeOpen sourceWeb

    Adobe Illustrator is a paid subscription desktop vector app for Windows and macOS with generative AI vector tools, closed source and with no browser or Linux version.

  • Xara Designer Pro+

    Desktop design software combining vector illustration, photo editing, page layout and no-code web design.

    PaidProprietaryWindows

    Adobe Illustrator is a subscription vector application for Windows and macOS with generative AI, covering illustration but not Xara's page layout or web design.

Similar software

Related functionality, not a direct replacement.