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.
The original
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe's vector graphics application for logos, icons, illustration and typography.
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.
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
Free professional app from Canva that combines vector design, photo editing and page layout.
Affinity is free for individual use and imports AI files with layers intact, combining vector, photo and layout tools, but requires a Canva account.
CorelDRAW
Commercial vector illustration, layout and graphic design software for Windows, Mac and the web.
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.
Affinity Designer 2
Vector design app for illustration, branding and UI work.
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.
Amadine
A vector graphics and illustration app for Mac, iPad and iPhone with a lifetime license option.
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.
Linearity Curve
Apple-first vector design app with a fast, free-to-start workflow.
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.
Vectorpea
A free online vector graphics editor that opens and edits AI, SVG and PDF files.
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.
Xara Designer Pro+
Desktop design software combining vector illustration, photo editing, page layout and no-code web design.
Xara Designer Pro+ is Windows-only paid software that combines vector drawing with photo editing, page layout and no-code web design.
Also worth comparing
These listings name Adobe Illustrator as their own alternative, so the relationship runs both ways.
Boxy SVG
SVG editor focused on lean, fast workflows for web and icon design.
Adobe Illustrator is a full illustration suite with generative AI vector tools, but it is subscription only and has no Linux or web version.
Graphite
A free, open-source vector graphics editor and animation engine built around a node graph.
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.
Vectr
Online vector graphics editor with AI logo and background-removal tools.
Adobe Illustrator is a subscription desktop vector app for Windows and macOS with generative AI vectors and Creative Cloud integration.
Similar software
Related functionality, not a direct replacement.
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe's raster image editor for photo retouching, compositing, painting and generative AI edits.
Vectorizer.AI
Online tool that converts PNG, JPG, GIF and WebP images into SVG, PDF, EPS and DXF vectors.
Recraft
An AI image generator and design platform that produces photos, vector graphics, custom styles and mockups.
Figma
A collaborative design tool for interfaces, prototypes and product work, used in the browser.
