Alternatives to Inkscape

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

  • Adobe Illustrator

    Adobe's vector graphics application for logos, icons, illustration and typography.

    PaidProprietaryWindowsmacOS

    Adobe Illustrator adds generative AI vector creation and Creative Cloud integration, but it is closed source, subscription only and has no Linux version.

  • Affinity Designer 2

    Vector design app for illustration, branding and UI work.

    PaidProprietaryWindowsmacOS

    Affinity Designer 2 is a paid one-time purchase for Windows and macOS with no Linux build, and version 2 is legacy with new features going elsewhere.

  • Boxy SVG

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

    FreemiumProprietaryWindowsmacOSLinuxWeb

    Boxy SVG is a lean SVG editor that also runs on the web, but it is closed source and full features require paying for the app.

  • Linearity Curve

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

    FreemiumProprietarymacOSiOS

    Linearity Curve provides a touch-friendly vector workflow with a free tier, but it is closed source and runs only on Mac and iOS.

  • Vectr

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

    PaidProprietaryWeb

    Vectr moves vector editing into the browser with AI logo tools, but it is closed source, paid, and can lag native editors on complex work.

  • CorelDRAW

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

    PaidProprietaryWindowsmacOSWeb

    CorelDRAW is paid, closed-source software combining vector illustration, layout and photo editing on Windows, Mac and the web, without a Linux version.

  • Graphite

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

    FreeOpen sourceWeb

    Graphite is a free open-source browser vector editor built around a nondestructive node graph with procedural animation, but it is still in alpha.

  • Amadine

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

    PaidProprietarymacOSiOS

    Amadine is a paid vector illustration app for Mac, iPad and iPhone with CMYK mode and SVG, PDF and EPS export, limited to Apple platforms.

Also worth comparing

These listings name Inkscape 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

    Inkscape is a free, open-source SVG vector editor for Windows, macOS and Linux, covering the vector side only, without photo editing or page layout.

  • Method Draw

    A web-based SVG editor that drops advanced features to keep vector drawing simple.

    FreeOpen sourceWebSelf-hosted

    Inkscape is a free, open-source desktop SVG editor for Windows, macOS and Linux with layers, node editing and path operations, trading simplicity for many advanced features.

  • SVG-Edit

    An open-source vector graphics editor for creating and editing SVG files in the web browser.

    FreeOpen sourceWebSelf-hosted

    Inkscape is a free, open-source desktop SVG editor for Windows, macOS and Linux with node editing, layers and path operations, far more features than a browser tool.

  • Vectorpea

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

    FreeProprietaryWeb

    Inkscape is a free, open-source desktop vector editor for Windows, macOS and Linux working natively in SVG, with node editing and path operations beyond a browser tool.

  • Xara Designer Pro+

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

    PaidProprietaryWindows

    Inkscape is a free, open-source SVG vector editor for Windows, macOS and Linux, but it is a drawing tool without page layout or web design.

Similar software

Related functionality, not a direct replacement.