View all Design Alternatives
Best Free Alternatives to Adobe Illustrator
Stop paying $22.99/mo. Discover professional-grade tools that won't break your budget.
Category: DesignVerified for 2025
Top Recommended Replacements
Affinity (formerly Designer)
FREEBest Professional Free Alternative
Why we like it
Now free for core professional tools; incredible 10,000,000% zoom; smooth performance; handles massive .ai and .psd files effortlessly.
Keep in mind
Advanced AI features (Generative Fill) require a Canva Pro subscription.
Inkscape
FREEBest for Open Standards (SVG)
Why we like it
Native SVG support; powerful 'Path' operations; massive community of free extensions; runs on Linux, Windows, and macOS.
Keep in mind
Performance can lag on macOS; UI is dense and has a steeper learning curve than modern SaaS apps.
Linearity Curve (formerly Vectornator)
FREEBest for AI Auto-Tracing
Why we like it
Industry-leading 'Auto Trace' turns sketches into vectors instantly; highly optimized for iPad and Apple Pencil.
Keep in mind
The 'Pro' features are subscription-based; less powerful than Illustrator for complex technical drafting.
Figma
FREEBest for Web & UI Graphics
Why we like it
Legendary real-time collaboration; 'Auto Layout' makes responsive design easy; excellent for icon sets and web assets.
Keep in mind
Lacks advanced print features (CMYK support is limited); not designed for complex artistic illustrations.
Penpot
FREEBest Open Source for Dev-Collaboration
Why we like it
Cloud-based and self-hostable; uses Flexbox/CSS standards (makes handoff to developers seamless); completely free.
Keep in mind
Fewer artistic brush engines compared to Illustrator or Affinity.
CorelDRAW Graphics Suite
Best for Print & Signage
Why we like it
The professional standard for vinyl cutting and large-format print; offers a 'Buy it Once' perpetual license.
Keep in mind
One of the most expensive alternatives; Windows-centric legacy (though Mac version exists).
VectorStyler
Most Feature-Complete Professional Alt
Why we like it
Includes almost every niche feature Illustrator has (and some it doesn't); no subscription; excellent typography tools.
Keep in mind
Interface is extremely complex and may be intimidating for beginners.
Vectr
FREEBest for Quick Social Media Edits
Why we like it
Browser-based (no install); ultra-simple interface; great for non-designers needing a quick vector logo.
Keep in mind
Lacks professional tools like layers management or advanced mesh gradients.
Boxy SVG
Best Lightweight Web Tool
Why we like it
Clean, modern UI; specifically built for editing SVG files; available as a web app or desktop install.
Keep in mind
Focused strictly on SVG standards; lacks proprietary 'brushes' or 3D effects.