Seeking apps like Adobe Illustrator that fit your design needs? You’re not alone. For many designers, transitioning between programs means exploring new features and finding tools that enhance our work with ease and efficiency.
Adobe Illustrator remains a top choice for vector graphics, but Affinity Designer, CorelDRAW and Inkscape offer compelling alternatives. Whether you’re on Mac OS, Windows, or even Linux, there are options tailored to your platform. What if you’re looking for a budget-friendly or open-source design software? Look no further than tools like Vectr or Gravit Designer.
This article will guide you through the best picks, focusing on professional and user-friendly applications suited for various tasks— whether it’s creating vector art, web design, or logo design. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which software can suit your creative needs, from desktop publishing tools to online drawing apps.
Stick around to explore unmatched versatility and find the perfect tool for your next design project.
Apps Like Adobe Illustrator
Affinity Designer
Affinity Designer is a powerful vector graphics editor designed for professional designers. It’s well-suited for creating detailed illustrations, icons, branding, UI/UX designs, and web mockups. Available for both macOS and Windows, it offers a seamless experience with a one-time purchase model.
Best Features:
- Advanced vector tools
- Unlimited artboards
- Real-time pixel preview
- Non-destructive effects and adjustments
- Comprehensive layer management
What we like about it: Its non-destructive effects and adjustments allow for intricate edits without losing original quality.
CorelDRAW
CorelDRAW Graphics Suite is an extensive vector graphics editing software, offering a complete toolkit for graphic design, layout, and illustration. Tailored for professional use, it provides robust typography tools, color management, and layout capabilities suitable for print and web design projects.
Best Features:
- Wide range of design tools
- Color management tools
- Advanced typography
- Extensive file compatibility
- Powerful vector illustration tools
What we like about it: The wide range of design tools makes it suitable for complex projects requiring multiple design elements.
Inkscape
Inkscape is an open-source vector graphics editor that you could use when offering graphic design services. It features a robust set of tools for various design needs. It’s free to use and supports macOS, Windows, and Linux. Ideal for tasks like creating logos, illustrations, and web graphics, it’s a versatile option for both beginners and professionals.
Best Features:
- Extensive SVG support
- Node editing tools
- Path operations
- Bezier and spiro curves
- Text support
What we like about it: Its extensive SVG support makes Inkscape a go-to tool for web designers and developers.
Vectornator
Vectornator is an intuitive vector graphics tool available on macOS, iPadOS, and iOS. It combines ease of use with powerful design features, making it suitable for creating everything from detailed illustrations to complex UI/UX designs. It seamlessly integrates with the Apple ecosystem.
Best Features:
- User-friendly interface
- Advanced vector tools
- iPad and Apple Pencil support
- Real-time collaboration
- AI-powered auto-tracing
What we like about it: iPad and Apple Pencil support ensures a natural drawing experience for digital artists on the go.
Sketch
Sketch is a popular vector graphics editor specifically designed for macOS. It’s widely used by UI/UX designers for its powerful yet streamlined interface. With integrated prototyping features and a collaborative workspace, Sketch is ideal for designing and testing user interfaces.
Best Features:
- Symbols and reusable assets
- Prototyping tools
- Shared Libraries
- Cloud storage and collaboration
- Plugins and integrations
What we like about it: The prototyping tools offer a seamless transition from design to interactive mockups within the same workspace.
Gravit Designer
Gravit Designer is a versatile vector graphics application available on multiple platforms, including web-based, macOS, Windows, Linux, and Chrome OS. It’s perfect for creating icons, illustrations, and web design layouts. The interface is user-friendly, making it accessible for beginners and experienced designers alike.
Best Features:
- Multi-platform support
- Customizable interface
- Advanced typography
- Vector & raster blend
- Cloud integration
What we like about it: Its multi-platform support ensures that you can work on your designs from virtually any device with an internet connection.
FAQ on Apps Like Adobe Illustrator
What are the best free alternatives to Adobe Illustrator?
Some top free alternatives include Inkscape and Vectr. Inkscape is a powerful open-source design software compatible with Linux, Mac OS, and Windows. It supports SVG and offers tools for vector drawing. Vectr is simpler, but great for basic vector editing.
Which apps work well on a Mac for vector graphics?
Affinity Designer, SketchApp, and Adobe Illustrator itself are excellent for vector graphics on a Mac. Affinity Designer offers robust features, while SketchApp is user-friendly for UI/UX design. Both integrate well within the Mac OS ecosystem.
Are there any good mobile apps for vector design?
Certainly. Procreate and Vectornator are good mobile choices. Procreate is highly acclaimed for its natural drawing experience on iPad. Vectornator offers in-depth vector design capabilities, also on iPad, making it readable with an Apple Pencil.
How do these alternatives compare for professional use?
Affinity Designer and CorelDRAW are great for professionals. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite offers a range of tools including desktop publishing. Affinity Designer provides a one-time payment model. Both are highly functional for various design workflows.
Can these apps handle complex projects?
Yes, many alternatives can handle complex projects. CorelDRAW, Affinity Designer and Inkscape offer advanced tools such as layer management, color management tools, and artboard management. They support intricate, high-detail vector illustrations and are suitable for professional work.
What about support for SVG files?
Most alternatives support SVG. Inkscape and Gravit Designer natively use SVG for their default file format. Affinity Designer and CorelDRAW also provide strong support for SVG editing and exporting, making them versatile for web and interface design.
Are there apps better suited for beginners?
Vectr and Canva are beginner-friendly. Vectr offers basic vector graphics tools with a simple interface. Canva, although more of a general design tool, simplifies vector-based designs and is accessible through any web browser, ideal for newcomers.
Do these apps offer cloud storage?
Yes, some do. Figma is cloud-based, providing real-time collaboration and storage. Adobe Creative Cloud offers cloud storage across Adobe products including Illustrator. Canva also includes cloud storage for easy access and sharing of projects.
Are there options with a one-time purchase?
Affinity Designer is notable for requiring a one-time purchase, rather than a subscription. This makes it appealing for those who prefer to avoid ongoing costs. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite offers both subscription and one-time purchase options.
Can these apps be used for UI/UX design?
Absolutely. SketchApp is tailored specifically for UI/UX design and is popular among designers. Figma also excels in this area with its collaborative features. Affinity Designer is another versatile option that supports UI/UX design tasks efficiently.
Conclusion
Choosing apps like Adobe Illustrator can enhance your design workflow, offering new tools and features that might suit your specific needs better. Affinity Designer, CorelDRAW Graphics Suite, and Inkscape have proven capabilities in creating vector graphics and illustrations. These apps provide flexibility across various operating systems, including Mac OS, Windows, and Linux.
Whether you are looking for professional drawing software, an open-source design software, or mobile drawing apps, there’s something for every designer. These alternatives support complex vector tasks, offer robust layer management, and often include collaborative features for team projects. Additionally, Procreate and Vectornator cater well to the mobile artist community.
By exploring these options, you can find the right fit for UI/UX design, logo design, or any other creative projects. Many of these tools come with cloud storage, making it easier to manage and share your work.
In conclusion, exploring alternatives to Adobe Illustrator allows for discovering new features and possibly more efficient tools tailored to your particular design needs, ensuring your creative process remains uninterrupted and innovative.
With over a decade in the tech field, Bogdan blends technical expertise with insights on business innovation in technology.
A regular contributor to TMS Outsource's blog, where you'll find sharp analyses on software development, tech business strategies, and global tech dynamics.
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