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You must be thinking why would anyone want to seek alternatives to Adobe Illustrator it is widely regarded as one of the best vector graphics editors available, but it is not without its drawbacks. For many users, the cost of the software and the need to pay for an ongoing subscription are significant drawbacks. Additionally, Adobe Illustrator has a steep learning curve and can be difficult for beginners to use. These reasons have led many designers and artists to seek alternatives to Adobe Illustrator.

Another reason to consider an alternative to Adobe Illustrator is that many modern design projects require a more collaborative and streamlined workflow. Adobe Illustrator is designed for individual use and does not have built-in collaboration tools. This can make it difficult for teams to work together on a design project, as multiple users cannot work on the same file at the same time.

In recent years, there have been many new alternatives to Adobe Illustrator that have been developed to meet the needs of users who are looking for a more affordable, accessible, or collaborative solution. Many of these alternatives offer features that are comparable to those found in Adobe Illustrator, and some even provide additional capabilities that are not available in Adobe’s software. These alternatives often have a lower cost of entry and are designed to be more user-friendly, making them a good choice for users who are just starting out with vector graphics design.

Here is a list of alternatives that you can go for.

Best Alternatives to Adobe Illustrator

1. Inkscape

Inkscape is a free, open-source vector graphics software that is often considered as the best alternative to Adobe Illustrator. It offers a wide range of features and tools, including layers, gradient fills, and vector masks, as well as advanced features like path operations and a built-in grid system. Inkscape is also compatible with many file formats, including SVG, PDF, and PNG, making it easy to share and collaborate with others.

Features of Inkscape

Here is a short list of some of the key features of Inkscape:

Vector Tools: Inkscape provides a comprehensive set of vector tools, including shapes, pens, and gradient fills, which enable users to create precise, scalable graphics.
Path Operations: Inkscape provides a range of path operations, including Boolean operations, path simplification, and path extensions, which enable users to create complex graphics and designs.
Text Tools: Inkscape provides a comprehensive set of text tools, including character and paragraph formatting, text on a path, and text flowing into shapes, which enable users to create visually appealing text-based designs.
Layers: Inkscape provides a layering system, enabling users to organize their graphics and designs into separate, manageable elements.
Export Capabilities: Inkscape is compatible with a range of file formats, including SVG, PDF, and PNG, making it easy to share and collaborate with others.
Grid System: Inkscape provides a built-in grid system, enabling users to align and structure their graphics and designs with precision.
Extensibility: Inkscape is highly extensible, with a range of plugins and extensions available, enabling users to extend the functionality of the software to meet their specific needs.

This list provides a quick overview of some of the key features of Inkscape. It is a powerful, versatile vector graphics software that is an excellent alternative to Adobe Illustrator for those looking for a cost-effective or free solution.

2. Gravit Designer

Gravit Designer is a free, browser-based vector graphics software that offers a similar feature set to Adobe Illustrator. It includes a range of shapes, brushes, and gradients, as well as advanced features like path operations, a built-in grid system, and a comprehensive set of text tools. Gravit Designer is also available as a desktop application, making it a versatile option for those looking for a free alternative to Adobe Illustrator.

Features of Gravit Designer

Here is a short list of Gravit Designer’s key features:

Vector Graphics Creation: Gravit Designer provides a comprehensive set of tools for creating vector graphics, including shapes, brushes, and gradients.
Advanced Text Tools: Gravit Designer includes a comprehensive set of text tools, including text boxes, text on a path, and paragraph formatting options.
Path Operations: Gravit Designer provides advanced path operations, including Boolean operations, path simplification, and path smoothing.
Built-in Grid System: Gravit Designer includes a built-in grid system that helps users to create precise graphics and designs.
Color Management: Gravit Designer provides a robust color management system, including color swatches, color palettes, and color harmony options.
File Compatibility: Gravit Designer is compatible with popular file formats, including SVG, PDF, and PNG, making it easy to share and collaborate with others.
Browser-based and Desktop Application: Gravit Designer is available as a browser-based application and a desktop application, making it a versatile option for users.
User-friendly Interface: Gravit Designer has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy for users to create graphics and designs, even if they are new to vector graphics software.

3. Affinity Designer

Affinity Designer is a paid vector graphics software that offers an affordable alternative to Adobe Illustrator. It provides a comprehensive set of tools, including advanced pen and shape tools, gradient fills, and vector masks, as well as a robust color management system. Affinity Designer is also compatible with popular file formats like AI, PDF, and SVG, and has a user-friendly interface, making it an excellent choice for those new to vector graphics.

Features of Affinity Designer

Here is a short list of Affinity Designer’s key features:

Vector drawing tools: Includes a comprehensive set of pen, shape, and brush tools for creating vector graphics.
Gradients and color management: Offers a range of gradient options and a robust color management system.
Layers and masks: Supports multiple layers and vector masks for complex designs.
Text tools: Includes a comprehensive set of text tools, including kerning, tracking, and baseline shift.
Grids and guides: Provides a flexible grid system and snap-to-guides for precise design work.
Export and compatibility: Supports popular file formats, including AI, PDF, and SVG, and has a user-friendly export system.
User-friendly interface: This has a clean, intuitive interface that makes it easy to use, even for those new to vector graphics.
Performance: Offers fast performance and smooth, fluid drawing and design capabilities.
Affordability: Offers a more affordable alternative to Adobe Illustrator for those seeking a cost-effective solution.

4. CorelDRAW

CorelDRAW is a paid vector graphics software that offers a comprehensive feature set and a professional-level design environment. It includes a wide range of tools, including shapes, brushes, gradients, and a robust color management system, as well as advanced features like path operations and a built-in grid system. CorelDRAW is also compatible with popular file formats, making it an excellent choice for those looking for an Adobe Illustrator alternative.

Features of CorelDRAW

Here are some of the key features of CorelDRAW:

Vector drawing tools: CorelDRAW provides a range of vector drawing tools, including shapes, brushes, and gradients, to create professional-quality graphics and illustrations.
Text tools: CorelDRAW includes a comprehensive set of text tools, including text frames, character and paragraph styles, and advanced typography features.
Color management: CorelDRAW features a robust color management system, allowing you to manage colors, create color palettes, and ensure consistent color accuracy across your projects.
Advanced effects: CorelDRAW provides a range of advanced effects, including shadows, glows, and 3D effects, to add depth and visual interest to your designs.
Support for popular file formats: CorelDRAW is compatible with popular file formats, including AI, PDF, and SVG, making it easy to share and collaborate with others.
Built-in grid system: CorelDRAW includes a built-in grid system, allowing you to create precise layouts and align elements with ease.
Professional-level design environment: CorelDRAW offers a professional-level design environment, including a customizable interface, support for multiple monitors, advanced features like path operations, and a comprehensive set of typography tools.

These are some of the key features of CorelDRAW, a comprehensive and versatile vector graphics software that is well-suited for professionals and businesses in a wide range of industries.

5. Sketch

Sketch is a vector graphics software that is primarily used for creating user interface designs and digital product prototypes. It provides a comprehensive set of tools, including vector shapes, text tools, and a range of plugins, as well as advanced features like a built-in grid system and a robust color management system. Sketch is not as comprehensive as Adobe Illustrator or other alternatives, but it is an excellent choice for those focused on digital product design.

Features of Sketch

Here are some of the key features of Sketch:

Vector Shapes: Sketch provides a range of vector shapes, including rectangles, ovals, and polyggon shapes, that can be easily modified and combined to create complex designs.
Text Tools: Sketch includes a comprehensive set of text tools, including paragraph and character styles, text boxes, and the ability to add special characters and symbols.
Grid and Layout Tools: Sketch includes a built-in grid system and layout tools that make it easy to create designs that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional.
Color Management: Sketch has a robust color management system that allows you to easily create, manage, and apply colors throughout your design.
Plugins: Sketch has a large community of users who have created a wide range of plugins to enhance the software’s functionality.
Cloud-based Collaboration: Sketch supports cloud-based collaboration, making it easy for teams to work on projects together in real-time.
File Compatibility: Sketch supports a range of file formats, including SVG, PDF, and PNG, making it easy to share and collaborate with others.

These are just some of the key features of Sketch, but it also includes other tools and functionalities that make it a powerful tool for creating digital product designs and prototypes.

6. Xara Designer Pro X

Xara Designer Pro X is a paid vector graphics software that offers a comprehensive feature set and a professional-level design environment. It includes a range of tools, including shapes, brushes, and gradients, as well as advanced features like a built-in grid system, a comprehensive set of text tools, and a robust color management system. Xara Designer Pro X is also compatible with popular file formats, making it an excellent choice for those looking for an Adobe Illustrator alternative.

Features of Xara Designer Pro X

Here is a list of features offered by Xara Designer Pro X:

Advanced vector drawing tools
Built-in grid system
Comprehensive text tools
Robust color management system
Wide range of shapes, brushes, and gradients
Compatibility with popular file formats
Professional-level design environment
Object manipulation and blending capabilities
Advanced photo editing tools
User-friendly interface and streamlined workflow.

These features provide Xara Designer Pro X users with the tools they need to create professional-level graphics and designs. Whether you are a graphic designer, artist, or marketing professional, Xara Designer Pro X has the features and capabilities you need to achieve your design goals.

7. Canva

Canva is a cloud-based design tool that is primarily used for creating social media graphics, marketing materials, and presentations. It provides a range of templates, graphics, and design elements, as well as a comprehensive set of text tools and a robust color management system. While Canva is not as comprehensive as Adobe Illustrator or other alternatives, it is an excellent choice for those looking for an affordable and user-friendly option for creating basic graphics and designs.

Features of Canva

Here is a short list of some of the key features of Canva:

Templates: Canva provides a wide range of templates for various design types, including social media graphics, presentations, and marketing materials.
Graphics and Elements: Canva offers a comprehensive library of graphics and design elements, including icons, illustrations, and images, which can be easily added to designs.
Text Tools: Canva provides a range of text tools, including font selection, text formatting, and text alignment, which allow users to create custom typography for their designs.
Color Management: Canva includes a robust color management system that allows users to select and apply colors, as well as create custom color palettes.
Sharing and Collaboration: Canva allows users to share designs with others for feedback and collaboration, and provides options for downloading designs in various file formats.
Cloud-Based: Canva is a cloud-based tool that allows users to access their designs from anywhere and on any device, as long as they have an internet connection.
Affordability: Canva offers a free version, as well as paid plans that are more affordable than many other professional design tools.

This list provides a general overview of some of the key features of Canva and is not exhaustive. The tool offers many other features and options that are designed to meet the needs of a wide range of users, from beginners to advanced designers.

Conclusion

The above alternatives to Adobe Illustrator are all excellent options for those seeking a more cost-effective or free solution. The best alternative for you will depend on your specific needs and design requirements. Whether you are focused on digital product design, marketing materials, or professional-level graphics, there is an alternative that will meet your needs. It’s worth trying out a few of these options to find the one that works best for you, as each of these software has its own strengths and limitations. Regardless of which option you choose, the important thing is to find a tool that enables you to create high-quality graphics and designs that meet your needs and help you achieve your design goals.