Top 10 Alternatives to Adobe Illustrator in 2025

As Adobe Illustrator continues to dominate the graphic design landscape, 2025 brings a variety of powerful alternatives, each offering unique features and capabilities. Whether you're looking for specialized tools, better pricing, or enhanced interfaces, this article explores the top 10 Adobe Illustrator alternatives, comparing them on key data points like pricing, key features, and compatibility.

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1. Affinity Designer

Description: Affinity Designer is a professional vector graphics editor known for its speed, precision, and a one-time purchase model.
Key Features:
Vector and Raster Workspaces: Seamlessly switch between vector and raster environments within the same application.
Robust Toolset: Offers comprehensive tools for drawing, typography, and object manipulation.
Cross-Platform Availability: Works on Windows, macOS, and iPad.
File Compatibility: Supports a wide range of file formats for import and export.
Performance: Optimized for speed and efficiency, even with large files.
Pricing: One-time purchase. Learn more about Affinity Designer

2. Inkscape

Description: Inkscape is a free, open-source vector graphics editor, often recommended for those on a budget.
Key Features:
Open Source: Completely free to use, modify, and distribute.
SVG Compliance: Native SVG file format support.
Comprehensive Toolset: Offers a wide array of tools for creating and editing vector graphics.
Cross-Platform: Works on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Active Community: Benefits from a large community that contributes to its development and support.
Pricing: Free Learn more about Inkscape

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3. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite

Description: CorelDRAW is a professional vector graphics software suite offering tools for illustration, page layout, photo editing, and typography.
Key Features:
Versatile Toolset: Includes robust features for vector illustration, page layout, and photo editing.
AI-Powered Tools: Incorporates AI features to assist with tasks like tracing and image optimization.
Extensive File Support: Compatible with numerous file formats.
Subscription or One-time Purchase: Offers flexible purchasing options.
Collaboration Features: Enables users to collaborate on projects.
Pricing: Subscription or one-time purchase options available. Learn more about CorelDRAW

4. Sketch

Description: Sketch is a vector graphics editor primarily used for UI and UX design on macOS.
Key Features:
UI/UX Focus: Specifically designed for interface and user experience design.
Vector Editing: Provides a solid set of vector editing tools.
Prototyping Tools: Includes features for creating interactive prototypes.
Plugin Ecosystem: Supports a wide range of plugins to extend its functionality.
macOS Exclusive: Only available for macOS users.
Pricing: Paid subscription. Learn more about Sketch

5. Figma

Description: Figma is a collaborative, web-based vector graphics editor popular for UI/UX design and prototyping.
Key Features:
Web-Based: Accessible through any web browser.
Real-Time Collaboration: Enables multiple users to work on the same project simultaneously.
Prototyping: Offers powerful features for creating interactive prototypes.
Version History: Tracks changes and allows users to revert to previous versions.
Free Plan: Offers a free plan with limited functionality.
Pricing: Free (with paid plans for more features) Learn more about Figma

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6. Gravit Designer

Description: Gravit Designer is a cross-platform vector graphics tool available as a web application or desktop application.
Key Features:
Cross-Platform: Works on various operating systems, including web browsers.
Intuitive Interface: Known for its user-friendly and easy-to-learn interface.
Comprehensive Toolset: Provides tools for illustration, graphic design, and more.
Cloud Integration: Allows cloud storage and sharing of designs.
Free Version Available: Offers a free version with a good set of basic features.
Pricing: Free (with paid plans for more features) Learn more about Gravit Designer

7. Linearity Curve (formerly Vectornator)

Description: Linearity Curve is a free vector graphic design application available for macOS, iPadOS, and iOS.
Key Features:
Cross-Platform: Works on Apple devices.
Touch-Optimized: Excellent support for touch input and Apple Pencil.
Auto Trace: Feature to convert photos into vector images.
Advanced Tools: Offers robust vector and drawing tools.
Free to Use: Available at no cost.
Pricing: Free Learn more about Linearity Curve

8. GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)

Description: While primarily a raster graphics editor, GIMP offers some vector functionalities and is a free, open-source alternative to Adobe Photoshop.
Key Features:
Free and Open-Source: Available for free use, modification, and distribution.
Cross-Platform: Works on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Image Manipulation: Powerful tools for photo editing and image manipulation.
Basic Vector Tools: Offers basic vector editing capabilities.
Plugin Support: Extensible through a wide range of plugins.
Pricing: Free Learn more about GIMP

9. Vector Magic

Description: Vector Magic is a specialized tool for converting bitmap images (like JPEGs) to vector graphics.
Key Features:
Automatic Vectorization: Quickly converts raster images to vector format.
High-Quality Output: Produces clean and accurate vector results.
Precise Controls: Offers controls for adjusting the conversion process.
Desktop and Online Versions: Available as a desktop application and a web-based tool.
Easy to Use: Known for its straightforward user interface.
Pricing: Paid (with a free online demo) Learn more about Vector Magic

10. Canva

Description: Canva is a web-based graphic design tool popular for its ease of use and wide range of templates.
Key Features:
User-Friendly: Simple, intuitive interface designed for beginners.
Template Library: Offers a vast library of pre-designed templates.
Collaboration: Enables teams to work together on designs.
Versatile: Useful for creating social media graphics, presentations, and more.
Free Plan: Offers a free plan with core features.
Pricing: Free (with paid plans for premium features) Learn more about Canva

Disclaimer: Pricing and features may change. It is always best to check the official websites for the most up-to-date information. This information is based on sources available as of January 19, 2025.

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FAQ

1. What is Affinity Designer and what makes it a good alternative to Adobe Illustrator?

Affinity Designer is a professional vector graphics editor known for its speed, precision, and single-purchase pricing model. It features both vector and raster workspaces, a robust toolset, cross-platform availability, and extensive file compatibility. Explore Affinity Designer

2. Is there a free alternative to Adobe Illustrator?

Yes, Inkscape is a free, open-source vector graphics editor that is often recommended for users on a budget. It offers comprehensive tools, native SVG file support, and cross-platform compatibility. Check out Inkscape

3. What features does CorelDRAW Graphics Suite offer as an Adobe Illustrator alternative?

CorelDRAW Graphics Suite provides tools for vector illustration, page layout, photo editing, and typography. It also includes AI-powered tools, extensive file support, collaboration features, and flexible pricing options. Discover CorelDRAW

4. Why is Sketch popular among UI/UX designers?

Sketch is a vector graphics editor designed specifically for UI/UX design on macOS. It includes powerful vector editing tools, prototyping features, and a wide range of plugins, making it ideal for interface design. Learn more about Sketch

5. What makes Figma a strong competitor to Adobe Illustrator?

Figma is web-based, allowing it to be accessible from any browser. It supports real-time collaboration, interactive prototyping, version history, and offers a free plan with limited functionality. Explore Figma

6. Can you recommend a cross-platform vector graphics tool?

Gravit Designer is a versatile vector graphics tool available as a web application or desktop application. It features an intuitive interface, comprehensive toolset, and cloud integration. Discover Gravit Designer

7. What is Linearity Curve and who can benefit from it?

Linearity Curve, formerly Vectornator, is a free vector graphic design application available for macOS, iPadOS, and iOS. It is optimized for touch and Apple Pencil, making it ideal for Apple device users. Learn more about Linearity Curve

8. Can GIMP be used as a vector editor?

While primarily a raster graphics editor, GIMP offers some basic vector functionalities and is free and open-source, supporting Windows, macOS, and Linux. Discover GIMP

9. What does Vector Magic specialize in?

Vector Magic specializes in converting bitmap images to vector graphics, offering automatic vectorization, high-quality output, precise controls, and easy-to-use desktop and web-based tools. Explore Vector Magic

10. Is there a user-friendly graphic design tool for beginners?

Yes, Canva is an intuitive, web-based graphic design tool that offers a vast library of templates, collaboration features, and a free plan. It is ideal for beginners creating social media graphics and presentations. Check out Canva

References

About the Author

Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.

Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).

She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond and launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks.

For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.

About the Publication

Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic "without any funding and without any code," this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch.

Mission and Purpose

Fe/male Switch Foundation was created to address the gender gap in the tech and entrepreneurship space. The platform aims to skill-up future female tech leaders and empower them to create resilient and innovative tech startups through what they call "gamepreneurship". By putting players in a virtual startup village where they must survive and thrive, the startup game allows women to test their entrepreneurial abilities without financial risk.

Key Features

The platform offers a unique blend of news, resources,learning, networking, and practical application within a supportive, female-focused environment:

Skill Lab: Micro-modules covering essential startup skills
Virtual Startup Building: Create or join startups and tackle real-world challenges
AI Co-founder (PlayPal): Guides users through the startup process
SANDBOX: A testing environment for idea validation before launch
Wellness Integration: Virtual activities to balance work and self-care
Marketplace: Buy or sell expert sessions and tutorials

Impact and Growth

Since its inception, Fe/male Switch has shown impressive growth:

3,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community
100+ startup tools built
5,000+ pieces of articles and news written

Partnerships

Fe/male Switch has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. In January 2022, it teamed up with global website builder Tilda to provide free access to website building tools and mentorship services for Fe/male Switch participants.

Recognition

Fe/male Switch has received media attention for its innovative approach to closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship. The platform has been featured in various publications highlighting its unique "play to learn and earn" model.