Top 10 Free Alternatives to Affinity Designer in 2025

As Affinity Designer continues to hold a strong position in the vector graphics software market, 2025 brings a plethora of free alternatives catering to different user needs. From powerful open-source tools to user-friendly online platforms, here is a comprehensive list of the top 10 free alternatives to Affinity Designer in 2025.

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1. Inkscape

Description: A powerful, open-source vector graphics editor. It's often cited as the closest free alternative to Adobe Illustrator and Affinity Designer.
Key Features:
Comprehensive drawing tools (pencil, pen, shapes, text)
Object manipulation (transform, align, group)
Path editing capabilities
Support for various file formats (SVG, AI, EPS, PDF, etc.)
Extensive filters and effects
Data Points:
Cost: Free and open-source
Operating System: Windows, macOS, Linux
User Level: Suitable for both beginners and professionals
File Compatibility: SVG, AI, EPS, PDF, PNG, and more.
Strengths: Robust feature set, cross-platform, active community Learn more about Inkscape

2. Gravit Designer

Description: A versatile vector graphics application developed by Corel. Available both as a desktop and browser-based app.
Key Features:
Intuitive interface
Vector editing tools
Boolean operations, path editing tools
Cloud-based saving and collaboration
Preset dimensions for print
Data Points:
Cost: Free version available; paid pro version exists
Operating System: Windows, macOS, Linux, Browser-based
User Level: Suitable for beginners and intermediate users.
File Compatibility: SVG, EPS, PDF, PNG, and more.
Strengths: User-friendly, cloud-based options, good for UI design Explore Gravit Designer

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3. Vectr

Description: A free, browser-based vector graphics editor. It also has a desktop version.
Key Features:
Simple, clean interface
Real-time collaboration
Vector drawing tools
Good for simple illustrations and graphics
Cross-platform compatibility
Data Points:
Cost: Free
Operating System: Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, and Browser-based
User Level: Beginner-friendly, good for quick graphics
File Compatibility: SVG, PNG, JPG
Strengths: Easy to learn, good for basic vector editing and sharing Learn more about Vectr

4. Canva

Description: A popular online graphic design platform. It offers both free and paid options.
Key Features:
User-friendly drag-and-drop interface
Large library of templates, images, and fonts
Suitable for various design projects
Collaboration features
Good for social media graphics and presentations
Data Points:
Cost: Free version available with limitations, paid pro version
Operating System: Web-based, iOS, Android
User Level: Beginner-friendly
File Compatibility: PNG, JPG, PDF, SVG and more
Strengths: Very easy to use, good for non-designers, vast template library Explore Canva

5. GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)

Description: An open-source raster graphics editor. It is often compared to Adobe Photoshop, however, it has some vector editing capabilities.
Key Features:
Image retouching and editing tools
Drawing tools (brushes, pencils, etc.)
Layers, masks, and filters
Plugin support
Some vector path tools
Data Points:
Cost: Free and open-source
Operating System: Windows, macOS, Linux
User Level: Can be challenging for beginners, but powerful
File Compatibility: PSD, PNG, JPG, GIF, TIFF, and more
Strengths: Powerful image editor, good for raster-based artwork, has some basic vector tools Learn more about GIMP

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6. Lunacy

Description: A free vector graphic design software for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Developed by Icons8.
Key Features:
Modern interface and UI/UX design focused tools
Built-in icons, photos and illustrations
Real-time collaboration
Supports Sketch files
AI powered tools
Data Points:
Cost: Free
Operating System: Windows, macOS, Linux
User Level: Intermediate to advanced, focused on UI/UX
File Compatibility: SVG, PNG, JPG, Sketch files, and more
Strengths: Good for UI/UX design, built-in resources, Sketch compatibility Explore Lunacy

7. Krita

Description: An open-source painting and illustration program. It also has vector capabilities.
Key Features:
Extensive brush engine for digital painting
Layer management
Vector tools and drawing aids
Customizable interface
Good for illustrations and comics
Data Points:
Cost: Free and open-source
Operating System: Windows, macOS, Linux
User Level: Intermediate to advanced level users
File Compatibility: PSD, PNG, JPG, GIF, TIFF, and more
Strengths: Robust features for digital painting, some vector support Learn more about Krita

8. DesignCap

Description: An online graphic design tool that provides a variety of templates for different design purposes.
Key Features:
User-friendly interface, templates
Extensive library of elements, and fonts
Suitable for creating social media graphics, posters, flyers, etc
Integration with other online tools
Basic vector editing tools
Data Points:
Cost: Free version, paid versions
Operating System: Browser based
User Level: Beginner-friendly
File Compatibility: JPG, PNG, PDF, and more.
Strengths: Great for quick designs, many pre-made assets Explore DesignCap

9. SVG-Edit

Description: A free, open-source, browser-based SVG editor.
Key Features:
Basic vector editing tools
Open source and lightweight
Easy to use online
Good for simple SVG editing
Data Points:
Cost: Free and open-source
Operating System: Browser-based
User Level: Beginner-friendly
File Compatibility: SVG
Strengths: Simple to use, good for basic SVG editing Learn more about SVG-Edit

10. Figma

Description: A collaborative web-based design tool. While primarily for UI/UX, it offers vector design capabilities.
Key Features:
Real-time collaboration
Vector drawing tools
Prototyping features
Component libraries
Plugin support
Data Points:
Cost: Free plan available, paid plans for teams
Operating System: Browser-based
User Level: Intermediate to advanced, focused on UI/UX
File Compatibility: SVG, PNG, JPG, PDF, and more
Strengths: Excellent collaboration, vector tools, versatile for different design needs Explore Figma

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FAQ

1. What is a close free alternative to Affinity Designer that supports multiple file formats?

Inkscape is a powerful, open-source vector graphics editor supporting formats such as SVG, AI, EPS, and PDF. Learn more about Inkscape

2. Which vector graphic design application is available both as a desktop and browser-based app?

Gravit Designer is a versatile application available both as a desktop and browser-based app, developed by Corel. Find out more about Gravit Designer

3. What is a simple, beginner-friendly vector graphics editor that supports real-time collaboration?

Vectr is a free, browser-based editor that also has a desktop version, offering real-time collaboration. Check out Vectr

4. Are there any comprehensive online platforms for creating social media graphics and presentations with a library of templates?

Canva is an online graphic design platform with a large library of templates, suitable for various design projects. Discover Canva

5. Which open-source graphic editor is often compared to Adobe Photoshop and includes some vector editing capabilities?

GIMP is an open-source raster graphics editor, comparable to Adobe Photoshop, with some vector tools. Learn about GIMP

6. What is a free vector graphic design software that supports Sketch files?

Lunacy is a free vector graphic design software with Sketch file support, developed by Icons8. Explore Lunacy

7. Which open-source program is good for digital painting and illustrations and also has vector capabilities?

Krita is an open-source painting and illustration program that includes vector tools. Find out more about Krita

8. What online graphic design tool is known for its user-friendly interface and extensive library for quick designs?

DesignCap provides a variety of templates and an easy interface, great for quick designs like posters and flyers. Discover DesignCap

9. Is there a lightweight, browser-based SVG editor that is easy to use?

SVG-Edit is a free, open-source, lightweight SVG editor that operates in your browser. Learn about SVG-Edit

10. What is a collaborative web-based design tool that offers both vector design capabilities and prototyping features?

Figma is excellent for real-time collaboration with vector tools and prototyping features. Learn more about Figma

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.