Free Adobe Illustrator alternatives

All Adobe Illustrator alternatives

1. 

   

   Affinity

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   Affinity is a professional creative app from Canva that merges the former Affinity Designer, Photo and Publisher into one program with vector, pixel and layout workspaces. It is free to download for Windows and macOS, while its optional Canva AI tools require a paid Canva plan. It suits designers who want an alternative to Adobe subscriptions and can import PSD, PDF and IDML files.

   12 Affinity alternatives

   Pros

   • Free download combining vector, pixel and layout workspaces in one app
   • Imports PSD, PDF and IDML files from Adobe workflows
   • Professional tools without a mandatory subscription

   Cons

   • Canva AI tools require a paid Canva plan
   • Smaller plugin and training ecosystem than Adobe’s
   • Imported Adobe files can need manual adjustments

   Cost / License

   FreemiumProprietary

   Categories

   Graphic DesignPhoto Editing

   Platforms

   WindowsMac

   Features

   Digital paintingLayersNon-destructive editingRAW photo editingVector editing

   Visit websiteMore about Affinity
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   Inkscape

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   Inkscape is a free, open source vector drawing program for Windows, macOS and Linux that uses SVG as its native format. Illustrators, hobbyists and web designers use it for logos, diagrams, icons, cutting-machine files and print layouts. It provides Bezier and calligraphy tools, path operations, text on path, many extensions and import/export for PDF, EPS and AI files.

   10 Inkscape alternatives

   Pros

   • Free and open source on Windows, macOS and Linux
   • Native SVG format, ideal for web graphics and cutting machines
   • Powerful path operations and a large set of extensions

   Cons

   • Can feel slow with large or complex documents
   • Interface is less polished than commercial vector editors
   • Limited CMYK support for professional print workflows

   Cost / License

   FreeOpen source

   Categories

   Graphic Design

   Platforms

   WindowsMacLinux

   Features

   LayersOffline modePlugins & extensionsVector editing

   Visit websiteMore about Inkscape
3. 

   

   Figma

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   Figma is a design platform for user interfaces, websites and apps where teams edit the same file in real time from the browser or the desktop app. It covers vector design, interactive prototypes, shared component libraries and variables for design systems, and Dev Mode for developer handoff. Plugins, FigJam whiteboards and AI features extend it for product and design teams.

   12 Figma alternatives

   Pros

   • Real-time multiplayer editing in the browser or desktop app
   • Components and variables make design systems manageable
   • Huge ecosystem of plugins and community files

   Cons

   • Paid seats add up quickly for growing teams
   • Most work requires an internet connection
   • Large files can become slow and memory-hungry

   Cost / License

   FreemiumProprietary

   Categories

   UI Design & PrototypingGraphic Design

   Platforms

   WebWindowsMac

   Features

   AI assistantDesign systemsDeveloper handoffInteractive prototypingPlugins & extensionsReal-time collaboration

   Visit websiteMore about Figma
4. 

   

   Kittl

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   Kittl is a browser-based design tool focused on typography-heavy graphics such as logos, t-shirt prints, labels, posters and social posts. It combines a template library, text effects, vector editing and AI image generation in one editor, and is aimed at print-on-demand sellers and small brands that want polished results without installing desktop software.

   10 Kittl alternatives

   Pros

   • Strong typography effects for logos, merch and labels
   • Templates designed with print-on-demand sellers in mind
   • Browser-based, combining vector editing and AI image generation

   Cons

   • Premium templates and larger AI allowances require a paid plan
   • Web-only, so it needs a steady internet connection
   • Less suited to multi-page documents or presentations

   Cost / License

   FreemiumProprietary

   Categories

   Graphic Design

   Platforms

   Web

   Features

   Background removalImage generationTemplatesVector editing

   Visit websiteMore about Kittl
5. 

   

   Canva

   4.9(3.6M) · App StoreLike

   Canva is an online design editor built around drag-and-drop templates for social media graphics, presentations, posters, videos and documents. It targets non-designers and marketing teams, with a large stock library, brand kits, real-time collaboration and Magic Studio AI tools for creating and editing images and text. It runs in the browser and as desktop and mobile apps.

   12 Canva alternatives

   Pros

   • Huge template library makes design accessible to non-designers
   • Real-time collaboration and brand kits for marketing teams
   • Available on web, desktop and mobile, with Magic Studio AI tools

   Cons

   • Many templates, assets and AI features sit behind the Pro plan
   • Popular templates can make designs look like everyone else’s
   • Limited precision for print production or advanced vector work

   Cost / License

   FreemiumProprietary

   Categories

   Graphic DesignPresentation Software

   Platforms

   WebWindowsMaciPhoneAndroid

   Features

   Background removalBrand kitImage generationReal-time collaborationStock media libraryTemplates

   Visit websiteMore about Canva
6. 

   

   Recraft

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   Recraft is an AI design tool that generates both raster images and editable vector graphics (SVG), which suits icons, illustrations, logos and marketing assets. You can create custom styles from reference images so a whole set stays on brand, and its canvas includes background removal, upscaling, inpainting and mockups. It targets designers and marketers, with a free plan and an API for developers.

   11 Recraft alternatives

   Pros

   • Generates editable SVG vector graphics, not just raster images
   • Custom styles from reference images keep asset sets on brand
   • Canvas includes background removal, upscaling and mockups

   Cons

   • Complex vector output can still need manual cleanup
   • Higher limits and advanced features are reserved for paid plans

   Cost / License

   FreemiumProprietary

   Categories

   AI Image GeneratorsGraphic Design

   Platforms

   Web

   Features

   API accessBackground removalImage generationStyle referenceUpscalingVector editing

   Visit websiteMore about Recraft