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6 Adobe Illustrator Alternatives I Tried and Loved (and Why)

June 16, 2025

adobe illustrator alternatives

Adobe Illustrator was created in 1987, originally launched for Microsoft Windows personal computers. The tool has been improving and optimizing for decades to become the go-to software for complex design needs. 

But let’s be honest, it might not be the right choice for every use case. The benefits of precision and sophisticated design come at a cost of high subscription fees and a steep learning curve. That’s why I set out to explore Adobe Illustrator alternatives that can best suit their use cases without adding design complexities. 

I’ll walk you through different vector graphics software suitable for diverse use cases. We’ll cover free options, open-source solutions, affordable solutions with a one-time payment option, and other solutions known for simplicity and their intuitive platform. 

Want to move away from Illustrator without compromising much on quality and functionality? Take a look!

TL;DR: Best Adobe Illustrator alternatives for 2025

Looking to replace Adobe Illustrator with something simpler, cheaper, or easier to learn? Here are the top alternatives I tested for different use cases:

 

  1. Affinity Designer: Best one-time payment tool for fast, professional design
  2. Canva: Best for non-designers creating simple graphics and visuals
  3. CorelDRAW: Best for print design and flexible file format support
  4. Figma: Best for team-based UI design and real-time collaboration
  5. Inkscape: Best open-source vector editor for Linux and digital illustration
  6. Sketch: Best for macOS users who want affordable design flexibility

The products are listed alphabetically and include a mix of designing and wireframing platforms listed on G2. Most of them offer a free version or a free trial. 

Best Adobe Illustrator alternatives at a glance

Feel like you have an information overload? This comparison table makes it easier for you.

Adobe Illustrator alternative Best for Free plan Pricing Key features
Affinity Designer Affordable pro-level design with fast performance $27 one-time Speed-optimized, works on Mac, Windows, and iPad 
Canva Simple graphics for non-designers    ✅   $46/year  Drag-and-drop editor, great for logos, posters, and visuals
CorelDRAW  Print-focused design workflows ❌ (trial) $549 one-time  Strong layout and color tools, ideal for brochures & logos
Figma UI/UX design and team collaboration ✅  $16 per month Real-time editing, browser-based, Dev Mode for handoff
Inkspace Linux-friendly, open-source vector editing ✅  Free Full-featured, customizable, great for digital illustrations
Sketch Native macOS vector design  ❌ (trial) $10/month per editor Plugin ecosystem, intuitive interface, one-time payment option

Why you can trust this list of Adobe Illustrator alternatives

I’ve tested each of these tools as part of design workflows, not only to compare specs, but to understand how they perform for different types of users. From content marketers needing fast visuals to teams working on UI design, I evaluated which tools offer real value when Illustrator feels like overkill.

 

I paid close attention to:

  • Ease of use for both pros and beginners
  • Value for money (free tiers, one-time vs. subscription pricing)
  • Core design features like vector editing, export options, and collaboration
  • Compatibility with different OS environments (especially macOS and Linux)
  • Real-world use cases like digital illustration, social media graphics, UI/UX wireframing, and print design

My list includes open-source tools, one-time purchase options, and cloud-based editors I’ve personally tried, along with insights from verified G2 reviews (updated for 2025). 

What are the best Adobe Illustrator alternatives for 2025?

Below are the leading Adobe Illustrator alternatives I found on the market, which offer competitive — or, in some cases, better—value than Illustrator. 

This list is based on G2 reviews from 2025. We'll keep updating it to reflect the latest and best alternatives. Some reviews may have been edited for clarity.

1. Affinity Designer: Best Adobe Illustrator alternative for fast design speed

Affinity Designer works on Mac, Windows, and iPad. Its cleaner and more modern UI is user-friendly for newcomers and more intuitive for those just starting out. I personally feel that Affinity Designer is optimized for speed. 

Compared to Adobe Illustrator, Affinity Designer requires no high hardware requirements to function seamlessly. This makes it great for working on the go or on less powerful devices. Adobe Illustrator, on the other hand, is more resource-intensive, especially when working with large files or detailed vector graphics. It’s the go-to for professional-grade work if you have a system that can handle it. 

affinity designer

Although Affinity Designer has many tools like Adobe Illustrator, the depth doesn’t match. Both tools do a comparable job when it comes to basic or slightly complex design work; however, for more complicated design and collaboration, Adobe Illustrator leads the pack. 

If you’re a freelancer or someone seeking to have a powerful design tool at a lesser cost or a one-time payment model, Affinity Designer is your go-to software. 

It’s important to note that the iPad app is sold separately for $19.99, while the Illustrator’s iPad app is included in its subscription.

What I like about Affinity Designer:

  • I liked that there are a lot of keyboard shortcuts that helped me optimize for speed. 
  • I found Affinity Designer largely cost-effective compared to Adobe Illustrator.

What G2 users like about Affinity Designer:

“It's easy to use, cost-effective, and works. Serif is constantly updating and keeping it relevant and supports multiple file formats for importing and exporting.”

 

- Affinity Designer Review, Steve K, CSO.

What I dislike about Affinity Designer:

There might be a learning curve for those unfamiliar with Adobe Illustrator. I found the interface intuitive, but it will take some time for users to adjust. 

What G2 users dislike about Affinity Designer:

“If you are used to Adobe Illustrator, you will find some features and tools that Affinity does not offer...yet. The app is continually updated, and developers are open to suggestions for new tools and additions.” 

- Affinity Designer Review, Lindsey P, Technology Coordinator.

Should you choose Affinity Designer over Adobe Illustrator?

Choose Affinity Designer if you’re looking for a powerful vector design tool with a one-time payment, an intuitive interface, and solid performance on both desktop and iPad. It’s a great pick for freelancers or creatives who want speed and affordability without compromising much on quality.

 

If your workflow involves more complex, layered vector compositions or cloud-based collaboration, tools like Illustrator or Figma may better align with those demands.

2. Canva: Best Adobe Illustrator alternative for simple illustrations and graphics

Although Canva offers a downloadable application, it’s primarily web-based. The free version allows you to use limited design assets, while Canva Pro (around $46/year with discounts) unlocks extras like background removal and asset storage. Adobe Illustrator’s pricing is on the higher side, roughly $102 a year. 

From a pricing standpoint, Adobe Illustrator might look costlier. However, the level of customization Adobe Illustrator offers justifies the slight lift in the costs. Canva is great for beginners or professionals who don’t have sophisticated design needs. It can handle a degree of sophistication, but it’s more suitable for simple design needs. 

canva

I’d suggest going with Canva if you want to create simple graphics, such as creating a logo, poster, or invitation. Adobe Illustrator, on the other hand, is more sophisticated and requires technical design skills to maximize the tool’s potential.

What I like about Canva:

  • I can design simple graphics like blog images without relying on a designer. It expedites my workflow from taking content from processing to publishing. 
  • It’s my go-to for editing images, removing backgrounds, and performing basic designing on an intuitive platform. There’s no learning curve.

What G2 users like about Canva:

“As a non-professional editor, I found Canva easier to use than other professional platforms and services. In particular, I really liked the charts app add-on, which I use to create interactive charts and graphs that I later embed on my website. 

 

The Canva platform offers a lot of useful add-ons and sharing features as well as integrations with third-party apps like Mailchimp and LinkedIn."

 

- Canva Review, Hasan T, CEO.

What I dislike about Canva:

The free plan has a limitations on assets and various functionality, such as removing the background or compressing the file before downloading. 

What G2 users dislike about Canva:

“I like Canva, but I don't like that the video editing templates are too short. I use it to make YouTube Shorts, which is fine, but it's unsuitable for creating longer videos as it becomes challenging.”

- Canva Review, Manikandan K, Social Media Marketing Executive.

Should you choose Canva over Adobe Illustrator?

Canva is ideal if you’re a non-designer creating logos, social graphics, or quick layouts without diving into a steep learning curve. It works beautifully for content teams, small businesses, and marketing workflows.

For advanced precision, print-quality exports, or anchor-point editing, a platform like Illustrator or Affinity Designer might offer more control.

3. CorelDRAW: Best Adobe Illustrator alternative for print-focused designing

CorelDRAW offers a user-friendly and versatile platform for designing needs. Designers use it broadly for creating logos, graphics, brochures, etc. Print designers and small business owners rely on this tool heavily. This preference is highly driven by the software’s affordability and strong support for different file formats. 

I tested the tool to convert raster images into vector graphics, looking to see if it was easily accessible for beginners. Wasn’t surprised to find it an intuitive and cost-effective solution! When compared with Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW delivers quicker actions. 

CorelDRAW

Feature-wise, it has a good mix of various functionalities, such as object manipulation, drawing, artistic media, and calligraphy. Many tools are available in CorelDRAW that allow the user to draw freehand. When comparing features of Adobe Illustrator and CorelDRAW, some features might present themselves differently, but they’re the same at their core. 

I felt that CorelDRAW wins a tiny bit over Adobe Illustrator because of its easy learning curve. However, the latter beats Corel with its documentation and resource availability.

What I like about CorelDRAW:

  • CorelDRAW has many keyboard shortcuts. They speed up the work. I loved that I can customize the menu bar according to my requirements, for example, adding a preset color.
  • I found the tool super easy to use and intuitive. Everything is just a click away.

What G2 users like about CorelDRAW:

"CorelDRAW is straightforward to use. It didn't take me much time to learn it. It’s just drag-and-drop, and you can easily make any changes in your design. It's very easy compared to Illustrator, Photoshop, etc. I can do any customization in Corel. For example, I can edit a picture, create a vector, convert text to a curve, and make any changes I want with the text, like changing the shape of any specific letter, etc.

 

You don’t need to switch to any other software outside their ecosystem. Every update adds new things to the software, which happens quite frequently.“

 

- CorelDRAW Review, Aryan T, Social Media Manager.

What I dislike about CorelDRAW:

When the design becomes quite heavy, the software lags and might auto-shutdown, causing data loss. 

What G2 users dislike about CorelDRAW:

“Although CorelDRAW has a lot of functionality, a few things could be done better. One frequent issue is that the software's sporadic instability, crashes, and unexpected failures have been reported, which can cause annoyance and interfere with workflow.

Additionally, because several tools and functionalities are sophisticated, some users find the learning curve steep, especially for beginners. The pricing structure of CorelDRAW and its related subscription plans is another source of disagreement for some customers who believe that these costs may be too high for individuals or smaller enterprises.”

- CorelDRAW Review, Sourabh P, Sr. Merchandiser.

Should you choose CorelDRAW over Adobe Illustrator?

CorelDRAW is a solid choice if you work primarily in print design or need flexible file format support for logos, brochures, or promotional materials. Its intuitive layout and strong color handling make it especially useful for small business owners and designers focused on print production.

That said, if your work involves highly intricate digital illustrations or cross-tool compatibility with Adobe apps, Illustrator may still be a stronger match.

4. Figma: Best Adobe Illustrator alternative for UI designing and wireframing

Figma is a popular tool, and for good reason! It opens up cross-platform accessibility, allowing Figma to be a browser-based application, which means you can seamlessly switch across different OS without additional installations or complications. It lets you access projects from any device with an internet connection. 

What’s more, through Figma, you can create interactive designs quickly and easily. 

figma

That said, Figma has limited vector editing capabilities. When it comes to detailed artwork, it might not match the depth and precision of Illustrator.  I saw discussions and a few blogs about performance issues, especially when working with large and complex designs. Lower-end or entry-level devices may face some lag. 

In my opinion, Figma wins in collaboration. Although Illustrator does offer collaboration functionality, it’s not as real-time as Figma. If you work as a team, Figma will suit your demands better than Illustrator. However, while flying solo, stick with Illustrator.

What I like about Figma:

  • Figma’s typography is slightly better than Adobe Illustrator, in my opinion. 
  • Figma bridges the gap between creatives and developers. Its feature, Dev Mode, allows for a smooth transition from design to development when working on a web or app project.

What G2 users like about Figma:

“We do all of our design work in Figma, which has been a game-changer. First off, the collaboration is top-notch. Multiple team members working on the same file in real time is perfect for brainstorming and iteration. It is an intuitive interface; the tools are both compelling and easy to use, whether wireframing, prototyping, or designing the finals. Being able to share designs instantly and get feedback right there saves time and keeps everyone on the same page.”


- Figma Review, Marina C, Head of Marketing.

What I dislike about Figma:

I observed some performance issues on larger files. There’s a bit of an accessibility issue when offline. 

What G2 users dislike about Figma:

“There is only a slight delay in the loading time of the files if there are too many designs on one file itself.”

- Figma Review, Shalom F, Senior Marketing Retention Executive.

Should you choose Figma over Adobe Illustrator?

Figma is a standout for UI/UX designers who need real-time collaboration and cloud access. It’s especially well-suited for product teams, developers, and agencies working on digital prototypes, interfaces, and design systems.

But if you're focusing on high-detail vector art or need reliable offline editing, Illustrator or Sketch might serve you better.

5. Inkscape: Best Adobe Illustrator alternative for Linux OS

Inkscape is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems. Compared to Adobe Illustrator, it’s free and open-source software but offers advanced design capabilities that serve professional use cases. By ‘free,’ I don’t mean freemium or free to try; it’s free. A team of passionate volunteers has maintained it for over 20 years. 

One of the things I appreciate is that you don’t have to deal with Adobe’s Creative Cloud launcher application. Illustrator requires you to download the launcher which runs in the background and hogs system resources even when you’re not actively using it. Unlike Illustrator, Inkscape is lightweight and doesn’t collect any data from you. 

I’ll give Inkscape some bonus points for its customization capabilities. It lets you create your own themes, color palettes, and icon styles.

Inkscape

Since it’s free and open source, several people often wonder whether it’s suitable for professional use. The answer is yes. You have everything you need to create vector artwork at a professional level. However, there are limitations due to the lack of CMYK output. It won’t be suitable when you’re going to print the designs. Moreover, Inkscape doesn’t offer 3D tools or advanced wrap transformations, which are common in Adobe Illustrator.

What I like about Inkscape:

  • The product is available for free, and I can use it to create professional vector graphics for digital platforms. 
  • The reusable template system helps me create visuals faster.

What G2 users like about Inkscape:

“I am a product designer, and I have to work a lot on vectors. Inkscape is easy to use, Free, and Open-source, making it the perfect choice for daily use. I can easily import and export all kinds of formats without a glitch, making integrating the exports clear and simple.”

 

- Inkspace Review, Ayush S, Senior Product Designer.

What I dislike about Inkscape:

The user interface is a bit outdated, but it’s understandable. I also found the startup time to be on the higher side.

What G2 users dislike about Inkscape:

“Understanding the interface can be a bit challenging initially, and it takes some time to learn how to use it. However, plenty of online tutorials can assist you in getting acquainted with its functionality.”

- Inkspace Review, Sarah Itzel Q, Social Media Marketing Manager.

Should you choose Inkspace over Adobe Illustrator?

Inkscape is a powerful open-source vector editor that runs on Linux, Windows, and macOS. It’s completely free and surprisingly capable for digital illustrations, making it a great option for professionals who want customization, privacy, and zero cost.

However, for print workflows requiring CMYK support or features like advanced warp tools, Illustrator or CorelDRAW could provide more depth.

6. Sketch: Best Adobe Illustrator alternative for designing on macOS

Sketch is a Native MacOS application built with tried-and-tested frameworks that help designers bring their ideas to life. Since it's native to macOS, it improves everything from performance to battery life. You get an infinite canvas, which allows you to add as many artboards as needed. 

Sketch

I set the layout and used Boolean operations and vector editing tools to create various shapes and illustrations. You can zoom to the pixel level and align objects perfectly. The platform allows you to export your work in multiple formats and sizes.

You get a yearly license for $99, which includes all the available updates. Even when the license expires, you can continue using Sketch. Current licenses help people receive updates.

What I like about Sketch:

  • Its cheaper pricing plan and robust plugin community improve tasks like animation and prototyping. 
  • Little to no knowledge is required as a prerequisite for beginners just starting. 

What G2 users like about Sketch:

“I have been using Sketch for several years now. It's incredibly versatile and intuitive., The user interface is super easy to use, and everything is laid out in a way that makes sense. Plus, it offers a wide range of tools and features that make it easy to create all kinds of designs, from simple wireframes to detailed, high-quality designs. 

 

What's also cool is that there are tons of plugins available. Also, the Sketch community is fantastic - many resources and support are available.”

 

- Sketch Review, Olena D, Small Business.

What I dislike about Sketch:

Sketch is tied to macOS, making it tricky for other designers to collaborate and work on different projects. 

What G2 users dislike about Sketch:

“As a vector-based design tool, ease of Use Sketch excels in creating scalable designs that maintain quality across different sizes.” 

- Sketch Review, Sangam K, Video Editor.

Should you choose Sketch over Adobe Illustrator?

Sketch is ideal for macOS users who want an affordable, intuitive design tool with strong support for plugins, UI mockups, and pixel-perfect illustration. It’s great for solo designers and teams working in the Apple ecosystem.

If your team collaborates across platforms or designs for print, Figma or CorelDRAW might be a better fit.

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FAQs about Adobe Illustrator alternatives and vector design tools

Still have questions? Get your answers here!

1. What is the best alternative to Adobe Illustrator for vector design?

If you're looking for a professional-grade alternative to Adobe Illustrator, Affinity Designer stands out for its one-time pricing and powerful vector editing capabilities. It covers most core Illustrator features without the subscription cost, making it ideal for freelancers and creatives seeking a long-term solution.

2. Is there a free alternative to Adobe Illustrator for professional use?

Yes, Inkscape is a free, open-source vector editor suitable for professional digital design. It supports a wide range of vector tools, works across operating systems, and offers enough depth for designers who don’t need Adobe’s print-specific features like CMYK support.

3. Which design software is easier to use than Adobe Illustrator?

Canva and Sketch are known for their intuitive interfaces and lower learning curves. Canva works best for non-designers making quick visuals, while Sketch is a great option for macOS users looking for a clean, focused workspace without the complexity of Illustrator.

4. What software is better for UI design: Figma or Adobe Illustrator?

Figma is better suited for UI and product design due to its real-time collaboration features, browser-based access, and developer handoff tools like Dev Mode. Illustrator may offer more precision for graphic illustration, but Figma excels in modern web and app design workflows.

5. Is Canva like Adobe Illustrator?

Yes, they’re similar for some specific use cases. Canva is ideal for quick tasks, non-designers, or teams that rapidly need simple, attractive visuals. Illustrator best suits graphic designers needing advanced, professional-level control and precision. In short, Canva is great for speed and simplicity, while Illustrator excels at accuracy and sophistication.

6. What is the open-source equivalent to Adobe Illustrator?

The primary open-source equivalent to Adobe Illustrator is Inkscape. It’s a powerful, free vector graphics editor that is comparable in function to Adobe Illustrator. Due to its robust feature set, Inkscape is widely regarded as the go-to open-source alternative.

7. Do professionals use Inkspace?

​Yes, some professional graphic designers do use Inkscape in their work. While Adobe Illustrator remains the industry standard, Inkscape is a viable alternative for various professionals, especially freelancers and those aiming to reduce software costs. 

8. Is there a one-time purchase alternative to Adobe?

Affinity Designer is a more affordable, one-time purchase alternative to Adobe Illustrator. It’s optimized for speed and doesn’t require heavy hardware to function seamlessly. 

9. Which graphic design app is best for macOS users?

If you're a macOS user looking for a native design experience, Sketch is a top choice. It’s built specifically for Apple devices, offers great performance, and supports a wide range of plugins for illustration, prototyping, and UI design. Unlike Adobe Illustrator, Sketch has a more affordable pricing model and a lighter learning curve, making it ideal for solo designers and small teams on macOS.

Make an informed, well-researched choice

The search for the best Adobe Illustrator alternative depends on your personal needs, budget, and design style. 

The right software will seamlessly integrate into your workflow, whether you're creating detailed illustrations or preparing astonishing marketing materials. If you’re unsure, I highly recommend trying out the free plan or trial versions first. This will give you a hint of what to expect while working daily with the software. 

This first-hand experience is crucial to ask the right questions in demos, ultimately leading you toward the best solution on the market. 

Learn more about various graphics design software on the market. 


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