Adobe Illustrator was created in 1987, initially launched for Microsoft Home windows private computer systems. The software has been bettering and optimizing for many years to turn out to be the go-to software program for complicated design wants.
However let’s be sincere, it may not be the proper alternative for each use case. The advantages of precision and complicated design come at a value of excessive subscription charges and a steep studying curve. That’s why I got down to discover Adobe Illustrator alternate options that may finest go well with their use instances with out including design complexities.
I’ll stroll you thru totally different vector graphics software program appropriate for numerous use instances. We’ll cowl free choices, open-source options, inexpensive options with a one-time fee choice, and different options recognized for simplicity and their intuitive platform.
Need to transfer away from Illustrator with out compromising a lot on high quality and performance? Have a look!
Greatest 6 Adobe Illustrator alternate options for 2025
- Affinity Designer is one of the best for affordability and quick design pace. ($27 one-time)
- Canva is finest for non-designers engaged on easy illustrations and graphics. (Free)
- CorelDRAW is finest for print-focused designing. ($549 one time)
- Figma is finest for UI designing and wireframing. (Free)
- Inkspace is one of the best software appropriate with the Linux working system. (Free)
- Sketch is one of the best native macOS software for designing and modifying. ($10 month-to-month/per editor)
The merchandise are listed alphabetically and embody a mixture of designing and wireframing platforms listed on G2. Most of them supply a free model or a free trial. I’ve included the beginning value of their paid plan for straightforward comparability.
What makes a software a great Adobe Illustrator various?
Adobe Illustrator is an efficient software for designing vectors and different illustrations. It’s a mature software for dealing with design complexities and has been in the marketplace for many years. The software program encapsulates a number of options and functionalities, making it a complete providing for skilled designers.
Nevertheless, not everybody’s design wants are the identical. Newbies in all probability don’t want the entire suite for easy duties, and non-designers could battle to make use of Adobe Illustrator successfully of their work. Completely different instruments serve totally different wants of designers; one may work higher than the opposite for particular use instances.
While you’re looking for an Adobe Illustrator various, there are numerous choices you’ll discover in the marketplace. In accordance with me, a robust Adobe Illustrator various ought to have:
- An intuitive interface to assist designers and non-designers navigate the platform seamlessly.
- Fundamental documentation to get began and carry out easy features on the instruments.
- Skill to create designs and illustrations for digital or printing utilization.
- Integrations with totally different distribution or publishing platforms that make it simpler to share illustrations and designs.
Prime 6 Adobe Illustrator alternate options I discover precious
Under are the main Adobe Illustrator alternate options I discovered in the marketplace, which provide aggressive — or, in some instances, higher—worth than Illustrator.
This listing relies on G2 opinions from 2025. We’ll maintain updating it to replicate the newest and finest alternate options. Some opinions could have been edited for readability.
1. Affinity Designer: Greatest for affordability and quick design pace
Affinity Designer works on Mac, Home windows, and iPad. Its cleaner and extra trendy UI is user-friendly for newcomers and extra intuitive for these simply beginning out. I personally really feel that Affinity Designer is optimized for pace.
In comparison with Adobe Illustrator, Affinity Designer requires no excessive {hardware} necessities to perform seamlessly. This makes it nice for engaged on the go or on much less highly effective units. Adobe Illustrator, alternatively, is extra resource-intensive, particularly when working with giant information or detailed vector graphics. It’s the go-to for professional-grade work in case you have a system that may deal with it.
Though Affinity Designer has many instruments like Adobe Illustrator, the depth doesn’t match. Each instruments do a comparable job on the subject of primary or barely complicated design work; nevertheless, for extra sophisticated design and collaboration, Adobe Illustrator leads the pack.
When you’re a freelancer or somebody looking for to have a strong design software at a lesser price or a one-time fee mannequin, Affinity Designer is your go-to software program.
It’s vital to notice that the iPad app is bought individually for $19.99, whereas the Illustrator’s iPad app is included in its subscription.
What I like about Affinity Designer:
- I appreciated that there are a number of keyboard shortcuts that helped me optimize for pace.
- I discovered Affinity Designer largely cost-effective in comparison with Adobe Illustrator.
What G2 customers like about Affinity Designer:
“It is easy to make use of, cost-effective, and works. Serif is continually updating and holding it related and helps a number of file codecs for importing and exporting.”
– Affinity Designer Evaluation, Steve Ok, CSO.
What I dislike about Affinity Designer:
There is likely to be a studying curve for these unfamiliar with Adobe Illustrator. I discovered the interface intuitive, however it should take a while for customers to regulate.
What G2 customers dislike about Affinity Designer:
“In case you are used to Adobe Illustrator, you’ll find some options and instruments that Affinity doesn’t supply…but. The app is frequently up to date, and builders are open to options for brand spanking new instruments and additions.”
– Affinity Designer Evaluation, Lindsey P, Expertise Coordinator.
2. Canva: Greatest for non-designers engaged on easy illustrations and graphics
Though Canva provides a downloadable software, it’s primarily web-based. The free model lets you use restricted design property, whereas Canva Professional (round $46/12 months with reductions) unlocks extras like background elimination and asset storage. Adobe Illustrator’s pricing is on the upper facet, roughly $102 a 12 months.
From a pricing standpoint, Adobe Illustrator may look costlier. Nevertheless, the extent of customization Adobe Illustrator provides justifies the slight elevate within the prices. Canva is nice for learners or professionals who don’t have refined design wants. It may deal with a level of sophistication, however it’s extra appropriate for easy design wants.
I’d counsel going with Canva if you wish to create easy graphics, similar to making a emblem, poster, or invitation. Adobe Illustrator, alternatively, is extra refined and requires technical design abilities to maximise the software’s potential.
What I like about Canva:
- I can design easy graphics like weblog photographs with out counting on a designer. It expedites my workflow from taking content material from processing to publishing.
- It’s my go-to for modifying photographs, eradicating backgrounds, and performing primary designing on an intuitive platform. There’s no studying curve.
What G2 customers like about Canva:
“As a non-professional editor, I discovered Canva simpler to make use of than different skilled platforms and companies. Specifically, I actually appreciated the charts app add-on, which I exploit to create interactive charts and graphs that I later embed on my web site.
The Canva platform provides a number of helpful add-ons and sharing options in addition to integrations with third-party apps like Mailchimp and LinkedIn.”
– Canva Evaluation, Hasan T, CEO.
What I dislike about Canva:
The free plan has a limitations on property and varied performance, similar to eradicating the background or compressing the file earlier than downloading.
What G2 customers dislike about Canva:
“I like Canva, however I do not like that the video modifying templates are too brief. I exploit it to make YouTube Shorts, which is okay, however it’s unsuitable for creating longer movies because it turns into difficult.”
– Canva Evaluation, Manikandan Ok, Social Media Advertising Government.
3. CorelDRAW: Greatest for print-focused designing
CorelDRAW provides a user-friendly and versatile platform for designing wants. Designers use it broadly for creating logos, graphics, brochures, and so on. Print designers and small enterprise house owners depend on this software closely. This desire is extremely pushed by the software program’s affordability and robust help for various file codecs.
I examined the software to transform raster photographs into vector graphics, seeking to see if it was simply accessible for learners. Wasn’t stunned to seek out it an intuitive and cost-effective resolution! When put next with Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW delivers faster actions.
Characteristic-wise, it has a great combine of varied functionalities, similar to object manipulation, drawing, creative media, and calligraphy. Many instruments can be found in CorelDRAW that permit the consumer to attract freehand. When evaluating options of Adobe Illustrator and CorelDRAW, some options may current themselves in a different way, however they’re the identical at their core.
I felt that CorelDRAW wins a tiny bit over Adobe Illustrator due to its simple studying curve. Nevertheless, the latter beats Corel with its documentation and useful resource availability.
What I like about CorelDRAW:
- CorelDRAW has many keyboard shortcuts. They pace up the work. I cherished that I can customise the menu bar in accordance with my necessities, for instance, including a preset shade.
- I discovered the software tremendous simple to make use of and intuitive. The whole lot is only a click on away.
What G2 customers like about CorelDRAW:
“CorelDRAW is simple to make use of. It did not take me a lot time to be taught it. It’s simply drag-and-drop, and you’ll simply make any adjustments in your design. It is very simple in comparison with Illustrator, Photoshop, and so on. I can do any customization in Corel. For instance, I can edit an image, create a vector, convert textual content to a curve, and make any adjustments I need with the textual content, like altering the form of any particular letter, and so on.
You don’t want to modify to every other software program exterior their ecosystem. Each replace provides new issues to the software program, which occurs fairly often.“
– CorelDRAW Evaluation, Aryan T, Social Media Supervisor.
What I dislike about CorelDRAW:
When the design turns into fairly heavy, the software program lags and may auto-shutdown, inflicting information loss.
What G2 customers dislike about CorelDRAW:
“Though CorelDRAW has a number of performance, a couple of issues may very well be performed higher. One frequent challenge is that the software program’s sporadic instability, crashes, and sudden failures have been reported, which may trigger annoyance and intervene with workflow.
Moreover, as a result of a number of instruments and functionalities are refined, some customers discover the training curve steep, particularly for learners. The pricing construction of CorelDRAW and its associated subscription plans is one other supply of disagreement for some prospects who consider that these prices could also be too excessive for people or smaller enterprises.”
– CorelDRAW Evaluation, Sourabh P, Sr. Merchandiser.
4. Figma: Greatest for UI designing and wireframing
Figma is a well-liked software, and for good purpose! It opens up cross-platform accessibility, permitting Figma to be a browser-based software, which suggests you may seamlessly change throughout totally different OS with out further installations or issues. It allows you to entry tasks from any gadget with an web connection.
What’s extra, by way of Figma, you may create interactive designs shortly and simply.
That stated, Figma has restricted vector modifying capabilities. With regards to detailed paintings, it may not match the depth and precision of Illustrator. I noticed discussions and some blogs about efficiency points, particularly when working with giant and complicated designs. Decrease-end or entry-level units could face some lag.
For my part, Figma wins in collaboration. Though Illustrator does supply collaboration performance, it’s not as real-time as Figma. When you work as a workforce, Figma will fit your calls for higher than Illustrator. Nevertheless, whereas flying solo, stick to Illustrator.
What I like about Figma:
- Figma’s typography is barely higher than Adobe Illustrator, in my view.
- Figma bridges the hole between creatives and builders. Its characteristic, Dev Mode, permits for a easy transition from design to improvement when engaged on an online or app challenge.
What G2 customers 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. A number of workforce members engaged on the identical file in actual time is ideal for brainstorming and iteration. It’s an intuitive interface; the instruments are each compelling and simple to make use of, whether or not wireframing, prototyping, or designing the finals. Having the ability to share designs immediately and get suggestions proper there saves time and retains everybody on the identical web page.”
– Figma Evaluation, Marina C, Head of Advertising.
What I dislike about Figma:
I noticed some efficiency points on bigger information. There’s a little bit of an accessibility challenge when offline.
What G2 customers dislike about Figma:
“There’s solely a slight delay within the loading time of the information if there are too many designs on one file itself.”
– Figma Evaluation, Shalom F, Senior Advertising Retention Government.
5. Inkscape: Greatest for compatibility with Linux OS
Inkscape is out there for Home windows, Mac, and Linux working methods. In comparison with Adobe Illustrator, it’s free and open-source software program however provides superior design capabilities that serve skilled use instances. By ‘free,’ I don’t imply freemium or free to attempt; it’s free. A workforce of passionate volunteers has maintained it for over 20 years.
One of many issues I admire is that you just don’t must cope with Adobe’s Inventive Cloud launcher software. Illustrator requires you to obtain the launcher which runs within the background and hogs system sources even if you’re not actively utilizing it. Not like Illustrator, Inkscape is light-weight and doesn’t accumulate any information from you.
I’ll give Inkscape some bonus factors for its customization capabilities. It allows you to create your personal themes, shade palettes, and icon types.
Because it’s free and open supply, a number of folks usually ponder whether it’s appropriate for skilled use. The reply is sure. You have got all the pieces that you must create vector paintings at knowledgeable stage. Nevertheless, there are limitations because of the lack of CMYK output. It received’t be appropriate if you’re going to print the designs. Furthermore, Inkscape doesn’t supply 3D instruments or superior wrap transformations, that are widespread in Adobe Illustrator.
What I like about Inkscape:
- The product is out there free of charge, and I can use it to create skilled vector graphics for digital platforms.
- The reusable template system helps me create visuals quicker.
What G2 customers like about Inkscape:
“I’m a product designer, and I’ve to work lots on vectors. Inkscape is simple to make use of, Free, and Open-source, making it the proper alternative for every day use. I can simply import and export every kind of codecs with out a glitch, making integrating the exports clear and easy.”
– Inkspace Evaluation, Ayush S, Senior Product Designer.
What I dislike about Inkscape:
The consumer interface is a bit outdated, however it’s comprehensible. I additionally discovered the startup time to be on the upper facet.
What G2 customers dislike about Inkscape:
“Understanding the interface could be a bit difficult initially, and it takes a while to discover ways to use it. Nevertheless, loads of on-line tutorials can help you in getting acquainted with its performance.”
– Inkspace Evaluation, Sarah Itzel Q, Social Media Advertising Supervisor.
6. Sketch: Greatest native macOS software for designing and modifying
Sketch is a Native MacOS software constructed with tried-and-tested frameworks that assist designers carry their concepts to life. Because it’s native to macOS, it improves all the pieces from efficiency to battery life. You get an infinite canvas, which lets you add as many artboards as wanted.
I set the format and used Boolean operations and vector modifying instruments to create varied shapes and illustrations. You possibly can zoom to the pixel stage and align objects completely. The platform lets you export your work in a number of codecs and sizes.
You get a yearly license for $99, which incorporates all of the obtainable updates. Even when the license expires, you may proceed utilizing Sketch. Present licenses assist folks obtain updates.
What I like about Sketch:
- Its cheaper pricing plan and strong plugin neighborhood enhance duties like animation and prototyping.
- Little to no data is required as a prerequisite for learners simply beginning.
What G2 customers like about Sketch:
“I’ve been utilizing Sketch for a number of years now. It is extremely versatile and intuitive., The consumer interface is tremendous simple to make use of, and all the pieces is specified by a approach that is sensible. Plus, it provides a variety of instruments and options that make it simple to create every kind of designs, from easy wireframes to detailed, high-quality designs.
What’s additionally cool is that there are tons of plugins obtainable. Additionally, the Sketch neighborhood is improbable – many sources and help can be found.”
– Sketch Evaluation, Olena D, Small Enterprise.
What I dislike about Sketch:
Sketch is tied to macOS, making it difficult for different designers to collaborate and work on totally different tasks.
What G2 customers dislike about Sketch:
“As a vector-based design software, ease of Use Sketch excels in creating scalable designs that preserve high quality throughout totally different sizes.”
– Sketch Evaluation, Sangam Ok, Video Editor.
Comparability of one of the best Adobe Illustrator various
Really feel like you could have an info overload? This comparability desk makes it simpler for you.
|
Adobe Illustrator various software |
Greatest for |
Free model |
Pricing |
|
Affinity Designer |
Affordability and quick design pace |
Not obtainable |
$27 one-time payement |
|
Canva |
Non-designers engaged on easy illustrations and graphics |
Sure |
$46/12 months |
|
CorelDRAW |
Print-focused designing |
Free trial obtainable |
$549 one time |
|
Figma |
UI designing and wireframing |
Free plan obtainable |
$16 per 30 days for the skilled plan |
|
Inkspace |
Compatibility with Linux OS |
Free plan obtainable |
Free |
|
Sketch |
Native macOS software for designing and modifying |
Free trial/plan is out there |
$10/month per editor |
Often requested questions on Adobe Illustrator and different graphics design software program
Nonetheless have questions? Get your solutions right here!
Q1. Is Canva like Adobe Illustrator?
Sure, they’re comparable for some particular use instances. Canva is right for fast duties, non-designers, or groups that quickly want easy, engaging visuals. Illustrator most closely fits graphic designers needing superior, professional-level management and precision. In brief, Canva is nice for pace and ease, whereas Illustrator excels at accuracy and class.
Q2. What’s the open-source equal to Adobe Illustrator?
The first open-source equal to Adobe Illustrator is Inkscape. It’s a strong, free vector graphics editor that’s comparable in perform to Adobe Illustrator. As a result of its strong characteristic set, Inkscape is extensively considered the go-to open-source various.
Q3. Do professionals use Inkspace?
Sure, some skilled graphic designers do use Inkscape of their work. Whereas Adobe Illustrator stays the trade customary, Inkscape is a viable various for varied professionals, particularly freelancers and people aiming to scale back software program prices.
This autumn. Is there a one-time buy various to Adobe?
Affinity Designer is a extra inexpensive, one-time buy various to Adobe Illustrator. It’s optimized for pace and doesn’t require heavy {hardware} to perform seamlessly.
Q5. Is there a very free vector editor?
Sure, Inkspace is totally free and has open-source vector edits that help skilled use instances much like these of Adobe Illustrator.
Make an knowledgeable, well-researched alternative
The seek for one of the best Adobe Illustrator various relies on your private wants, price range, and design model.
The suitable software program will seamlessly combine into your workflow, whether or not you are creating detailed illustrations or making ready astonishing advertising and marketing supplies. When you’re not sure, I extremely advocate attempting out the free plan or trial variations first. This will provide you with a touch of what to anticipate whereas working every day with the software program.
This primary-hand expertise is essential to ask the proper questions in demos, in the end main you towards one of the best resolution in the marketplace.
Be taught extra about varied graphics design software program in the marketplace.