The Best Alternatives to Adobe Illustrator in 2024

The ranked list

1. Top pick · Editor’s choice
   1

   Affinity Designer

   A powerful, one-time purchase alternative to Illustrator with a comprehensive feature set.

   Visit Affinity Designer →

   Best forProfessional illustrators and graphic designers needing a full-featured, non-subscription tool.

   Pros

   • Offers a one-time purchase license, avoiding recurring subscription costs.
   • Supports both vector and raster workflows within a single application.
   • Provides precise control over vector shapes and paths.
   • Includes advanced features like non-destructive editing and pixel preview.
   • Offers real-time blend modes and patterns.

   Cons

   • Has a steeper learning curve compared to some simpler vector editors.
   • Collaboration features aren’t as robust as Illustrator's.
   • Fewer pre-made assets and templates compared to Adobe's ecosystem.

   PricingPAID, one-time purchase

   Verdict. Affinity Designer is the strongest all-around alternative to Illustrator for professional users. Its feature parity, combined with its one-time purchase model, makes it an excellent value proposition.

2. 2

   CorelDRAW Graphics Suite

   A comprehensive suite of graphic design tools with a focus on illustration, layout, and photo editing.

   Visit CorelDRAW Graphics Suite →

   Best forDesigners who need a complete toolkit for diverse creative tasks.

   Pros

   • Includes a broad range of tools beyond vector illustration, like page layout and photo editing.
   • Offers robust typography controls and effects.
   • Supports various file formats, including AI.
   • Provides liveSketch for natural drawing and sketching.

   Cons

   • Can be resource-intensive, requiring a powerful computer.
   • The user interface can feel cluttered and overwhelming.
   • Subscription model can be costly for infrequent users.

   PricingPAID, subscription or one-time purchase options available.

   Verdict. CorelDRAW is a strong contender for users who need a complete design suite. It mirrors many of Illustrator’s capabilities and expands upon them. However, the complexity and cost are considerations.

3. 3

   Sketch

   A vector-based design tool focused on UI/UX and web design, exclusively for Mac.

   Visit Sketch →

   Best forUI/UX designers and web designers working on macOS.

   Pros

   • Offers a clean and intuitive user interface.
   • Integrates well with other design and development tools.
   • Includes pre-built symbols and shared styles for consistent design.
   • Features robust prototyping capabilities.

   Cons

   • Only available on macOS.
   • Less suitable for print design compared to Illustrator.
   • Limited support for complex illustrations.

   PricingPAID, subscription

   Verdict. Sketch excels in UI/UX and web design. Its Mac-only availability and focus on digital design make it a strong choice for specific workflows, but it's not a direct replacement for Illustrator's broader capabilities.

4. 4

   Inkscape

   A free and open-source vector graphics editor with a wide range of features.

   Visit Inkscape →

   Best forUsers seeking a no-cost, full-featured vector editor.

   Pros

   • Completely free and open-source.
   • Supports the SVG format natively.
   • Offers a wide range of tools for illustration, graphic design, and image editing.
   • Cross-platform compatibility (Windows, macOS, Linux).

   Cons

   • The user interface can be less polished compared to commercial alternatives.
   • Performance can be slow with complex illustrations.
   • Limited support and documentation compared to paid options.

   PricingOPEN_SOURCE, free

   Verdict. Inkscape is a powerful and free option for those willing to learn its interface and work around potential performance issues. It's an excellent choice for hobbyists and those on a tight budget.

5. 5

   Vectornator

   A free vector graphic design software focused on ease of use and accessibility.

   Visit Vectornator →

   Best forBeginners and casual users who need a simple, free vector editor.

   Pros

   • Free to use.
   • Intuitive and easy-to-learn interface.
   • Cross-platform availability (iOS, iPadOS, macOS)
   • Automatic sync across devices.

   Cons

   • Limited advanced features compared to professional tools.
   • Not ideal for complex or large-scale projects.
   • Relatively new software, so ongoing development is still underway

   PricingFREE

   Verdict. Vectornator is a great starting point for those new to vector graphics. Its simplicity and free price make it accessible, but it may lack the power needed for professional work.

At a glance

Side-by-side comparison of the alternatives ranked above.

Frequently asked questions