The 8 best alternatives to Illustrator
In theprinting world, vector graphics are part of everyday life. Logos, posters, packaging, signage: everything starts with a clean, scalable, precise base. And often, this base is provided by Adobe Illustrator.
But here’s the thing. Illustrator is powerful, but expensive. The subscription model is a real turn-off. And for a team, licenses add up fast.
Fortunately, serious alternatives do exist. Free, open source, intuitive or ultra-specialized. Some are even used in production, in the heart of creative studios or by printers.
Looking for reliable vector graphics software? Here are 8 tools worth a look. It’s up to you to choose the one that fits best into your workflow.
Inkscape - Free and complete
You don’t need an expensive subscription to work precisely in vector graphics. Inkscape is a serious alternative to Illustrator.
Free, multi-platform (Windows, macOS, Linux), it offers all the features essential for rigorous graphics production. Draw complex shapes, Bézier curves, layer management, advanced fills, effects and transparency… you name it.
It supports industry-standard formats: SVG, PDF, EPS, PNG, DXF… and even AI in read mode. A real asset for integration into professional workflows.
Inkscape also benefits from a committed community and a large number of extensions, making it adaptable to a wide range of uses. A solid, evolving tool.
Affinity Designer - Performance without subscription
Designed for demanding designers, Affinity Designer combines fluidity, precision and modernity. Perfect for creating logos, mock-ups, illustrations and print media. Its vector engine is fast, even on heavy files.
The interface is clear and the tools responsive. It’s easy to switch from vector drawing to pixel editing, without having to change software. A real time-saver in production.
Affinity Designer manages CMYK profiles, bleeds, color control andprint-ready PDF exports.
And best of all, no subscription. A single payment for a complete software package, updated regularly. A smart choice for those who want to stay in control of their tools.
Vectr - The simple, fast, collaborative tool
You don’t need complex software to create vector graphics. Vectr is all about simplicity. Available online or as a desktop version, it works on all platforms. No complicated downloads, no headaches.
The interface is clear and the tools are to the point. You trace, you align, you add text. It’s all done quickly, even for beginners.
When it comes to collaboration, Vectr has a real card to play. Each project can be shared by simple URL. Your colleagues can access, modify and comment on files in real time. Ideal for remote working or rapid exchanges between teams.
Export is seamless, in SVG, PNG or JPEG. So you can integrate your creations into any communication medium.
Vectr is not aimed at ultra-technical studios. But for small teams, marketing departments, teachers or design beginners, it’s a lightweight, efficient and 100% accessible solution.
Figma - The UX/UI tool that stands up to Illustrator
Figma is first and foremost the reference tool for interface design. But make no mistake: its vector capabilities make it a credible alternative to Illustrator, especially for creating mock-ups, icons or graphic components.
Everything is done online, without installation. All you need is a browser. And that’s its strength: everyone can collaborate in real time on the same file. Ideal for product teams, digital agencies or multi-site studios.
The tool is fluid, intuitive and ultra-modular. You can draw with precision, prototype without leaving the software, and synchronize your components in shared libraries. Every modification is visible in real time.
Its ecosystem of plug-ins extends its possibilities far beyond simple vector drawing. And with a generous free version, Figma stands out as a powerful, connected solution resolutely focused on modern production.
A real must-have for interface designers, but also for anyone looking for a lightweight, collaborative and ready-to-use tool.
CorelDRAW - A must-have for print professionals
In the printing world, CorelDRAW is a sure bet. For years, it has supported graphic designers, layout artists and prepress operators with tools designed for print production.
His strong point? Perfect mastery of print constraints. CMYK, bleeds, ICC profiles, crop marks… it’s all there. CorelDRAW also handles multi-page documents, complex vectorization and last-minute adjustments.
The interface is dense but well thought-out. Functions are powerful, precise and stable. A real comfort for those who work daily with files destined for offset, digital or large-format printing.
The software also offers excellent interoperability with presses and RIPs on the market. It is often preferred in production workshops for its direct compatibility with certain equipment and its specific converting tools.
CorelDRAW isn’t free, but it’s one of the few professional tools available with a perpetual license (in addition to the subscription model). A real advantage for printers who want to keep control of their software.
Reliable, complete and designed for the graphics industry, CorelDRAW remains a benchmark in many studios and production workshops.
Krita - Free illustration, with a touch of vector graphics
Krita is not a pure vector editor… and that’s precisely its strength. Designed for digital drawing and painting, it also includes vector tools that make it an invaluable ally for creative minds.
Perfectly compatible with graphic tablets, it handles pressure, angles, custom brushes… everything you need for fluid drawing. And when it’s time to add shapes, text or stylized lines, vector layers take over without damaging anything.
You can create, style and illustrate, while keeping a firm grip on the details. Krita gives you real creative freedom, between digital painting and vector construction.
Export to SVG, PDF or PSD for seamless integration into professional workflows. Ideal for visual artists, illustrators or comic book creators who want a free, powerful, print-ready tool.
GIMP - Free image editing made easy
GIMP is not a vector graphics program, but it is a must-have for bitmap image processing. For photo retouching, clipping, color correction or creative editing, it offers a solid alternative to Adobe Photoshop.
Totally open source, it runs on Windows, macOS and Linux. The interface may surprise you at first, but it can be easily customized to suit your needs. And once you’ve got the hang of it, GIMP becomes a veritable Swiss army knife of graphics.
It manages layers, masks, curves, color profiles, CMYK exports via plugins… A reliable basis for prepress or the production of visual elements for print.
GIMP is lightweight and compatible with graphics tablets. And thanks to its large community, new extensions are constantly being added.
It’s not a replacement for Illustrator, but it integrates perfectly into a production workflow alongside a vector editor. For printers, layout artists or graphic designers looking for a free, powerful and proven solution, GIMP remains the benchmark.
Boxy SVG - Light, precise, SVG-centric
Boxy SVG has a clear objective: to master the SVG format. Lightweight, fast and accessible from any browser (or desktop version), it lets you create and edit vector files with great precision.
The interface is simple, but designed for productivity. The drawing tools are efficient, the keyboard shortcuts familiar, and the shape and text manipulation functions well-honed.
Boxy SVG isn’t intended to replace a full Illustrator, but it shines in the creation of icons, logos, UI elements or visuals for the web and light print.
It supports grids, layers and integrated CSS, and also exports as optimized SVG, PNG or PDF. Ideal if you work in a digital environment but still want to produce print-ready visuals.
It’s a focused, sober, but very well thought-out tool. For designers looking for a reliable and accessible SVG editor, Boxy SVG is a solution not to be overlooked.
Illustrator is no longer the only way
With this selection of software, vector drawing becomes more accessible than ever. From simple projects to advanced professional work, there’s now a range of high-performance, specialized tools for every purpose: printing, illustration, web design, UX prototyping, education or branding.
Each solution presented offers a different vision of graphic design: free and extensible with Inkscape, or collaborative with Figma. It’s up to you to identify your real needs, your work environment and your technical level to make the right choice.
And on the ERP side, are you well equipped? No ? Then discover our ERP for printers and graphic industries! You can test it now by downloading the free demo.
Pascal MALINGUE
General Manager Cadratin Software and Cogilog