Best Free Vector Graphics Software in 2023

Best Free Vector Graphics Software in 2023

Free Vector Graphics Software in 2023

The best free Adobe Illustrator vector alternative lets you create and edit vector graphics at no cost. Unlike raster graphics, these programs use mathematical expressions to draw lines, shapes, and colors, making them infinitely scalable, so you can blow up an image to the size of a billboard without any obvious pixels.

Adobe Illustrator is the industry-standard software for creating and editing vector graphics, but, if you're new to design using graphics design software or don't have the budget for an expensive Creative Cloud subscription, an excellent free Illustrator alternative. Huh. There, many of which won't hold your creativity back.

Not all Adobe Illustrator alternatives are created equal. Some have limited features, handful support only certain file formats, and others are bundled with unwanted additional software.

However, we've used and tested some of these vector graphics ourselves, and we know which ones are best for many designs and illustration tasks, such as creating icons, logos, diagrams, charts, posters, and website graphics. Take a look at our top picks from the best free Adobe Illustrator alternatives below.

5 Best Free Vector Graphics Software in 2023

1. Inkscape

Inkscape

Good

  • Comprehensive toolkit
  • Excellent format support
  • Frequent updates

Not Good

  • Performance can be sluggish

Operating system: Windows, macOS, Linux

InkscapeOverview

The open-source vector graphics package Inkscape is surprisingly powerful and the best free Adobe Illustrator alternative for pro and semi-pro illustrators, graphic designers, and web designers.

As well as the standard drawing and sizing tools, Inkscape also has a special spiral tool, a tool for creating patterns and arrangements of clones, advanced object manipulation options, several filters (including bevels, textures, overlays, and more), and some Includes Nifty Phil. Adjustment. In short, there's very little Illustrator can do that Inkscape can't.

Because it is open source, it is not only free to use, but if you have the technical know-how you can also edit it and incorporate it into other software. And new features are being added all the time; The latest version brings mesh gradients, better SVG2 and CSS3 support, and new path effects to the party.

So what's the catch? Some users have complained that it works slowly, although it depends on which device and operating system you are using. The best thing to do is download it and give it a quick try; there is nothing left to lose.

2. BoxySVG

BoxySVG

Good

  • Good format support
  • Convenient browser extension
  • Easy to use
  • Keyboard shortcuts

Operating system: Windows, macOS, Linux (in browser)

BoxySVG Overview

Boxy is a free tool for creating SVG scalable vector graphic files that run as an extension in Google Chrome. It comes with a good range of basic tools including a pen, Bezier curves, text, basic shapes, stroke and fill, layers, and the ability to add types, groups, transforms, and paths.

The main selling point of Boxy SVG is the absolute simplicity of its UI. This makes it a virtue to bundle the experience of creating vector graphics into a fairly small set of options. These essentially limit you to the kind of things the SVG format is good at. As a result, it's faster and easier to use than Illustrator, and the files it creates are clean and efficient.

As well as importing and exporting files in the SVG and SVGZ formats, you can also use Boxee SVG to import and export JPEG and PNG. Surprisingly convenient.

3. Vecteezy

Vecteezy

Good

  • Nothing is hidden behind a paywall
  • Good choice of vector elements
  • Simple to use

Not Good

  • Requires a free account to save work
Operating system: Windows, macOS, Linux (in browser)

Vecteezy Overview

Vecteezy is another free in-browser Adobe Illustrator alternative (the developer earns a crust by selling premium illustrations, and its customers include the BBC, Amazon, McDonald's, and Dell). You can import and edit SVG files, or create your designs from scratch. There is a selection of shapes and ready-made clipart to choose from, and a vast array of typefaces for text-based designs.

Vecteezy includes a pen tool for drawing freehand shapes and editing existing paths, as well as a simple color-picker. It's refreshingly simple to use, and even new users will grasp the basics in a matter of minutes.

There are just a few points to be aware of: You'll need to create an account or log in using Facebook to save your work, and if you open a particularly large file, Vecteezy warns you. Doing so may damage your browser. freeze. It's a risk as with any similar web app though, and we appreciate Vectis being so upfront about it.

4. Vectr

Vectr

Good

  • Intuitive interface
  • Easy to master
  • Interactive tutorials

Not Good

  • Lacks some advanced features
Operating system: Windows, macOS, Linux (in browser)

Vectr Overview

Vector is a free in-browser Adobe Illustrator alternative. It was originally also available as a desktop application for offline use but has now been discontinued.

However, don't let this get away from you; Vector is intuitive to use, with a steep learning curve. "Design software shouldn't bring people a sense of conflict, yet just the way troublesome design software made us feel when we grew up," says its developer, who designed this pared-back vector editor with accessibility in mind. Built-in.

Although it lacks many of the advanced features of Illustrator, it still has all the tools you need for basic vector editing — shapes, text, multiple layers, and the like — and does pretty well what it does. . You can save all the work you create in Vectr online, or export it to PNG, JPG, or SVG file formats. A vector is a great option for beginners or anyone who needs to create a simple graphic with a minimum of fuss.

5. SVG-Edit

SVG-Edit

Good

  • Works in your web browser
  • Clear interface
  • Vector and raster export formats

Not Good

  • Fewer advanced tools than rivals
Operating system: Windows, macOS, Linux (in browser)

SVG-Edit Overview

If your main reason for wanting a vector graphics editor is creating SVG files for websites, then SVG-Edit may be just what you need. You can use this free vector software in your web browser to create SVG images and edit existing ones.

SVG-Edit works in any modern browser and provides a basic set of vector editing features including hand-drawing tools, shape tools, text tools, and path tools. The tool is open source, which means new features are being added all the time with contributions from developers. It is built on HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript without any server-side functionality, so you can download and modify the code to create your version if you wish.

How to choose

1. Comprehensive Tools to Accelerate Your Workflow When choosing design software, it's important to decide on something that provides everything you need to express your creative vision in a single application. Look for a product that not only offers powerful tools for vector illustration, multi-page layout, and typography but photo editing as well.

2. High-quality bitmap-to-vector conversion Designers are often tasked with converting low-resolution bitmaps to vector images, making this an important feature to look for in your design software choice. Some applications use artificial intelligence to process a low-resolution bitmap image and turn it into a vector file that can be scaled up to very large sizes without losing quality. It's arguably one of the most important tools you'll need in professional graphics design, especially if you work with large-scale printing.

3. Dependable color management If printing is a big part of what you do, you'll want to make sure your software includes reliable color management tools so that you don't have any unwanted surprises when your work comes back from the printer. When starting your vector illustration journey, take some time to understand the color palette, color proofing, and color profiles to create the best possible illustrations. Professional level color management can provide an accurate representation of color throughout the process.

4. Professional Output Format Capabilities The Professional Output Format lets you send pictures to printers and embroiderers or share digital files with customers and colleagues. Choose a program that offers comprehensive file support to ensure that you can use your files in the many applications that may be part of your day-to-day work. If you're working with design files and building your brand, it's worth investing the time in vector graphic design, which has so many practical applications. Select a professional tool that can meet all your graphics needs with a variety of output formats so you can work faster and smarter than ever.


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