Top-flight substitutes for Adobe Illustrator
Ready to abandon Adobe Illustrator? You're not the only one! While Adobe's digital art software remains the gold standard for vector design and is a key player in Adobe's Creative Cloud, not everyone wants to deal with the ongoing subscription fee. But fear not; we've got your back.
We've scoured the market, scrutinizing the competition to present you with the best alternatives to separate you from that high-priced subscription. Whether you're after a one-time payment, a different user experience, or even a completely free option – we've got everything covered.
Our team of expert reviewers has put these alternative tools through their paces, comparing features, usability, versatility, and performance. We've also considered feedback from practicing designers to ensure we provide you with reliable recommendations. And don't forget to check out our list of the best Photoshop alternatives.
Top Adobe Illustrator Alternatives for 2023
01. Affinity Designer
Affinity Designer may just be your all-round perfect Illustrator replacement. Introduced in 2014, this insanely powerful vector editor has come a long way. Affordable at a one-off cost ($69.99 for desktop, $18.49 for iPad) and completely free of Adobe's legacy code, it runs faster and smoother than Illustrator. Please note that Affinity Designer's performance may vary depending on the device you're using, and for best results, it performs exceptionally well on Macs.
Boasting such standout features as the ability to switch between vector and pixel editing within the same application, a 1,000,000% zoom, 8,000 undo steps with saved history states, and customizable tools like the Area Tool for measuring irregular shapes, Contour Tool for dynamic path offsetting, and Stroke Width tool for editing pressure profiles, Affinity Designer offers professional designers a real runner-up worth considering. Take note, however, that while Affinity Designer is almost as feature-packed as Adobe Illustrator, it still has minor functional gaps in areas like symmetry and pattern creation.
One major advantage for professional designers is that Affinity Designer retains complete Pantone color libraries at no additional cost, while Adobe now requires a separate Pantone Connect subscription ($59.99 - $90 annually). The full version of Affinity Designer on iPad is tailored for touch and Apple Pencil input, providing a fully-fledged professional mobile experience with no compromises.
02. Inkscape
Inkscape is a free and open-source vector graphics editor that uses Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) as its native format. A lightweight application ideal for those with lower-powered machines, it still manages to deliver surprisingly capable vector editing capabilities – especially considering it doesn't cost you a dime.
Recent updates in versions 1.3 and 1.4 have added some genuinely useful features that make Inkscape an even stronger competitor in the search for a free Illustrator alternative. Performance has seen a noticeable boost, particularly with complex documents, and the introduction of the new Shape Builder Tool makes editing shapes far more intuitive. There's also a Filter Gallery (a dockable menu that lets you explore and apply visual effects with an easy-to-use search function) and upgraded Filter Settings for effects like watercolour.
Other enhancements include a Modular Grid system for more precise layouts, a revamped Swatches Dialog for managing colour palettes, and improvements to the Trace Bitmap tool for converting raster images into vectors. Additionally, Inkscape now supports a wider range of file formats, making it easier to work across different formats and software. Although, it's worth noting that performance may still lag occasionally, especially with larger projects.
For students, hobbyists, or those starting out in digital illustration or vector graphics that don't want to splash out on Adobe, Inkscape remains an excellent choice – and continually improving.
03. Figma
In 2025, Figma has become the go-to tool for UI and digital product design, thanks to its impressive feature set and outstanding collaboration tools. Accessible via browser or desktop app on both Windows and macOS, it allows teams to work together in real-time – editing, prototyping, and giving feedback simultaneously. Figma is best suited for screen-based design, such as apps, websites, and digital interfaces, rather than print or complex illustrations.
The April 2025 update introduced an AI-powered Edit Image tool, enabling users to change image backgrounds or move objects using easy-to-follow text prompts. Other standout features include Auto Layout for responsive design, built-in prototyping, and Developer Handoff tools that generate code snippets for iOS, Android, and web. A note for professionals: Figma lacks advanced illustration tools, but for digital-first creatives, especially in remote or hybrid teams, Figma remains one of the best tools available.
Its freemium pricing model is generous, offering plenty for individuals and small teams with paid plans unlocking advanced collaboration, team libraries, and admin controls. There's no CMYK support, so it won't replace Adobe Illustrator or InDesign completely, but for those working in the digital realm, especially in teams, Figma remains one of the best tools out there.
04. CorelDRAW
If you're after an Adobe Illustrator alternative without the subscription (unless you want one), CorelDRAW Graphics Suite may grab your attention. A well-established suite dating back to 1989, Corel's suite offers powerful vector drawing tools, impressive layout capabilities, and a familiar interface that makes the transition from Adobe relatively painless. CorelDRAW's performance may differ depending on your device, but it holds its own when it comes to vector design.
CorelDRAW, the centerpiece of the suite, is amongst the top vector design tools, boasting intuitive tools, shape recognition, and natural media brushes that feel surprisingly fluid. It's paired with Photo-Paint, a capable but slightly underwhelming photo editor that holds its own for basic edits and effects, though it doesn't quite rival Photoshop, particularly in raw processing. All in all, CorelDRAW remains a solid toolset, appealing to those who prefer a one-time payment and a design forever.
Final Thoughts
Each alternative to Adobe Illustrator offers unique benefits. Inkscape is ideal for those seeking a free, open-source solution. Affinity Designer delivers professional-grade tools without the subscription. Figma dominates the collaborative design environment. And CorelDRAW caters to specific design needs with powerful features. Choose the one that best fits your budget and needs!
- With Affinity Designer, you might find the perfect replacement for Adobe Illustrator offering a one-time payment and performing faster and smoother than Illustrator, especially on Macs.
- Boasting features like switching between vector and pixel editing, a 1,000,000% zoom, and customizable tools, Affinity Designer is a professional-level design tool worth considering.
- Affinity Designer maintains the complete Pantone color libraries at no extra cost, unlike Adobe, which requires a separate Pantone Connect subscription.
- Inkscape is a free, open-source vector graphics editor using Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) as its native format, ideal for users with lower-powered machines.
- Recent updates to Inkscape have introduced the new Shape Builder Tool, a Filter Gallery, Modular Grid, a revamped swatches dialog, and improvements to the Trace Bitmap tool.
- Figma, launched in 2025, has become a leading tool for UI and digital product design due to its collaboration tools and impressive features.
- Figma runs via browser or desktop app, allowing teams to collaborate in real-time and edit, prototype, and give feedback simultaneously.
- Figma's April 2025 update introduced an AI-powered Edit Image tool for changing image backgrounds or moving objects.
- CorelDRAW Graphics Suite, dating back to 1989, offers powerful vector drawing tools, impressive layout capabilities, and a familiar interface for easy transition from Adobe.
- CorelDRAW focuses on professional-grade features, while its photo editor, Photo-Paint, is adequate for basic edits and effects but doesn't surpass Photoshop, especially in raw processing.
- If you prefer a one-time payment and don't need advancedillsustration tools, CorelDRAW Graphics Suite might be your choice among Adobe Illustrator alternatives.
- Every alternative brings unique benefits: Inkscape is free, Affinity Designer delivers professional tools, Figma dominates collaboration, and CorelDRaw meets specific design needs. Choose the one that caters best to your budget and requirements.
