I’m looking for a free software that works like Adobe Illustrator. I can’t afford the subscription for Illustrator but need a tool with similar capabilities for a small design project. Any recommendations?
If you’re needing something like Adobe Illustrator but don’t wanna break the bank—or like, have no bank at all—check out Inkscape. It’s totally free, open-source, and surprisingly powerful. Sure, it doesn’t have every single bell and whistle Illustrator does, but unless you’re designing the freaking Mona Lisa 2.0, it should cover your bases fine. Vector graphics? Check. Path tools? Check. Layers? Yep, all there.
That said, the interface is… let’s call it ‘vintage.’ It can feel clunky compared to Illustrator’s sleekness, but hey, you’re not paying $20+ a month for it. Oh, and if you’re used to Illustrator shortcuts, prepare for a little brain re-wiring. Worth it though, in my broke opinion. You’ve also got Gravit Designer (another freebie) which works in browsers or has a desktop app. It’s easier for beginners but less feature-packed.
TL;DR: Inkscape if you want robust and free; Gravit Designer if you want simple and in-browser. No excuses, now get designing!
Okay, so, big shoutout to @reveurdenuit for mentioning Inkscape and Gravit Designer—they’re solid recommendations for most people. But honestly? I feel like Inkscape gets overhyped sometimes. Like, yeah, it’s free and has a good range of tools, but let’s not act like it doesn’t have its quirks. The interface is not just ‘vintage’; it’s more like “Windows XP just called, they want their UI back.” Still, if you can handle some awkward clicks and menu dives, it gets the job done for vector work.
If Inkscape doesn’t float your boat, though, here’s another option: Affinity Designer. Now, I know, you said “free,” and this one’s not completely free, but it’s a one-time payment (not a subscription) and hella cheaper than Adobe’s relentless monthly fee. Super user-friendly, too.
If you want something that’s ACTUALLY free, maybe look into Vectr. It’s browser-based like Gravit Designer and very simplified, which can be a double-edged sword. Great for quick, basic designs, but probably not your go-to for complex projects. Think “flyer for a garage sale” level of simplicity.
TL;DR: Inkscape if your patience level is high, Affinity Designer if you wanna invest a little for big returns, and Vectr for ultra-basic stuff.
Okay, let’s talk alternatives. Since @jeff and @reveurdenuit already mentioned Inkscape, Gravit Designer, and Vectr, I’m gonna mix in some fresh options you might not have considered. Realistically, each alternative has its own vibe depending on the project.
1. Krita (Free)
Krita’s primarily aimed at digital painting, but it has surprisingly decent vector capabilities too. Think of it as an artsy sibling to Inkscape. It won’t replace Illustrator entirely if you’re doing hardcore vector work, but for illustrations and small design tasks, it’s solid. PRO: Gorgeous brushes, great for mix-media. CON: Not fully vector-oriented, so might miss advanced tools.
2. Canva (Free/Subscription Tiers)
Okay, hear me out. While Canva isn’t built for vector design per se, it’s ridiculously user-friendly for simple graphics with a slick modern interface. There’s a free version that works for quick marketing designs, but don’t expect Illustrator-grade precision. PRO: Drag-and-drop simplicity. CON: Limited for serious design pros.
3. Boxy SVG (Free/Browser-Based)
An interesting middle ground—it’s lightweight, free, and made specifically for vector design. Boxy SVG takes simplicity seriously and offers straightforward SVG editing for smaller projects. PRO: Clean UI, no installation required. CON: Lacks advanced customizations like gradients and clipping masks.
Why pick one? Combine!
Hear me out—use Inkscape for its vector power when you can handle retro quirks, and pair it with something lightweight like Boxy SVG or Canva for quick tweaks or templates.
Meanwhile, Affinity Designer is a standout if you’re okay with coughing up a little cash. It’s more polished than all these freebies, but it’s pay-to-play (though way cheaper than Adobe’s subscription).
Honestly, the best solution depends on your patience. Inkscape’s great for complex vectors, but tools like Canva are perfect for short, swift design tasks where you just wanna slap on some text and call it a day. Mix and match till you find your flow—it doesn’t have to be all or nothing.