Adobe Illustrator is hugely popular software tool for making vector graphics, but it's undeniably expensive. Thankfully, there are alternatives available for designers on a budget, and some of the best are available free.
Based on our testing, we believe CyberLink PhotoDirector Ultra 10 is the best Mac Photo Editing software, since it is good for both beginning and advanced users, but is especially good for anyone new to photo editing. You can also organize and share your photos using this software. Vector graphics software allows users to design and manipulate computer images using geometric and mathematical commands, rather than clicks and strokes as used in drawing software. Vector images created using these programs can be scaled indefinitely without losing quality.
Unlike raster graphics, vector graphics use mathematical expressions to draw the lines, shapes and colours. This means they’re infinitely scalable, so you can blow them up to the size of a billboard with no unsightly pixellation.
Vector graphics are the best choice for a number of design and illustration tasks, such as creating icons, logos, diagrams, charts, posters and website graphics. In the latter case, the current standard is Scalable Vector Graphics format (SVG).
Adobe Illustrator is the industry standard tool for vector graphics, but it's undeniably expensive
Programs like CorelDRAW, Sketch or Affinity Designer are popular alternatives, but if your needs are relatively simple, then you can save even more money by trying out alternatives to Illustrator that are totally free – and there are some brilliant options to choose from.
Example vector files designed by Freepik
1. Inkscape
Label making program for mac. A feature-packed editor that's a true substitute for Illustrator
Comprehensive toolkit
Frequent updates
Open source vector graphics package Inkscape is staggeringly powerful, and is the best free alternative to Adobe Illustrator for pro and semi-pro illustrators, graphic designers and web designers.
As well as the standard drawing and shape tools, Inkscape boasts a special spirals tool, a tool to create patterns and arrangements of clones, advanced object manipulation options, multiple filters (including bevels, textures, overlays and more), and some nifty fill settings. In short, there’s very little Illustrator can do that Inkscape can’t.
Because it's open source, it’s not only free to use but if you have the technical know-how you can even edit it and incorporate it into other software. And new features are being added all the time; the latest version brings mesh gradients, improved SVG2 and CSS3 support and new path effects to the party.
So what’s the catch? Some users have complained that it performs slowly, although that does seem to depend on what device and operating system you’re using. The best thing to do is just download it and give it a quick try; there's nothing to lose.
2. BoxySVG
A browser-based vector editor that's as powerful as a desktop app
Convenient browser extension
Boxy SVG is a free tool for creating scalable vector graphic files that runs as an extension in Google Chrome. It comes with a good range of basic tools, including pens, bezier curves, text, basic shapes, stroke and fill, layers, ability to add type, groups, transforms and paths.
The main selling point for Boxy SVG is the utter simplicity of its UI. It makes a virtue of paring down the experience of creating vector graphics to a fairly minimal set of options. These essentially restrict you to the kind of things that the SVG format is good at. As a result, it’s fast, easier to pick up than Illustrator, and the files it creates are clean and efficient.
As well as importing and exporting files in SVG and SVGZ format, you can also use Boxy SVG to import and export JPEGs and PNGs. Wonderfully convenient.
3. Vecteezy
A sharp looking in-browser Illustrator alternative for stylish designs
Good choice of vector elements
![Best vector software for mac Best vector software for mac](/uploads/1/2/6/0/126071286/747924770.jpg)
Requires a free account to save work
Vecteezy is another free in-browser Illustrator alternative (the developer earns a crust selling premium illustrations, and its customers include the BBC, Amazon, McDonald's and Dell).
You can import and edit SVG files, or create your own designs from scratch. There's a selection of shapes and ready-made clipart to choose from, and a huge array of typefaces for text-based designs.
Vecteezy also includes a pen tool for drawing freehand shapes and editing existing paths, plus a simple color-picker. It's all refreshingly simple to use, and even brand new users will grasp the fundamentals within a few minutes.
There are just a couple of points to be aware of: you'll need to create an account or log in using Facebook in order to save your work, and if you open a particularly large file, Vecteezy warns you that doing so might cause your browser to freeze. This is a risk with any similar web app though, and we appreciate Vecteezy being so up-front about it.
4. Vectr
A slimline vector editor available for your browser or desktop
Easy to master
Vectr is a free cross-platform program that you can use used to create and edit vector graphics, either on your desktop (versions are available for Windows, Mac, Linux and ChromeOS), or in any modern browser.
Vectr is intuitive to use, with a shallow learning curve. “Design software shouldn’t bring people a sense of struggle, yet that’s exactly how the troublesome design software we grew up on made us feel,” says its developer, who has created this pared-back vector editor with accessibility in mind.
While it lacks many of the advanced features of Illustrator, then, it’s got all the tools you need for basic vector editing - shapes, text, multiple layers and like - and what it does, it does very well. You can save all work you create in Vectr online, or export it in PNG, JPG, or SVG file formats.
Vectr is a great choice for beginners, or just anyone needing to create a simple graphic with the minimum of fuss.
5. SVG-Edit
A straightforward Illustrator alternative for web developers
No server-side processing
If your prime reason for wanting a vector graphics editor is to create SVG files for websites, then SVG-Edit may be all you need. You can use this free vector software within your web browser to create SVG images and edit existing ones.
Vector Software For Mac
SVG-Edit works in any modern browser, and offers 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 that new features are being added all the time by contributing developers.
It’s built on HTML5, CSS3 and JavaScript with no server-side functionality, so if you wish you can download and modify the code to make your own version.
- Check out our guide to the best free photo editors
Vector Drawing Programs For Mac
If you plan to go into business, any kind of business, you're going to need a logo. Your logo is your calling card, and it's the most identifiable part of your overall brand. When it comes to creating one, most business owners are somewhat lost. These applications are your best bet when creating your own logo. They range from the complex and professional to simple web tools that anyone can use, so you're sure to find something that suits your skill set and needs.
Inkscape
What We Like
- Open source
- Professional grade
- Focused on vector graphics
What We Don't Like
- Learning curve
- Requires some design skill
Inkscape is a full-featured vector graphics editor that focuses on one thing, simple vector images like logos. Unlike some of the other professional grade options on this list, Inkscape doesn't try to do everything. It's focused on allowing designers to draw crisp high-quality logos, icons, and vector art.
Even though Inkscape does have a bit of a learning curve, it's a free open source program, so you can try it out and learn at your own pace. It's widely used too, so you can definitely find quality resources to get yourself started. Inkscape is a top grade tool that can produce amazing results in the right hands.
Adobe Photoshop
What We Like
- Super powerful application
- Loaded with tools
- Create anything
- Huge community and documentation
What We Don't Like
- Steep learning curve
- High price tag
- Not focused on logos
It's Photoshop. If you haven't heard of it by now, where have you been? Interestingly enough, Photoshop really isn't a logo creation program. It's always been more geared toward photo editing, but Adobe's most famous creative program is so full-featured, it's capable of just about anything concerning digital images.
Photoshop is another professional grade tool, packed with features and astounding capabilities. Unfortunately, that also means you need to know your way around before you can get much done. When you do, though, there's no denying that it's more than capable of creating a great logo.
GIMP
What We Like
- Open source
- Create anything you want
- Tons of different tools
What We Don't Like
- Some learning time
- Not focused on logos
Maybe you want something similar to Photoshop but you don't love the idea of a hefty price tag or monthly subscription. Well, that's where GIMP comes it. GIMP stands for GNU Image Manipulation Program, and it's a popular open source Photoshop alternative for basic projects, making it a great option for logos.
GIMP does require some knowledge to get running, but it's a much more basic application than something like Photoshop or Illustrator. It has a fairly straightforward set of tools that you can use to modify existing images or draw your own. GIMP something of a 'jack of all trades.' It can do nearly everything, but it's certainly not the best at any of it. Still, GIMP can be a great way to get into professional-quality logo design with minimal investment.
Adobe Illustrator
What We Like
- The industry standard
- Packed with powerful tools
- Create exactly what you need
What We Don't Like
- Steep learning curve
- Costly professional grade software
If you're looking for the industry standard in logo design, look no further. It's pretty hard to escape Adobe Illustrator in the design world, and for good reason. Adobe's been at this for a long time, and they've really set all their own standards.
Adobe Illustrator is probably the most feature complete program on this list, and it's got the best recognition in the industry, leading to the widest support and largest communities. Illustrator also isn't for beginners. It's a complex professional tool with a hefty professional price tag.
Canva
What We Like
- Super simple to get started
- Sample program script. Use it from anywhere
- No expensive software
Fans of the Google Apps Suite and other simple cloud-based solutions should look no further than Canva. You can design your logo entirely in the cloud without installing a thing on our computer. Canva makes the process as smooth as possible, offering tons of high-quality tools for you to play with to your heart's content. As an added prize, Canva is mostly free.
Canva offers a gigantic library of stock photos, shapes, and other design elements that you can work into your original creations. Plenty of them are completely free, but you'll have to pay for some of them. Don't worry, though, they aren't expensive.
CorelDRAW
What We Like
- Major industry recognized program
- Loads of tools for designers and illustrators
- Create anything you want
What We Don't Like
- For professionals only
- Steep price tag
CorelDRAW is another major player in the graphic design space. This illustration program has been around for a long time, perfecting its formula and being refined into a truly formidable tool. With CorelDraw, you're certainly not limited to just logos. It's a full digital illustration application that'll enable you to create original artwork and modify it to fit a more simplistic logo format.
CorelDRAW is complex, and it'll require some training and practice to become capable enough to produce quality pieces. Once you're ready, though, you certainly won't find yourself limited. Like the other major professional programs on this list, CorelDRAW does come with a fairly steep price tag.
Sothink Logo Maker
What We Like
- Simple to use
- Tons of templates
- Color schemes are great for branding
What We Don't Like
- Custom drawing only available in the Pro version
Sothink Logo Maker is dedicated to enabling businesses to create their own logos and branding. Logo Maker features a simple and familiar interface that lets you get right to work. It includes hundreds of templates to get you started and the tools to modify them to match your brand. Sothink Logo Maker also bundled professionally designed color schemes to convey the right look and feel.
There's also a Pro version of Logo Maker that comes with more of everything. It has more templates, more color schemes, and more tools for you to really make your logo yours. With Logo Maker Pro, you can draw your own images free hand to create literally anything. Compared to some of the other options, the price for Logo Maker Pro is more than manageable too.
LogoMaker
Best Vector Program For Mac
What We Like
- All online
- Simple easy to use interface
- Great library of art resources
What We Don't Like
- Somewhat limiting
- Sales pitches for other services
LogoMaker is an online service catering to small businesses that allows you to create your own logo in only a few minutes using their collection of fonts, icons, and design resources. You can easily select positioning, style, colors, and most things you'd want for a business logo with minimal effort.
LogoMaker is entirely online, and you can get away with designing something at minimal cost. That said, they do try to sell additional services, like business cards and domain registration. Depending on where you are with your business, that might be welcome news.
LogoYes
What We Like
- Extremely simple
- Loads of easy to find icons
- Decent customization of colors and layout
What We Don't Like
- Still feels limited
- Requires sign up to get your logo
LogoYes is another simple way to build your logo online. Web.com is behind LogoYes, so it's pretty clear that their goal is to be the one-stop destination for small business owners to build their brand and website. Even still, you can walk away from LogoYes with a custom logo for only $1.
LogoYes is insanely easy to use. Pick from hundreds of icons, all categorized alphabetically. Then, enter any text you may want in a variety of fonts. Click and drag for your own custom layout, and change the colors of anything on the fly. Everything's a breeze, making LogoYes a top contender for non-technical and super busy logo designers alike.
Krita
What We Like
- Open source
- Powerful tools for art and design
- Paint anything you like
What We Don't Like
- Requires actual artistic talent
- Learning curve
Krita is an unlikely candidate for a list like this, but it's here for a good reason. If you are actually a digital artist looking for a platform to create something entirely original for your logo, Krita can absolutely fill that role and more. Krita is an open source program that aims to compete with the likes of Adobe Illustrator and CorelDRAW.. for free.
Over the years, Krita has earned a fantastic reputation for trading blows with the industry big dogs and offering a truly quality application that anyone can get their hands on. Since Krita is an open source application, it plays well with Inkscape and GIMP, allowing you to create a unique open source workflow for your design. While this is great for artists, Krita probably isn't the best for business owners just looking to get a nice looking logo. It requires some actual artistic skill to be good with Krita.