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Adobe Illustrator alternatives: 6 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Oct 25, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rank

Common reasons people leave Adobe Illustrator: subscription only, no perpetual licence, and steep learning curve for newcomers. We ranked 6 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Adobe Illustrator, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. Inkscape currently ranks first.

Quick comparison

#AppPricingOpen sourcePlatformsVerified factsScore
1Inkscape logoInkscapeOpen sourceYesWindows, macOS, Linux3 of 362.6
2CorelDRAW logoCorelDRAWPaidNoWindows, macOS, Web3 of 359.6
3Figma logoFigmaFree plan + paidNoWeb, Windows, macOS3 of 357.5
4Linearity Curve logoLinearity CurveFree plan + paidNomacOS, iOS3 of 357.2
5Affinity logoAffinityFree plan + paidNoWindows, macOS0 of 056.0
6Kittl logoKittlFree plan + paidNoWeb3 of 353.6
  1. Inkscape logo

    1. InkscapeTop pick

    Best for: Hobbyists, makers and budget-conscious designers who want a capable free vector editor

    Open sourceWindows, macOS, Linux

    62.6

    score / 100

    Why switch from Adobe Illustrator

    Free, open-source vector editor for Windows, Mac and Linux.

    Pros

    • Completely free, GPL-licensed
    • Native SVG editing with good export options
    • Runs on Linux, Windows and macOS

    Cons

    • Interface less polished than commercial apps
    • Limited CMYK and Adobe format support
    • Can be slow on complex documents
    Visit Inkscape Compare with Adobe IllustratorDetails and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.387
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Inkscape a good Adobe Illustrator alternative?

    Verified facts

    3 of 3 verified
    License
    GPL
    Checked Oct 25, 2026inkscape.org(opens source in a new tab)
    Platforms
    Linux, Windows, macOS
    Checked Oct 25, 2026inkscape.org(opens source in a new tab)
    Downloads
    Linux, Windows, macOS, source
    Checked Oct 25, 2026inkscape.org(opens source in a new tab)
  2. CorelDRAW logo

    2. CorelDRAW

    Best for: Print, signage and production shops that need precise vector layout and output

    PaidWindows, macOS, Web

    59.6

    score / 100

    Why switch from Adobe Illustrator

    Long-running professional rival with a one-time purchase option.

    Pros

    • One-time purchase option alongside subscriptions
    • Strong print, prepress and output tools
    • Includes PHOTO-PAINT for image editing

    Cons

    • Less common in agency and UI workflows
    • Mac version historically lags Windows
    • Upgrades to new versions cost extra on perpetual licences
    Visit CorelDRAW Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.377
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is CorelDRAW a good Adobe Illustrator alternative?

    Verified facts

    3 of 3 verified
    Free trial
    15 days
    Checked Oct 25, 2026coreldraw.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Platforms
    Windows, Mac and web
    Checked Oct 25, 2026coreldraw.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Purchase options
    Subscription or one-time purchase
    Checked Oct 25, 2026coreldraw.com(opens source in a new tab)
  3. Figma logo

    3. Figma

    Best for: Product teams designing and prototyping interfaces together

    Free plan + paidWeb, Windows, macOS

    57.5

    score / 100

    Why switch from Adobe Illustrator

    Better for UI and collaborative work, with solid vector tools.

    Pros

    • Real-time multiplayer editing
    • Powerful components and variables
    • Dev Mode for handoff

    Cons

    • Paid seats add up for large teams
    • Requires an internet connection for most work
    Visit Figma Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.363
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Figma a good Adobe Illustrator alternative?

    Verified facts

    3 of 3 verified
    Free plan
    Yes (Starter)
    Checked Oct 24, 2026figma.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Real-time collaboration
    Yes
    Checked Oct 24, 2026figma.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Dev Mode
    Yes
    Checked Oct 24, 2026figma.com(opens source in a new tab)
  4. Linearity Curve logo

    4. Linearity Curve

    Best for: Mac and iPad users who want approachable vector design without Illustrator's complexity

    Free plan + paidmacOS, iOS

    57.2

    score / 100

    Why switch from Adobe Illustrator

    Lighter, cheaper vector app built for Mac and iPad.

    Pros

    • Friendly interface built for Mac and iPad
    • Apple Pencil support and native Apple silicon app
    • Pairs with Linearity Move for animation

    Cons

    • No Windows or web version
    • Fewer professional print features
    • Advanced exports need a paid plan
    Visit Linearity Curve Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.369
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Linearity Curve a good Adobe Illustrator alternative?

    Verified facts

    3 of 3 verified
    Pro price
    $8/month billed annually ($10 monthly)
    Checked Oct 25, 2026linearity.io(opens source in a new tab)
    Free plan
    Yes, essential features
    Checked Oct 25, 2026linearity.io(opens source in a new tab)
    Platforms
    iPad and Mac
    Checked Oct 25, 2026linearity.io(opens source in a new tab)
  5. Affinity logo

    5. Affinity

    Best for: Designers who want professional vector, photo and layout tools without an Adobe subscription

    Free plan + paidWindows, macOS

    56.0

    score / 100

    Why switch from Adobe Illustrator

    Free professional vector, pixel and layout app with no subscription.

    Pros

    • Free for individuals with no subscription
    • Vector, pixel and layout tools in one app
    • Opens PSD, AI and IDML files with layers

    Cons

    • AI features need a paid Canva plan
    • Requires a Canva account to use
    • No iPad version yet after the merger
    Visit Affinity Compare with Adobe IllustratorDetails and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.3100
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1515
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Affinity a good Adobe Illustrator alternative?

    Verified facts

    0 of 0 verified

    No sourced facts yet.

  6. Kittl logo

    6. Kittl

    Best for: Merch sellers, small brands and freelancers who want stylised templates and type effects

    Free plan + paidWeb

    53.6

    score / 100

    Why switch from Adobe Illustrator

    Browser-based vector and typography tool for merch and branding.

    Pros

    • Strong typography and text effects
    • Templates geared to merch and branding
    • AI image and vector generation built in

    Cons

    • Free plan limits templates and assets
    • Fewer document and presentation formats than Canva
    • AI features consume plan credits
    Visit Kittl Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.357
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Kittl a good Adobe Illustrator alternative?

    Verified facts

    3 of 3 verified
    Free plan
    Yes
    Checked Oct 25, 2026kittl.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Plans
    Free, Pro, Expert, Max
    Checked Oct 25, 2026kittl.com(opens source in a new tab)
    AI vector generator
    Editable vector output
    Checked Oct 25, 2026kittl.com(opens source in a new tab)

The best Adobe Illustrator alternative for…

The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.

Inkscape logo

Best Adobe Illustrator alternative for most people

Inkscape

Free, open-source vector editor for Windows, Mac and Linux.

Inkscape logo

Best Adobe Illustrator alternative for a free option

Inkscape

Free, open-source vector editor for Windows, Mac and Linux.

Figma logo

Best Adobe Illustrator alternative for a free plan you can upgrade

Figma

Better for UI and collaborative work, with solid vector tools.

Inkscape logo

Best Adobe Illustrator alternative for open source

Inkscape

Free, open-source vector editor for Windows, Mac and Linux.

CorelDRAW logo

Best Adobe Illustrator alternative for Mac

CorelDRAW

Long-running professional rival with a one-time purchase option.

Affinity logo

Best Adobe Illustrator alternative for Windows

Affinity

Free professional vector, pixel and layout app with no subscription.

Inkscape logo

Best Adobe Illustrator alternative for Linux

Inkscape

Free, open-source vector editor for Windows, Mac and Linux.

Kittl logo

Best Adobe Illustrator alternative for working in the browser

Kittl

Browser-based vector and typography tool for merch and branding.

Adobe Illustrator alternatives: common questions

What is the best alternative to Adobe Illustrator?

Inkscape ranks first right now. Free, open-source vector editor for Windows, Mac and Linux. CorelDRAW and Figma follow it in our ranking.

Is there a free alternative to Adobe Illustrator?

Yes. Inkscape (open source), Figma (free plan + paid), Linearity Curve (free plan + paid) and Affinity (free plan + paid) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.

Is there an open-source alternative to Adobe Illustrator?

Yes: Inkscape.

Which Adobe Illustrator alternatives work on Linux?

Inkscape runs on Linux.

Why do people switch from Adobe Illustrator?

The complaints we hear most: subscription only, no perpetual licence; steep learning curve for newcomers; expensive compared with Affinity or Inkscape.

How is this list ranked?

Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Adobe Illustrator, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.