There are many kinds of vector graphics software available, so making the right decision can be tough. Know which type of software is best for your business by reading reviews, pros and cons, and descriptions of all the top choices including free samples and buying information.
There are many different “best vector graphics software” to choose from and if you feel lost when trying to find the best software for your design needs, this article may help you.
Adobe Illustrator
The best vector editor of them all
SPECIFICATIONS
Price model: SubscriptionSystem: macOS, Windows, iPadBest for: Professional designersTODAY’S BEST DEALS39% OFFCreative Cloud All AppsUS$29.99/mthCreative Cloud PhotographyUS$9.99/mthCreative Cloud Single AppUS$20.99/mthVISIT SITEat Adobe
REASONS TO BUY
+Industry-standard vector editor+Useful AI tools
REASONS TO AVOID
-CC subscription required
Built for professionals, it’s simply the best vector editor you can get, and broadly speaking if you want to get ahead in graphic design then you need to know how to get the best out of it. The initial learning curve can be a little steep, especially if you’re new to creating vector artwork, but once you learn its ways, Illustrator will reward you with all the tools you’re likely to need (and plenty more besides), and plenty of advanced features for quickly tracing existing artwork so that you can edit it on-screen.
Affinity Designer
A great vector editor at a reasonable price
SPECIFICATIONS
Price model: One-off paymentSystem: macOS, Windows, iPadBest for: Professional designersTODAY’S BEST DEALSVISIT SITE
REASONS TO BUY
+Fantastic value+Good range of tools
REASONS TO AVOID
-Not as many features as Illustrator
Snapping at Illustrator’s heels is the much cheaper but almost as good Affinity Designer. While it can’t quite do everything that Illustrator can, it’s easier to get to grips with, feels nicer and generally runs faster, and you won’t need to worry about compatibility as it’ll happily work with AI and PSD files. It also benefits from features that Illustrator doesn’t give you, such as a one-million-plus zoom and infinite redos, and it comes at a much more attractive price that’s a one-off payment rather than an ongoing subscription. Result!
CorelDRAW
A venerable vector editor that still does the job
SPECIFICATIONS
Price model: SubscriptionSystem: macOS, WindowsBest for: All levelsTODAY’S BEST DEALSCorelDRAW Graphics Suite 2019US$198/yearLOW STOCKCorelDRAW Graphics Suite 2019 FullUS$499VISIT SITEat Corel Corporation
REASONS TO BUY
+Versions for all users+Strong set of tools
REASONS TO AVOID
-Pro version is expensive
Originally launched in 1989, CorelDRAW has been in the vector game for almost as long as Adobe Illustrator, and it’s still a contender. Today it comes in three versions: there’s CorelDRAW Essentials, a basic vector editor that’s easy to learn and ideal for beginners, then there’s CorelDRAW Standard, aimed at enthusiasts and home business, and finally there’s CorelDRAW Graphics Suite, built for professionals with all the vector, typography and collaboration tools you’ll need. Both Essentials and Standard can be had for a one-off payment; with CorelDRAW Graphics Suite you can either buy the current version outright or subscribe for a year at a time.
Inkscape – Our Choice
Best free vector graphics software
- You can work with clones of different objects
- Collective drawing
- Context toolbar options
- You can use Bezier curves
- Not found
Verdict: Inkscape is a free vector program that provides advanced tools for working with shapes. It has four tools that can change the control nodes and the numerical parameters of the shapes.
You can also try cloning objects during operation, which will save your time. When working in this software, you can analytically set curves with the Python language, and use files of such formats as PNG, TIFF, JPEG, XPM, GIF, SVG, etc. To protect your project from theft, use free watermark software.
Vectornator
Using unlimited layers
- Automation of work processes
- Intuitive tools
- Unlimited number of layers
- Teamwork on one project
- Problems when duplicating objects
Verdict: If you need an intuitive free graphic editor, you can choose a free graphic design software or use Vectornator. The unique features of this free vector program are advanced work with layers and the possibility to use an unlimited number of them to create the most complex illustrations.
For professional work, Vectornator provides professional shape and contour tools, CMYK color profiles, custom fonts, actual layer blending modes, masks, the function of duplicating objects, etc. You can also carry out teamwork on one project and make your edits and changes at once.
Vectr
Work with all possible formats
- Supports AI, EPS, PNG, JPEG and SVG formats
- Synchronization of the project through an online account
- A large number of manuals
- Cross-platform
- Little functionality for professional work
- Problems occur when working with contours
Verdict:Vectr is a free graphic editor using which you can create both simple images and complex vector illustrations. This is one of the best free vector graphics software as it offers a large number of tutorials on managing layers, creating and editing paths, rotating and scaling objects, etc.
This software has all the necessary tools for basic vector editing, including shapes, text, layers, fills, etc. Also, you can export and import such file formats as AI file, EPS file, PNG file, JPEG file and SVG, which makes your work very convenient.
Inkscape
Inkscape is probably the most versatile free vector editor for Mac. With a long history of development and a keen fanbase, Inkscape works on all three major operating systems and costs nothing.
Inkscape uses an open-source development model (like these other free open-source mac apps), and as a result, its technological progress is often slower than that of its commercial rivals. Inkscape prides itself on its full compatibility with the W3C open standard SVG, and it strives to make itself one of the most user-friendly SVG editors for Mac.
Despite this user accessibility, newcomers may feel a little out of their depth when trying it out. To help, there’s extensive documentation and answers to your questions within the Inkscape forums.
Mac users may need to download XQuartz in order to run Inkscape. So if you’re not a fan of additional downloads, this not be your best option.
Conclusion
There are many freelance illustrators who are making use of the different vector graphics software available. This page will list some of the most popular vector graphics software that can be used in Windows, Linux and Mac OS X operating systems. If you’re looking for a complete application that can provide you with all the features you need, including toolbox and numerous effects, we encourage you to try Illustrator or Corel Draw. If, instead, you’re looking for small programs compatible with any operating system and able to create vector graphic documents without taking up a lot of memory space, we encourage you to read on and