Finding the best, free vector graphics software can help you quickly turn your ideas into stunning designs. Whether you’re building store logos and want something clean and simple or want to create graphics for games and apps.
So, here are five free vector graphic software suites I recommend you try.
DrawPad Graphic Editor
DrawPad Graphic Editor is a free vector graphic editor developed by NCH software. The software has a lot of clear space to work on, there are no useless menus or tool bars which might become hindrance in creating or editing the vector file. With DrawPad you can also add effects to the created vector design.HOME PAGE DOWNLOAD PAGE
BoxySVG
BoxySVG runs as an extension in Google Chrome, so it’s easy to store vector graphics including icons, charts, and illustrations on the web. It provides options for Google Fonts integration and has an Open Clip Art Library, as well as illustrator tools including pens, bezier curves, groups, shapes, text, and more.
Ultimately, BoxySVG is simpler than Illustrator, and while this means less advanced tools, it also means a quicker and easier process for creating vector graphic files.
The intuitive user interface gives you a clean workspace so you can complete your workflow without clutter or overlapping toolboxes. Keyboard shortcuts keep tools accessible without switching between tabs or searching through several icons.
The 15-day free trial includes these features. After that, you’ll have the option to purchase either the premium or standard plan.
Best used for:
Designers who produce a low volume of designs, but still need a quality tool
Platform:
Mac app, Windows app, Chrome app, Web app
Pixlr
Pixlr offers plenty of features for editing, creating, and sharing creative images. While it’s less advanced in function than Illustrator, it’s cloud-based and supported on mobile, desktop, or the web.
Pixlr has two options: Pixlr E for photo editing and Pixlr X for graphic design. Pixlr X includes regularly updated templates for social media, presentations, resumes, business cards, newsletters, and event invitations. Pixlr E includes a photo collage maker that combines your favorite photos into a clean, cohesive design.
Best used for:
Individuals whose position requires them to work from different devices to create images
Platform:
Windows, Mac, Web, Mobile
WondershareMockitt
Mockittis one of the most versatilevectordrawing software applications on the cloud. It can be used to draw and edit vector images, create artboards and mockups, and prototype designs. It is also light on your browser memory and system resources, allowing you to multi-task with other applications and browser windows. Most of all, it is one of the most affordable UI/UX design and prototyping tools available today. You can also use it as free vector editing software by just registering an account. If you love the platform, you can then upgrade to increase your project, screen,and storage limits.Try it Free
Top Features
- Comprehensive asset libraries containing thousands of components from real-life UI interfaces based on iOS, Material Design, etc.
- Templates to help you get started and give a professional look to your designs.
- Vector drawing and editing tools.
- Flowchart toolto help you create workflow or draw the logic of your prototypes.
- Rapid prototyping with drag-and-drop linking from component to page or page state.
- Attractive and useful collection of gestures, transitions, effects, and animations to show interactions.
- Vast array of collaboration tools – sharing, review, commenting, download, code inspect, etc.
- Import Sketch files and slices forfurther designing.
Pros
- More affordable than nearly every other premium design tool
- Free version available for smaller projects and personal use
- A clear layout with a user-friendly interface and easy navigation
- A powerful design tool to create intricate and complex vector graphics
Cons
- You can only create 3 projects in the free version.
Vectr
Vectris essentially a free online vector editortool but you can also install the desktop client. The online version is a little heavy, meaning it hogs up browser memory quite a bit, especially when working on complex projects. Also, you’ll need to register if you want the auto-save feature turned on. The best thing aboutVectris that youdon’t need to pay anything All you need to do in order to get full access is to register an account online. You can also make use of their photo editor and image design maker calledPixlr, a premium tool with a free trial period. It’s a great setup for designers who also work with photos.
Top Features
- A basic collection of vector drawing and vector editing tools
- Create multiple pages and reorder them
- Image uploads – import from other sources
- Sharing feature
- User guide and tutorials available
Pros
- Simple interface – easy to figure out
- Easy access to all tools – intuitive layout
- Can work offline with the installable versions for Mac and Windows
Cons
- Needs to be run on an up-to-date browser or it lags
- Unregistered users can lose their work if the Internet connection is interrupted
- No advanced vector drawing and editing features
Boxy SVG Editor
If you’re looking for something with extensive features but is also free (Linux only), then you should consider this online vector editor. It has numerous features that advanced users will really appreciate but still caters to the needs of new users. It’s the right mix of simplicity and complexity. The software’s design is based on the philosophy that your canvas should be the main focal point of any design tool. The sidebar panels contain all the tools you need, which aredisplayed as expandable options that you click on to open or close. You won’t have to mess around with open palettes, dialogs, and other distractions.
Top Features
- Basic and advanced vector drawing tools – Bezier, Arc, freehand, shapes, text, etc.
- Additional resources – library of icons, photos, etc., shape generators, color palette, etc.
- History of changes – to undo or redospecific actions
- Works online and offline (Mac, Linux)
- 15-day free trial for Web and Mac versions
Pros
- Ideal tool for all levels of graphic designers from beginners to professionals
- Convenient layout with easy access to all tools and panels
- The top menu helps navigate to specific features
- Multiple export format options
Cons
- Must register to export designs
- No free version except for Linux users (desktop version)
- Not a fully installable application – installed as a PWA (progressive web app) that can work offline
Figma
Most people knowFigmaas a popular prototyping tool, but it also has vector graphics tools such as the Pen Tool and Vector Networks. The latter is a unique feature that, unlike traditional vector tools, can be used to create independent vector lines that can either be joined or remain separate.Figmais also an excellent tool for collaborative design, just likeWondershareMockitt, allowing users to share designs, comment, provide feedback, etc.
Top Features
- Pen Tool and Vector Networks Tool for vector design creation and editing
- Plugins for other design tools – importing screens and artboards
- Image imports, including Sketch files
- Prototypingtools to create interactive UI designs
- Design style options to create design systems and style guides
- Large library of components as well as third-party resources
- Observation mode for presenting prototypes
Pros
- Attractive UI with tons of features
- A vast ecosystem of users to collaborate and ideate with
- Extensive resources for design components, design systems, UI kits, etc.
- Intuitive user interface
Cons
- Not many learning resources available despite wide usage
- Support is primarily from the user forum
- Expensive tool for individuals and small teams
Vecteezy
Vecteezy’sclaim to fame is the massive repository of artworks that you can access for free. Theonline vector editor toolitself is free to use, but you can upgrade to the Pro version to access premium artworks. It’s a basic vector design software application but useful as alearning tool for new designers. It’s better for vector editing than vector drawing due to the limited drawing features.
Top Features
- Vector editing features for intricate and complex designs
- Very close to Illustrator or Photoshop-style editing
- Free vector library and artwork, stock photo, and stock video collection
- Fast creation of simple vector designs
Pros
- Free to use unless you want access to the premium artwork collection
- Great tool for editing designs created on other platforms
- Simple touse even if you don’t have any design experience
Cons
- The vector editor is still in the beta stage of development
- Very basic vector drawing tools
- Limited toolset for vector drawings
Adobe Illustrator
Undoubtedly the leader in vector design software for Windows andmacOSdesktop environments, Adobe Illustrator is an exemplaryvector editortool to create stunning visuals that are scalable for large print formats. Recently introduced foriPadOS, Illustrator gives you the flexibility to create drawings, typography, icons, logos, and a host of other design components. The software is certainly on the expensive side of the price spectrum, and if you need cloud capabilities you’ll need to take the entire Creative Cloud package with all apps, which works out to about $600 a year. Great value but out of budget for many individuals and small companies just starting out.
Top Features
- Advanced vector drawing and editing tools
- Easy-to-use interface
- A large community of users to support you
- AI-powered tool (Adobe Sensei AI) to use color schemes from photos in your designs
- Integration with other Creative Cloud Apps such as Photoshop and Adobe XD
Pros
- Scale images to any size needed
- Texture fills look and work very well
- Artboards can be resized to fit the content
- Extensive brush tools + create your own brushes
- Option for afree trial of Adobe Stock with your purchase
Cons
- A heavy application that’s also heavy on resources
- The trace tool still needs a lot of improvement
- The product is expensive at $31.49 for the monthly plan
Conclusion
There are a few free vector graphic software programs to choose from, depending on your specific needs. Xara Photo and Graphic Editor comes with a full suite of image manipulation tools, and it’s easy enough to edit out blemishes thanks to its healing tool. You can download multiple layers to create various effects while you work, or export each layer as an individual file. Inkscape is another free alternative that’s compatible with most operating systems and can accomplish many of the same tasks as Illustrator or Photoshop.