CorelDRAW is a commercial vector graphics editor developed by Corel. Graphics drawing software like CorelDRAW is often used by graphic designers and people involved in certain fields to design logos, text, posters, and sometimes even complicated illustrations and electronic circuits. In this post, I will briefly introduce several free coreldraw open source alternatives you can use to edit your images without paying a cent.
So you’re a graphic designer who uses CorelDraw for your design tasks? If so, you are probably looking for CorelDraw alternative as well. CorelDraw is a professional vector graphics editor. It has many tools to make every designing task easier, faster and even more enjoyable. CorelDraw is also the most popular program in its niche today. But this doesn’t mean that its competitors can’t exist at all. Of course they do, and we are going to talk about some of them in this article.
Inkscape
Inkscape is one of the most powerful tools to use when looking to create artistic vector illustrations.
It has a vast toolset for enhancing the style and color of your graphics. Tools such as copy/paste style, contour markers, color selection, gradient editor, and copy color will transform your projects significantly.
Inkscape supports multiple vector file formats, including CSS, SVG, and XML.
Key Features of Inkscape
- Works with layers
- Boolean path operations
- Object grouping
- Automatic bitmap tracing tools
- Anti-aliasing bitmap images
- Calligraphy, Pencil, Drawing, Pen and Shape tools
- It supports multiple file formats
What We Like
- It’s free
- Works on all computers
- It is open-source
- Friendly user interface
- Offers bitmap tracing
- Has plenty of tools for professionals
- Supports multiple file formats
What We Don’t Like
- Out-of-date interface
- Its Mac OS version has lags
- Low-quality text fools
Inkscape is an excellent free CorelDRAW alternative. It has an open-source code that allows users to modify lines to improve them.
Adobe Illustrator CC
With Adobe Illustrator, you can design complex vector imaging easily. It has excellent color management capabilities and standard drawing tools for the job.
Its user interface is intuitive, with easily accessible features. This platform allows users complete control over their graphic creation process.
To work with illustrator, you have to use the AI file format.
Since the software has tight integration with the rest of the free Adobe software, users have the freedom to import objects in Illustrator to Adobe Flash Professional.
Key Features of Adobe Illustrator CC
- Pre-built design templates
- It has a free transform tool
- Color syncing
- Pixel snapping options
- File packaging
- Pixel-perfect designs
- Freeform gradients
- Puppet warm enhancements
What We Like
- Multiple custom plugins
- Excellent zooming
- Adobe software integration
- Adjustable gradients
- Small size source files
- Simplified path feature
- Visual font browsing
What We Don’t Like
- Not easy for beginners
- Monthly subscription needed after free trial
- Files are challenging to share
This new version of Adobe Illustrator is an excellent alternative to CorelDRAW and contains advanced features to use with your vector graphics.
GIMP
GIMP is a free, open-source graphics editor. It also has vector image editing tools – a great CorelDRAW alternative for scripted images, design objects, and icons.
GIMP uses various programming algorithms. It’s equipped with vast customization options and third-party plugins.
There’s so much flexibility and extensibility with GIMP. It integrates with various programming languages such as Perl, Python, and Scheming to increase customization levels.
Key Features of GIMP
- Customized user interface
- Supports different input devices
- Plenty of design elements
- Image retouching
- Layers
- High-end photo manipulation tools
- Original artwork creation
- Color management features
What We Like
- User-friendly interface
- Highly customizable
- Free and open-source
- Supports various file formats
- Broad functionality
- Excellent support
What We Don’t Like
- It sometimes lags
- Poorly developed web and mobile-based versions
GIMP is a powerful tool for simple graphic editing with numerous brushes and other features for digital selection, drawing, and healing. Its capabilities can satisfy your graphics needs the same way as CorelDRAW.
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Illustrator allows you to create vector images of any complexity using standard drawing tools and advanced color management capabilities. The main file format for working in Illustrator is the AI file.
Besides, an intuitive interface and easy to access features allow you to effectively control the entire process of creating graphics. Due to tight integration with other free Adobe software, you can import any objects created in Illustrator to Flash Professional.
Pros
- Numerous custom plug-ins
- Integrates with other Adobe software
- Source files are of a small size
- Excellent zoom
- Adjustable gradients
- Simplified Path feature
Cons
- Complicated for beginners
- Files are difficult to share
- Requires monthly subscription
Main Adobe Illustrator Features:
- Pixel-perfect designs
- Pixel Snapping options
- Pre-installed design templates
- Ability to sync colors
- Free Transform tool
- File packaging
Being first-class software for working with vector graphics, Illustrator is packed with numerous advanced tools. Moreover, it lets you create pixel-perfect designs and align the pixels on a grid.
Also, Illustrator includes a Puppet Warp tool to perform advanced editing of complex shapes. With this tool, you can adjust a specific part of your picture without affecting any other areas nearby.
This is way better than doing it point by point. In addition, this CorelDRAW alternative includes basic features, such as an ellipse, pen, rectangle, etc.
Affinity Designer
Affinity Designer is a vector graphic editor that lets you create icons, web designs, illustrations, print objects, web graphics, typography, mockups and templates. The program is widely used by professional digital artists and designers.
Pros
- Intuitive user interface and navigation
- An array of tools for pros
- Supports the most common file formats
- Excellent zoom capabilities
- One-time payment
- 2D drawing, drag & drop features
Cons
- Limited functionality in a free version
- Steep learning curve
Main Affinity Designer Features:
- Separate tool for curves
- Vibrant and rich color palette
- Customizable brushes
- Online graphic design editing
- Support for all graphics files formats
Serif Affinity Designer is suitable for different types of users due to the ability to customize the software according to individual needs. If you are familiar with this program’s capabilities, you will take full advantage of its productivity, speed, and efficiency. This alternative to Corel DRAW is compatible with Windows and MAC OS X platforms, making it even more universal.
Sketch
Sketch is a professional vector graphics editor that allows you to create vector images, icons, web designs, and retouch photos.
Being developed for Mac OS, this program has intuitive controls and can be installed without viruses and annoying ads. To download Sketch, you will need only 50MB of free space on your hard drive.
Pros
- First-class collaboration tools
- Is compatible with Illustrator assets
- Straightforward user interface
- Supports plug-ins
- An extensive selection of professional tools
- Beginners-friendly
Cons
- License entitles to use the program on one computer only
- No auto-layout flowing options
- Mac OS compatibility only
Main Sketch Features:
- Grids and guides
- Extensive set of tools
- Vector image editing
- Ability to export HTML code
- Symbols
- Support for plug-ins
Sketch is a feature-rich and flexible software that supports numerous scaling and vector shapes to create first-class projects. It is possible to start your project from scratch using primitive shapes or use a Vector tool or Pencil to add a drawing. Also, with this Corel DRAW alternative, you can customize brushes while changing their color, transparency, size, etc.
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Photoshop is a professional software for creating web designs, banners, logos, and more. Also, it is sought-after among digital artists who are going to develop their projects from scratch.
This software includes powerful assets for the toolbox of every designer. You can use healing tools, selection, paintbrushes, and stamps.
Pros
- Advanced tools for professional vector graphics editing
- Ability to adjust brushes
- Includes masks and layers
- Integrates with Creative Cloud
- Works with numerous file formats
Cons
- Monthly subscription
- Difficult for beginners
Main Adobe Photoshop Features:
- Freeform Pen Tool
- Rubber band
- Pen Tool Shortcuts
- Resizing shapes with rounded corners
- Live shape properties
- Ability to combine vector shapes
Apart from all the above-mentioned features, each professional can benefit from using Photoshop’s brushes, overlays, actions, and textures. With the help of customizable text tools, you can establish your artistic style by creating exclusive fonts or adding a watermark to your project.
If you are a beginner, it will be rather complicated for you to use this software as a CorelDRAW alternative and create a piece of art on the first try. Since Photoshop is designed for professional use, you may need to take some time to get used to its interface and learn its functionality and capabilities.
Krita
If you are on the lookout for a free program like Corel DRAW, Krita will be an excellent option. This is an open-source software which includes basic tools for digital drawing and design. The combination of intuitive interface and image editing capabilities makes Krita a decent alternative to such products as GIMP and Paint.Net.
Pros
- An extensive number of brushes
- Works with layers
- Supports HDR
- Open-source code
- Optimized software
- Up-to-date interface with a stylish layout
Cons
- May lag after being updated
- Inconvenient Text tool
- Lacks photo retouching capabilities
Main Krita Features:
- Support for numerous file types
- Color profiles
- Layer types
- Various tools for vector image editing
- Brush engines
One of the main advantages of Krita is a powerful engine for creating custom brushes. It includes an impressive number of settings to adjust the color, shape, and density of the brush. You can also expand the program’s capabilities by importing third-party brushes and textures that are available for download on the web.
PaintShop Pro
PaintShop Pro is another interesting vector and raster graphics editor to use in graphics design and photo editing. It has the most amazing tools, including the SmartClone feature.
Using SmartClone, you can merge multiple elements effortlessly and add unique effects. Sounds exciting, doesn’t it?
Its parallel toolbox contains layers and masks. Your digital drawing and painting couldn’t be any easier with the unique brushes in the toolbox, not forgetting the HDR tools.
PaintShop Pro never disappoints with its 360-degree photo editing support.
You must be wondering why PaintShop Pro is on this list.
Well, it’s because it offers a 30-day free trial. This is enough time to produce outstanding graphics for your brand.
It has a simple, navigable interface with editing options and a photo organizer. This is your ideal choice if you want to take image editing to the next level.
Beginner or not, you can learn PaintShop Pro and work smoothly to get your projects done.
Key Features of PaintShop Pro
- Face detection technology for clustering images
- Image slicer tool
- Plenty of integrated learning tools
- Photo editing feature
- Graphic design
What We Like
- Creative tools for pro users
- Powerful features
- Intuitive for novice users
- Ability to copy and paste layer styles
- Compatible with touch-screen
- Incredible content aware cloning
What We Don’t Like
- It’s not cross-platform.
- The upgrade isn’t compelling at all
Conclusion:
Open source graphics software is a great way to find a powerful piece of design software for free or close to free. Unfortunately, not all free graphic design software programs are created equal. Some will frustrate you with their poor user interfaces or lack of feature depth. Others might be difficult to use even for the most basic tasks like resizing an image. A few have great features but just aren’t very intuitive. There are some though that manage to give you an incredibly powerful piece of software for free (or close to it).