free vector graphics software free vector graphics software

The Best Free
Vector Graphics Editor

Realize all your creative ideas with a totally free vector graphics software -
Inkscape, but if you need professional tools and smooth integration with
Adobe Suite - try Adobe Illustrator and its 7-days free trial.

I think many digital artists share my opinion about free vector graphic software, perceiving them as handy tools for creating projects when you’re an amateur. They are capable of making diverse visual elements such as basic page layouts, watermarks, logos, sharp-edged artistic illustrations, block diagrams, and charts.

1. Adobe Illustrator – Not Fully Free but the Best

adobe illustrator free vector graphics software
Pros
  • Lots of drawing tools
  • Smooth integration with Adobe Suite
  • Supports multiple files
  • Frequent updates
Cons
  • Free version is valid for only 7 days
  • Takes time to master

Adobe Illustrator free is available for 7 days, providing access to all its features. It's packed with tools perfect for designers, illustrators, and creative users. Whether you're sketching with pens and pencils or creating shapes and paths, it has everything you need to turn your ideas into stunning designs, so no wonder many people believe it is the best free software for vector graphics out there. You can use it to make catchy logos, illustrations, text styles, or intricate artworks.

In my opinion, the main highlight of this program is its wide range of tools and features. Thus, users can create detailed vector artworks. Adobe Illustrator supports various file formats like SVG, PDF, EPS, and AI, which is very convenient if you need to produce vector graphics. Once done, you can export your works to different platforms and software.

2. Inkscape

inkscape free vector graphics software
Pros
  • You can work with clones of different objects
  • Context toolbar options
  • Works on different platforms
  • User-friendly interface
Cons
  • Limited collaboration features
  • Stability issues

Inkscape is a free vector graphics software 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 if you need to expedite your workflow. When working in this software, you can analytically set curves with the Python language, and use files in PNG, TIFF, JPEG, XPM, GIF, SVG, etc. To protect your project from theft, use free watermark software. When comparing this program with Illustrator, I don’t like its limited collaboration features. This can become an issue when working in a team.

3. Linearity

linearity free vector graphics software
Pros
  • Automation of work processes
  • Intuitive tools
  • Unlimited number of layers
  • Teamwork on one project
Cons
  • Problems when duplicating objects
  • Poor community support

If you need intuitive free graphic design software, pay attention to Linearity (formerly Vectornator). The unique features of this program are advanced layers and the possibility to use an unlimited number of them to create the most complex illustrations.

Some people may be put off by object duplicating issues, but in general, Linearity provides professional shape and contour tools, CMYK color profiles, custom fonts, actual layer blending modes, masks, the function of duplicating objects for convenient work. You can also organize teamwork on one project and make edits and changes simultaneously.

4. SVGator

svgator free vector graphics software
Pros
  • User-friendly online tool
  • Quick editing
  • New assets are added regularly
  • No coding knowledge required
Cons
  • Capable of animating SVG files only
  • Free and lower plans are quite restricted

SVGator was created to offer users a simple method for animating their SVG files. The key features of this free vector graphic design software are a timeline and keyframe tracks that allow you to place all vector assets in a project and then transform them into an embedded playable file. SVGator lets you upload your illustrations (made in software like Illustrator and Inkscape) or create new ones straight in the app.

The process of creating animations in SVGator is pleasantly intuitive: draw the desired shapes, choose keyframes for them, and repeat the same process for each subsequent keyframe while making the necessary shape adjustments along the way.

Once you launch the animation, all parts will move smoothly from one predefined position to another. The only drawback of this app for me is the limited functionality of the free and lower plans that can significantly restrict your creativity.

5. IRA Design

ira design free vector graphics software
Pros
  • 5 color gradients
  • Suitable for personal and business needs
  • Works great for outlining illustrations
  • Mobile-friendly templates
Cons
  • Limited customization options
  • No outline background options

IRA Design offers impressive gradients and hand-drawn sketch tools to create both personal and commercial projects. Here you will find everything for creating amazing backgrounds, characters, or objects, but in my opinion, customization options are limited especially compared to analogs.

With five available color gradients and an array of hand-drawn assets, it is possible to create awesome illustrations for mobile applications and website kits. Moreover, the quality of the final image in IRA Design doesn’t degrade when scaling. No matter what image extension you choose, the page will load almost instantly.

6. Lunacy

lunacy best free vector graphic software
Pros
  • Auto layout
  • AI-powered tools
  • Built-in graphics
  • Native app performance
Cons
  • Limited collaboration
  • Limited collaboration

Lunacy has been pretty invaluable in regard to a vector graphics editor, particularly for me in mobile app design projects. And they are all free, which is great.

Auto Layout in Lunacy has made designing flexible and responsive so easy. Most of the time, it helps me save time because defining constraints and rules is a piece of cake for your elements. Besides, it will import the Figma file very smoothly, so one can work in a completely new design environment.

AI-powered tools like image upscaling or background removal, and an abundance of built-in graphics, further assist my workflow without the need to search externally for icons, illustrations, or photos to use in my document.

7. Vectr

vectr free vector graphics software
Pros
  • Neat and understandable UI
  • Compatible with different platforms
  • Real-time collaboration
  • Interactive tutorials
Cons
  • Few advanced features
  • File support and export options could be more extensive

Vectr is easy-to-use software that suits people of all skill levels. It has a simple interface and efficient features. Since it is an online drawing app, you can access it from different different devices and operating systems. Whether you're using a desktop, laptop, or tablet, Vectr offers a consistent and flexible design experience.

With Vectr, you can get the most out of teamwork. Colleagues can work on the project together in real-time, leveraging such features as data sharing and commenting, etc. Such an approach is beneficial for team efficiency and productivity. But there's a downside. Vectr doesn't handle as many different file types as Illustrator or Inkscape do. However, if you mostly use popular formats like SVG, AI, or EPS, you'll be just fine.

8. DRAW-SVG

draw svg best free vector graphic software
Pros
  • No software installation required
  • Wide range of customization options
  • Including SVG, PNG, and JPEG formats
  • Touch device compatibility
Cons
  • Limited offline functionality
  • Dependency on external libraries

DRAW-SVG has been one such tool in my design armament that has greatly helped me across projects through different domains. It really came in handy once, when I had to make custom graphics for a series of educational slides.

With a really vast library of vector graphics, it was very easy for me to find appropriate illustrations, diagrams, chart, or other slides for the incorporation into my slides. This saved me valuable time that would have been spent creating these graphics from scratch and assured that all the presentations take on one uniform and professional appearance.

Secondly, I loved the strong SVG editor of DRAW-SVG, which allowed me to go in for adjustments and customizations in line with the content of respective presentations. It is not an understatement to say that the feature versatility and user-friendliness has noticeably enhanced the aesthetic and functional appeal of the presentations. This makes it an indispensable tool in my design workflow.

9. BoxySVG

boxysvg free vector graphics software
Pros
  • Large library of vector drawings
  • Import of raster images
  • Access to Google Fonts
  • Easy to use
Cons
  • Not suitable for professional work
  • A small set of functions and tools

If you need simple, easy and absolutely free vector graphics software for Mac and Windows, then Boxy SVG is the best option for you. Using it, you can create banners, icons, buttons, graphics, interface sketches, etc. without much effort. It offers an intuitive interface and a set of the most necessary tools for amateur work.

In Boxy SVG, you can use ready-made vector drawings that will help you when creating your own illustrations. You can also work with layers, shapes, and import bitmap images to create more complex sketches. I believe this is a nice program for novices, but not for professional work.

10. Vecteezy

vecteezy free vector graphics software
Pros
  • You can create illustrations from scratch
  • Flexible work with contours of shapes
  • Large selection of vector elements
  • Ready-made clipart
Cons
  • Doesn’t support large files
  • You need to have a Facebook account to work

If you need online drawing software that is free and very easy to use, Vecteezy can perfectly suit you. It has an extensive library of ready-made illustrations that you can edit and use for your works. You can also use the pen to create your own illustrations from scratch.

If you need to create a text design, check out a selection of 75 fonts available in this free online software. You can also import and edit files in SVG format (but get ready for delays and freezes), use a simple color palette, create complex illustrations and more within an intuitive interface.

11. Krita

krita free vector graphics software
Pros
  • Sleek UI with an intuitive layout
  • Lots of brushes
  • Layer support
  • Open-source
Cons
  • New updates cause lags
  • Text tool is not very convenient

Krita is a robust Adobe Illustrator alternative, especially for artists, illustrators, and graphic designers. To my mind, one of its most attractive features is that it's completely free to download and use. Since it's open-source, it also gets regular updates and improvements from a dedicated community of developers and contributors.

Krita boasts a fantastic brush engine that gives artists a ton of options and settings to play with. You can even make your own brushes and get all sorts of cool painting effects easily. Plus, it is possible to modify layers, thus, arrange and tweak different parts of your artwork separately. However, the program isn’t very convenient, which can become a problem if you're working on banners or logos.

12. SVG-Edit

svg edit free vector graphics software
Pros
  • Action history over 1000 steps
  • Export to PNG, JPEG, BMP and WEBP formats
  • You can view and edit SVG source files
  • Supports layers
Cons
  • Improper functioning of shapes’ outlines
  • For simple tasks only

SVG-Edit is one of the best free vector graphics software for Windows when it comes to simple tasks with vector graphics. This software has the minimum necessary tools using which you can draw simple shapes. You can also use layers and gradients to create your illustrations and edit the SVG source.

The software has a large history of actions with more than 1000 steps, which is very convenient. You can also export your finished works to PNG, JPEG, BMP and WEBP formats. Also, you can make changes to the source code by yourself to add or remove your own tools and functions. Similar to BoxySVG, this is a nice variant for personal use, but not for professional team projects.

How to Choose the Best Option for You?

When looking for a suitable program, it is advisable to consider such factors as ease of use, update availability, toolset, compatibility, user-friendliness, support, and customization features. I concentrated on these aspects when testing different tools for this article.

Criteria Description

User interface

Assesses how the software looks, how it's arranged, and how easy it is to use. A complex interface may have lots of cool features, but it may confuse newbies. On the other hand, a simple interface may be easy, but it will lack advanced tools. 

Updates

Take into account how often the software gets updated and how dependable those updates are. Developers should fix bugs, improve speed, and add new features. Getting updates on a regular basis is necessary for the software to be up-to-date and safe from any security risks.

Set of tools

Evaluate the different drawing and editing features that the software offers. With more powerful tools, you receive more options and flexibility to create and adjust vector graphics.

Compatibility

Check what import and export formats a program supports. The most frequent options are SVG, PDF, EPS, PNG, and JPG. Broad compatibility means it can work together with different tools and platforms without any issues.

Learning curve

When picking a program, think about how easy it is for people to master it. If software is complicated, it takes more time and effort to understand how everything functions. Otherwise, people can learn it quicker.

Community support

Check out how efficient and productive a user community behind the software is. When users are active, you will receive valuable resources on a regular basis. This can be tutorials, unique content, etc. This is very helpful for troubleshooting. 

Platform

Find out what operating systems the software is developed for. The best free vector graphics software work on Windows, macOS, Linux, or online. The more OS it is compatible with, the more flexible and efficient your work will be. 

Customization

Consider the level of customization. It is recommended to opt for tools with adjustable features and an interface. Thus, you can create a perfect environment for your work. 

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