Free Illustrator Alternatives for Mac

There are many alternatives to Adobe Illustrator for Mac if you are looking for a replacement. The best free Mac alternative is Inkscape, which is also Open Source. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 50 alternatives to Adobe Illustrator and 17 are free and available for Mac so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting free Mac alternatives to Adobe Illustrator are Linearity Curve, Figma, Affinity and MyPaint.

filter to find the best alternatives

Adobe Illustrator alternatives are mainly Vector Graphic Apps, but if you're looking for Image Editors or Digital Painting Tools you can filter on that. Other popular filters include Open Source, Android, Linux, Mac, Free, iPad and Online + Free. You can also filter by region, for example EU-based alternatives if you prefer software developed in the European Union. These are just examples - use the filter bar below to find more specific alternatives to Adobe Illustrator.
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Alternatives list

  1. Inkscape icon

    Inkscape

     2312 likes

    Unlike Illustrator, Inkscape is completely free and open source, and it uses Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) as its native format. This lightweight app is usually recommended if you don't have a powerful computer, as it also has many of the useful features from illustrator, including layers, grouping objects, drawing, shape, calligraphy, pencil tools, path simplification with variable threshold, bitmaps, and boolean operations. Plus, you can open or import a wide range of file formats including SVG, PDF, EPS, CDR, or even AI (Adobe Illustrator).

    123 Inkscape alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Snapcraft
    • Flathub
    • PortableApps.com
    • Haiku
    Inkscape screenshot 1
     
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    38
    Comments about Inkscape as an Alternative to Adobe Illustrator
    Top Positive Comment
    Paulo Coghi
    13

    It's feature complete, professional and as capable (or even more capable) than Illustrator

    Top Negative Comment
    arlenwh
    0

    Slows Down and lags if the file your working on is too large. So if you go ahead and turn a bitmap image into a vector and that image requires too many paths. The application basically becomes useless. Look else where if you need to turn large bitmap images into vector images.

    Guest
    Negative
    0

    I love how fast it operates and some of the cool color palettes (Munsell) but the functionality made it almost useless. Too many steps to change and quick copy objects. Like changing font or color and weird tool names/keyboard shortcuts.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    3 of 38 comments
    Inkscape icon
    Inkscape icon
    • Inkscape is Free and Open SourceAdobe Illustrator is Paid and Proprietary
    • Inkscape is Customizable, Privacy focused and LightweightAdobe Illustrator is not according to our users
  2. Linearity Curve icon

    Linearity Curve

     354 likes

    Vectonator is a very complete free vector editing app, known mainly for its iPad apps, focusing on simplicity and ease of use. You can export to JPG, PNG, SVG and PDF. Also, unlike Illustrator, you can render a time-lapse video of your project to share on social media (with some limitations). Cloud syncing allows you to continue work started on iPad and finish it directly on macOS.

    40 Linearity Curve alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    Linearity Curve screenshot 1
     
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    1
    Comments about Linearity Curve as an Alternative to Adobe Illustrator
    FearedFusionX
    Negative
    1

    This used to be a great app for both Mac and iOS, but ever since the subscription update, the app has been reaching it's breaking point.

    Linearity Curve icon
    Linearity Curve icon
    • Linearity Curve is Freemium and ProprietaryAdobe Illustrator is Paid and Proprietary
    • Linearity Curve is Lightweight and Privacy focusedAdobe Illustrator is not according to our users
  4. Figma icon

    Figma

     240 likes

    Figma has a bigger focus on UI design, wireframing and collaborative work. Like Sketch, its interface is cleaner and easier to understand than Illustrator. It's can also be used throught web browsers and collabore with more members of your team in real time. It features automatic cloud synchronization so you can use your files on the platform you want, in addition to unique features such as arc tools and vector networks, which allow non-designers to format their templates easily. Animated prototypes are definitely a great advantage to interact with your design before coding.

    100 Figma alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Online
    • Chrome OS
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    ,
     
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    2
    Comments about Figma as an Alternative to Adobe Illustrator
    RCLeahcar
    Negative
    8

    Figma places a heavier focus on user interface design, while Illustrator is a general vector graphics editor.

    Guest
    Positive
    1

    With a focus on UI, it is a much better tool to use for UI design and prototyping

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Figma icon
    Figma icon
    • Figma is Freemium and ProprietaryAdobe Illustrator is Paid and Proprietary
  5. Affinity icon

    Affinity

     56 likes

    Unified design solution merging advanced photo, vector, and layout tools for seamless workflow, non-destructive editing, RAW support, batch processing, AI enhancements, GPU acceleration, file compatibility, cloud asset integration, and tailored workspace options.

    67 Affinity alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    Affinity screenshot 1
     
  6. MyPaint icon

    MyPaint

     387 likes

    The biggest difference with Illustrator is that MyPaint works with bitmaps instead of vector graphics. It's open source software designed mainly to illustrate and draw with a digitizer tablet. It has a simple interface, where almost all the basic drawing functions are assigned to keyboard shortcuts, which improves workflow speed. In addition, you can hide the entire graphical interface and focus all attention on the drawing without being distracted by unnecessary or complex buttons or palettes. It's a good option if you are interested in digital illustration without too many overwhelming features.

    128 MyPaint alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • PortableApps.com
    MyPaint screenshot 1
     
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    6
    Comments about MyPaint as an Alternative to Adobe Illustrator
    Top Positive Comment
    Dmitrii Kunicin
    -2

    the application is suitable for use by children, simple

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Top Negative Comment
    lauraess
    2

    Illustrator is a vector image editing app. I can import bitmaps but those are more likely to be traced as vectors. This is a drawing program and is bitmap based.

    thniels
    Negative
    0

    Vector and bitmap illustration are two completely different usecases.

    3 of 6 comments
    MyPaint icon
    MyPaint icon
    • MyPaint is Free and Open SourceAdobe Illustrator is Paid and Proprietary
  7. GodSVG icon

    GodSVG

     33 likes

    GodSVG is an editor for Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) files. Unlike other editors, it represents the SVG code directly, doesn't add any metadata, and even lets you edit the SVG code in real time. GodSVG is inspired by the need for an SVG editor without abstractions that...

    14 GodSVG alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source (MIT)

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    GodSVG screenshot 1
     
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    1
    Comments about GodSVG as an Alternative to Adobe Illustrator
    isaacsgraphic2
    Negative
    0

    Illustrator is a fully functional graphics program. You can insert images, you have lots of options for text editing etc. You can make posters and flyers, full illustrations etc. There are a lot of import and export options, colour handling, image trace, brush tools and more.

    GodSVG is only useful for editing and refining simple svg files, you could use it for creating a set of simple icons perhaps, but not a whole poster design or any typography. It's just not the same kind of program.

    GodSVG icon
    GodSVG icon
    • GodSVG is Free and Open SourceAdobe Illustrator is Paid and Proprietary
  9. LazPaint icon

    LazPaint

     45 likes

    Raster & vector graphic editor with many tools and filters, written in Lazarus. Portable, 32bit & 64bit versions, ORA format & 16384x16384 image support. In app 3D import & rendering.

    43 LazPaint alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • PortableApps.com
    • Flathub
    • Flatpak
    Main UI
     
  10. Apache OpenOffice Draw icon

    Apache OpenOffice Draw

     125 likes

    Draw, part of the Apache OpenOffice suite, is a graphics editor that gives you the tools to communicate with visuals and diagrams. With a maximum page size of 300cm by 300cm, Draw is powerful tool for posters, graphs, charts, and more.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    For technical drawings with integrated graduation function (not available in PowerPoint)
     
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    1
    Comments about Apache OpenOffice Draw as an Alternative to Adobe Illustrator
    Guest
    Negative
    6

    More of a flowchart designer than a vector illustrator

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Apache OpenOffice Draw icon
    Apache OpenOffice Draw icon
    • Apache OpenOffice Draw is Free and Open SourceAdobe Illustrator is Paid and Proprietary
  11. Repath Studio icon

    Repath Studio

     3 likes

    A cross platform vector graphics editor, that combines procedural tooling with traditional design workflows. It includes an interactive shell, which allows evaluating code to generate shapes, or even extend the editor on the fly.

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    Repath Studio screenshot 1
     
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    1
    Comments about Repath Studio as an Alternative to Adobe Illustrator
    erayzesen
    Positive
    0

    It have a good potential. But it's under the development.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Repath Studio icon
    Repath Studio icon
    • Repath Studio is Free and Open SourceAdobe Illustrator is Paid and Proprietary
    • Repath Studio is Privacy focusedAdobe Illustrator is not according to our users
  12. Omber icon

    Omber

     6 likes

    Omber is a new type of vector design program that lets you use color in new ways in your vector drawings. With Omber's advanced soft shading tools, you can easily make dramatic color blends or subtle color gradients in your art.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Chrome OS
    • iPad
    Omber screenshot 1
     
  13. iVinci icon

    iVinci

     8 likes

    iVinci is a new starting point in vector design industry. It's just incredibly easy, and incredibly fast, for both beginners and experts.

    Notable features: -Use SVG as native file format. You can use files created by iVinci directly in may other Apps. -Powerful Bezier path e.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    iVinci screenshot 1
     
  14. QueekyPaint icon

    QueekyPaint

     11 likes

    QueekyPaint is a unique browser-based drawing tool for creating animated drawings online. Visit the massive gallerys and learn drawing by watching the process of your favourite artists. QueekyPaint is free and simple to use.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Online
    QueekyPaint screenshot 1
     
12 of 17 Adobe Illustrator alternatives