Open Source Adobe Illustrator Alternatives

The best open source alternative to Adobe Illustrator is Inkscape. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 50 alternatives to Adobe Illustrator and 13 is open source so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting open source alternatives to Adobe Illustrator are MyPaint, Karbon, Graphite and LazPaint.

Adobe Illustrator alternatives are mainly Vector Graphic Apps but may also be Digital Painting Tools or Image Editors. Filter by these if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of Adobe Illustrator.

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Adobe Illustrator

489

Paid • Proprietary
Vector Graphic App

Mac
Windows
Online
iPad

Design quickly and confidently with Adobe Illustrator software. Sophisticated tools for drawing and typography, along with...

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Inkscape
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Vector Graphic App
Image Editor
Digital Painting Tool
Mac
Windows
Linux
BSD
Snapcraft
Flathub
PortableApps.com
X11
MacPorts
XQuartz
135 alternatives to Inkscape
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).
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Inkscape Features
1. Support for LayersInkscape supports the organization of elements through a hierarchical order that can be manipulated/viewed independently.
2. Ad-freeInkscape doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
3. Works OfflineInkscape can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
4. Privacy focusedInkscape is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
5. No registration requiredYou can use most of the features in Inkscape without registration.
6. Dark ModeInkscape supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
7. Support for scriptingInkscape supports scripts and macros to automate or customize tasks.
Vectorize raster images
Support for SVG
Live Path Effects
Support for Keyboard Shortcuts
Customizable
Edit PDF
Export to SVG
Scalable
Symbols
High-resolution images
Inkscape vs Adobe Illustrator opinions
Almost everyone thinks Inkscape is a great alternative to Adobe Illustrator.
all • positive • negative relevance • date
Guest
It's fast and has super tools which you can do your tasks speedily and without any complex
Top positive comment•
6

paulocoghi
It's feature complete, professional and as capable (or even more capable) than Illustrator
Top positive comment•
9

ShnitzelKiller
Inkscape has very bad performance (especially on mac), due to jank in the rendering code, and being optimized for CPU rather than GPU rendering, probably due to being a very old piece of software. It doesn't seem like this will be fixed anytime soon, based on the discussions taking place which are years old at this point.
Top negative comment•
-1

arlenwh
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.
Negative comment•
0

banlogics
The best software for vector art. A fully featured and professional software.
Positive comment•
3

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5 of 34 comments
MyPaint
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Digital Painting Tool
Image Editor
Photo Editor
Mac
Windows
Linux
PortableApps.com
127 alternatives to MyPaint
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.
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MyPaint Features
1. Support for LayersMyPaint supports the organization of elements through a hierarchical order that can be manipulated/viewed independently.
2. Distraction-freeMyPaint has a distraction-free mode for when you need to focus.
3. Drawing Tablet SupportMyPaint supports the use of external drawing tablets as input devices.
4. PortableMyPaint can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
5. Custom BrushesYou can use modified/custom brushes in MyPaint.
6. Ad-freeMyPaint doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
Sketching
Infinite canvas
Fullscreen support
Color blending
MyPaint vs Adobe Illustrator opinions
pros, cons and recent comments
Dmitrii_Kunicin
the application is suitable for use by children, simple
Positive comment•
0

Guest
Illustrator is a vector graphics tool, MyPaint is a raster graphics tool.
Negative comment•
1

richcarrera
It works with bitmap, Illustrator with vector graphics. it has more similarities with photoshop than with Illustrator.
Negative comment•
0
Karbon
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Vector Graphic App
Digital Painting Tool
Graphic Design Tool
Mac
Linux
BSD
KDE Plasma Workspaces
37 alternatives to Karbon
Karbon, component of Calligra Suite , is the scalable vector drawing application in KDE. It allows artists to create complex drawings without losing image quality when zooming in on, or resizing the drawing.
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Karbon Features
1. LightweightKarbon consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
2. Color PickerKarbon allows you to select and copy a color property from an image, object, or shape.
3. No registration requiredYou can use most of the features in Karbon without registration.
4. Ad-freeKarbon doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
5. WYSIWYG SupportKarbon integrates a WYSIWYG editor to edit the look and content of a document, page, or file.
6. Support for LayersKarbon supports the organization of elements through a hierarchical order that can be manipulated/viewed independently.
7. Non Destructive EditingKarbon allows you to make changes to a file without overwriting the original data, which remains available in case you want to revert to it.
8. Works OfflineKarbon can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
9. PortableKarbon can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
KDE
High Availability
Discontinued
was last modified on Sat, 11 Jul 2015

Karbon vs Adobe Illustrator opinions
Most users think Karbon is a great alternative to Adobe Illustrator.
Graphite
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Vector Graphic App
Image Editor
Graphic Design Tool
Online
50 alternatives to Graphite
Graphite is an open source, cross-platform, 2D vector and raster general-purpose graphics editor with AI image generation features and a non-destructive node-based effects compositing engine.
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Graphite Features
1. CrowdsourcedGraphite uses suggestions, information, etc., from a large group of people to improve the quality of the content.
2. Dark ModeGraphite supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
3. No TrackingGraphite will not track you or use your personal data.
4. LightweightGraphite consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
5. Ad-freeGraphite doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
6. Node BasedGraphite supports node editing, a form of visual programming that gives you full control over the rendering.
7. Text to Image GenerationGraphite generates an original image using only text input through AI.
8. WYSIWYG SupportGraphite integrates a WYSIWYG editor to edit the look and content of a document, page, or file.
9. Color PickerGraphite allows you to select and copy a color property from an image, object, or shape.
No registration required
Live Preview
Support for Layers
Non Destructive Editing
Export to SVG
AI-Powered
LazPaint
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Digital Painting Tool
Image Editor
Mac
Windows
Linux
BSD
PortableApps.com
43 alternatives to LazPaint
Raster & vector graphic editor with many tools and filters, written in Lazarus (Free Pascal). Portable, 32bit (under 3mb) & 64bit (3.55mb) versions, ORA format & 16384x16384 image support. In app 3D import & rendering.
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LazPaint Features
1. LightweightLazPaint consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
2. Support for LayersLazPaint supports the organization of elements through a hierarchical order that can be manipulated/viewed independently.
3. PortableLazPaint can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
Transparent images
Reads PDN Format
Pixel accuracy
Export to SVG
Support for SVG
Apache OpenOffice Draw
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Vector Graphic App
Mac
Windows
Linux
91 alternatives to Apache OpenOffice Draw
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.
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Apache OpenOffice Draw Features
Edit PDF
Apache OpenOffice Draw vs Adobe Illustrator opinions
Some users think Apache OpenOffice Draw is a great alternative to Adobe Illustrator, some don't.
Guest
More of a flowchart designer than a vector illustrator
Negative comment•
6
sK1
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Vector Graphic App
Image Editor
Windows
Linux
32 alternatives to sK1
sK1 is an open source cross-platform vector graphics editor like CorelDRAW, Adobe Illustrator, or Freehand. The major feature of sK1 is a professional precise printing and prepress ready PDF output.
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sK1 Features
1. Works OfflinesK1 can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
2. PortablesK1 can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
3. Color PickersK1 allows you to select and copy a color property from an image, object, or shape.
4. Non Destructive EditingsK1 allows you to make changes to a file without overwriting the original data, which remains available in case you want to revert to it.
5. Support for LayerssK1 supports the organization of elements through a hierarchical order that can be manipulated/viewed independently.
sK1 vs Adobe Illustrator opinions
Most users think sK1 is a great alternative to Adobe Illustrator.
SVG-Edit
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Vector Graphic App
Digital Painting Tool
Online
30 alternatives to SVG-Edit
SVG-edit is a fast, web-based, JavaScript-driven SVG drawing editor that works in any modern browser.

SVG-Edit has no features, suggest some!

SVG-Edit vs Adobe Illustrator opinions
Xfig
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Vector Graphic App
Image Editor
Mac
Windows
Linux
BSD
24 alternatives to Xfig
Xfig is an interactive drawing tool which runs under X Window System Version 11 Release 4 (X11R4) or later, on most UNIX-compatible platforms, and e.g. under Darwin on the MacIntosh and any X server under Microsoft Windows.

Xfig has no features, suggest some!
Paintbrush
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Digital Painting Tool
Image Editor
Mac
35 alternatives to Paintbrush
Paintbrush is a simple paint program for Mac OS X, reminiscent of Microsoft Paint and Apple’s own now-defunct MacPaint. It provides users with a means to make simple images quickly, something which has been noticeably absent from the Mac for...

Paintbrush has no features, suggest some!