Adobe alternative: Replacement for Illustrator on macOS, Windows and Linux

After looking at Alternatives for Photoshop and Firefly AI from Adobe, let's now look at which programs you can use instead of Adobe Illustrator. So if you Say goodbye to the Creative Cloud If you want to, then we offer you the right replacement for the individual software titles here. In future posts we will also list alternatives for Premiere Pro, After Effects, Audition and some other Adobe apps. Now let's move on to the Illustrator alternatives - with cheap and sometimes even free apps for macOS, Windows, Linux and the web browser.

Previous posts on Adobe alternatives

• Photopea - Free Photoshop Alternative No Download (Web Tool)
• Affinity 2.2 – This is new in Photo, Designer and Publisher
• 2D animation on Mac and PC - 5 free apps in comparison

Note: The alternatives are not Adobe clones

If you download Adobe alternatives, don't assume that you'll just get free or cheaper clones of the "Creative Cloud" titles. Of course, apps from other developers or other software studios have different interfaces, different menus and their own tools.

So a certain amount of getting used to and a certain amount of training is necessary. Of course, some apps can mimic the look and feel of Adobe apps to make the transition easier. Others, however, can more easily exploit their strengths if they offer their own design and workflow.

This note is not intended to serve as a deterrent, but rather to prevent know-it-all comments complaining that this or that alternative mentioned is not as nice / simple / comprehensive / intuitive / whatever as the Adobe program you are using would like to replace it. With that in mind: let's go!

Illustrator alternatives: Cheap and free apps other than Adobe

• Inkscape: The Inkscape app is a free and open-source graphics software that is specifically made for creating vector graphics. In addition to the options for creating 2D graphics for designs and illustrations, current versions also include a few 3D tools. The software can be used under macOS as well as under Windows and Linux. Extensive FAQs, guides, instructions, tutorials and other material make it easier to get started and switch.
• Affinity Designer: Serif's Affinity apps have been the best-known commercial competition for some of Adobe's apps in the Creative Cloud for years. While Affinity Photo is a Photoshop replacement, Affinity Designer is a viable replacement software for Adobe Illustrator. Illustration and design are therefore possible on macOS, iPadOS and Windows. From the logo to mock-ups to web design, a wide variety of areas are covered. The individual license costs €74,99 (macOS, Windows) or €19,99 (iPadOS). The universal license including Affinity Photo and Affinity Publisher for all platforms only costs €179,99.
• CorelDRAW: Admittedly, the CorelDRAW software for Mac and Windows PC is not the cheapest. But you get the desired range of functions at the right price. You can also opt for a one-time purchase so that there are no monthly or annual subscription costs. The following individual offers are available in ascending order of price: Corel Vector (web app), CorelDRAW Essentials, CorelDRAW Standard and CorelDRAW Graphics Suite.
• Vecteezy: The Vecteezy web app is a simple editing interface for browsers with the Chromium engine (Chrome, Opera, etc.). Vector graphics, photos and videos are also offered as stock footage material on the website. Here you can find inspiration, source materials and an editor in one if you want to design a logo or banner as a hobby or for your club. Due to my lack of experience in this area, I cannot assess whether and to what extent the tool could be suitable for professionals.
• vectr: Vectr is both a web app and software that you can download and install locally. The web app can also be used on the Mac the free download app is only available for Windows, Linux and Chromebook. To use it on the web, you have to create an account and accept advertisements when using it for free. For those who only need an illustration and design app for a short time, the premium subscription (starting at $3,99 per month) might be worth it in the short term. There is an AI feature that requires credits.
• Boxy svg: Boxy SVG also relies on a seemingly complicated mix of web app and download software. If you create an account on the website, you can use the browser version of the design app there. For the Mac you can get Boxy SVG for €22,99 Mac App Store load. Versions for Windows and Linux are also available. As the name of the offer suggests, it is primarily designed to handle .svg files, but other formats can also be edited and exported.

Can you recommend any other Adobe Illustrator alternatives? Then leave a comment with your favorite app for vector graphics, design and illustration! If you are looking for a suitable alternative for another software from the Adobe Creative Cloud, you can also contact us Sir Apfelot newsletter subscribe to. Because more articles of this kind will appear in the future, e.g. B. To introduce replacement programs for Premiere Pro, After Effects, Lightroom, Audition and so on.

Johannes Domke

After graduating from high school, Johannes completed an apprenticeship as a business assistant specializing in foreign languages. But then he decided to research and write, which resulted in his independence. For several years he has been working for Sir Apfelot, among others. His articles include product introductions, news, manuals, video games, consoles, and more. He follows Apple keynotes live via stream.