Vector Graphics Software
Compare the best tools for creating and editing vector graphics.
Industry Standard
Illustrator
Adobe Creative Cloud
Best for UI/UX
Figma
Free tier available
Best Free Option
Inkscape
Open source
Best Value
Affinity Designer
One-time purchase
| Feature | Illustrator | Figma | Inkscape | Affinity | Sketch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $23/mo | Free / $15/mo | Free | $70 once | $10/mo |
| Platform | Win/Mac | Web/All | All | Win/Mac/iPad | Mac only |
| Collaboration | Limited | Excellent | None | Limited | Good |
| Print Design | Excellent | Basic | Good | Excellent | Basic |
| UI/UX Design | Good | Excellent | Basic | Good | Excellent |
| Illustration | Excellent | Good | Good | Excellent | Good |
| Learning Curve | Steep | Easy | Medium | Medium | Easy |
| SVG Export | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ (native) | ✓ | ✓ |
Ai
Adobe Illustrator
Industry standard for 35+ years
Pros
- Most powerful feature set
- Excellent for print and packaging
- Industry standard file format (AI)
- Extensive plugin ecosystem
- Deep Creative Cloud integration
Cons
- Expensive subscription
- Steep learning curve
- Resource heavy
- Limited real-time collaboration
Best for: Professional illustrators, print designers, logo design, packaging.
F
Figma
Browser-based design tool
Pros
- Real-time collaboration
- Runs in browser (any platform)
- Generous free tier
- Excellent prototyping
- Large component libraries
Cons
- Requires internet connection
- Limited print capabilities
- Less advanced illustration tools
- Owned by Adobe now
Best for: UI/UX designers, web design, team collaboration, prototyping.
I
Inkscape
Free and open source
Pros
- Completely free
- Native SVG format
- Cross-platform
- Active community
- No subscription or account needed
Cons
- Less polished UI
- Slower performance
- Fewer advanced features
- Limited file format support
Best for: Hobbyists, students, budget-conscious designers, SVG work.
A
Affinity Designer
One-time purchase alternative
Pros
- One-time purchase ($70)
- Professional-grade features
- Excellent performance
- Opens Adobe files
- iPad version available
Cons
- Smaller plugin ecosystem
- Less industry adoption
- Some features missing vs Illustrator
Best for: Professionals avoiding subscriptions, freelancers, small studios.
Quick Decision Guide
🎨
Professional illustration?
Illustrator or Affinity Designer
📱
UI/UX and web design?
Figma (collaboration) or Sketch (Mac)
💰
Zero budget?
Inkscape or Figma free tier
👥
Team collaboration?
Figma (best in class)
🖨️
Print and packaging?
Illustrator (industry standard)
🚫
Hate subscriptions?
Affinity Designer ($70 once)