Vector graphics are often the best choice for logos and illustrations for the simple reason that they offer clear lines and contours. Also, unlike other graphics where stretching pixels can hamper quality, vector graphics can be scaled to any size without losing quality. In order to create or modify vector graphics, you can begin your journey with the help of a vector graphics editor. So, here are some of the best vector graphics software.
| Top Software Reviews | Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| 1.Adobe Illustrator | ||
| 2.CorelDRAW | ||
| 3.Vectr | ||
| 4.Inkscape | ||
| 5.Affinity Designer | ||
| 6.Lunacy | ||
| 7.Krita | ||
| 8.Boxy SVG | ||
| 9.Pencil2D Animation | ||
| 10.GIMP | ||
What Are Vector Graphics and Why Use Them?
Vector graphics are created using geometric elements - lines, points, and shapes. A vector art software lets you arrange your design elements in the form of layers so that managing each of the elements is easy and non-destructive. Vector graphics are particularly advantageous for illustrators and graphic designers because of their scalability, precision, and versatility. Here are some examples where vector graphics can prove to be a perfect choice-- Logo Design - You can scale logos to any size for any medium using vector graphics software.
- Infographics - Using vector graphics you can create engaging yet simple graphs, charts, shapes, and other diagrams with the help of vector-based software.
- Typography - Vector graphics allow you to manipulate text with precision.
- Illustrations - With paid or free illustration software you can create detailed and intricate illustrations and scale their elements without losing quality.
- Web Design - A web design is incomplete without buttons, icons, and other elements. With a vector graphics editor, you can create such vector images with utmost ease.
Reasons Why You Should Use Vector Graphics For Your Projects?
- Visual elements created using vector graphics software are easily modifiable.
- Despite modifying it countless times, you can preserve the overall quality of your design.
- The best free vector graphics software lets you collaborate with other artists and designers.
- You can convert your vector image files into raster formats.
Best Paid and Free Vector Graphics Software
1. Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Illustrator is one of the best vector graphics software that is used by graphic designers and art enthusiasts across the globe. It is a vector art software with which you can create graphics and scale them up without losing sharpness. With it you can create vector graphics in any format - digital or print.
Notable Features
- The Shaper Engine makes manipulating shapes simple.
- Smooth blend objects that you create.
- With Generative Color you can generate new color schemes.
- Versatile brushes.
- Customizable fonts that vary in weight, attributes, and width.
- Create precise vector art.
- A rich palette of vibrant colors.
- Ability to reorganize complex scenes.
- Precise lines and smooth curve tools.
- Heavy on computer resources.
2. CorelDRAW
Another vector art program that professionals in the domain of graphics design recommend is CorelDraw. It offers a wide range of tools with which you can create complex vector graphics with high precision and in a hassle-free manner. Its shape manipulation, node editing, and curve handling tools provide unparalleled grip over vector elements.
Notable Features
- Manipulate vector path with bezigon, pen, knife, and lasso tools.
- Smart shape primitives come with magic controls. These facilitate the creation of fast and flexible geometric shapes.
- Non-destructive layer-based editing.
- With the help of live boolean operations, you can create complex compound shapes.
- Get complete control of your designs with freehand vector tools and Live corners.
- Various text and typography tools.
- It comes with a live palette that shows colors used in design and it is updated automatically.
- Import and export files in various formats such as SVG, SVGZ, PNG, etc.
- Ability to stack multiple live adjustments that you can save for later use.
- The printing interface lacks some options.
3. Vectr
If you are a beginner in graphics designing and looking for free vector graphics software to start your journey, you can use Vectr. It is a simple yet feature-packed application that lets you both design as well as edit vector graphics without having you spend a lot of time learning. With this free graphics editing tool you can create high-quality and sharp logos, cards, presentations, and much more.
Notable Features
- Share a real-time view of your activity with anyone.
- Change an object's shadow, background, color, and opacity.
- Create custom shapes with the help of the pen tool.
- You can also move objects along the Z axis and create impressive results.
- Some features are powered by AI.
- Can even be used without downloading.
- A large number of tutorials to help you get started.
- Doesn’t have a steep learning curve.
- Problems may occur when working with contours.
4. Inkscape
Inkscape is regarded as one of the best drawing software for Windows. But, for graphic designers, it also shines as one of the best free vector art programs. As a vector art software, it offers broad file format compatibility, flexible drawing tools, powerful text tools, and spiro and bezier curves, just to name a few.
Notable Features
- Choose precise colors for the objects you draw.
- Variety of flexible drawing tools.
- Grouping objects is easy.
- Precise colors for objects you draw.
- Various tools for creating patterns.
- Export artwork in multiple formats.
- Create precise, scalable drawings using several vector-based tools.
- Large knowledge base with which you can master vector drawing.
- Free and open source.
- Limited non-destructive layer-based editing.
5. Affinity Designer
Next on our list of free illustration software for Windows is Affinity Designer. It offers a comprehensive feature set that allows you to create precise vector designs no matter how complex they are. You get a wide array of vector brushes and nondestructive effects. Plus you can integrate Affinity Designer with other products.
Notable Features
- Unlimited artboards.
- The Shape Builder tools help you merge, subtract, and divide shapes.
- Create typography based on any path or flow.
- Distort or wrap curves non-destructively.
- The Style Picker Tools help you choose several styles for your objects.
- Cross-integration with other Affinity products, for example, Affinity Photo.
- Availability of a wide range of plugins.
- Customize the look of the software for your PC.
- Also comes with raster editing capabilities.
- Lack of certain features.
6. Lunacy
It is a vector graphic design app that you can use for UI, Web, and UX. It comes packed with features with which you can minimize distractions and optimize workflow. With Lunacy you can leverage powerful AI tools, a built-in graphics library and collaborate with other users on projects. Plus, it can be used offline and offers cross-app format support as well.
Notable Features
- Open, edit, and save .sketch files.
- Change design to CSS code and export assets in multiple formats.
- Automatically download missing fonts.
- Scale elements easily.
- Rich boolean options.
- Switch between online and offline modes when working with files.
- Advanced typography options.
- Crop and adjust elements.
- Symbols, overrides and shared styles.
- Occasional freezes and crashes.
7. Krita
Another free and open-source illustration software with which you can create vector graphics is Krita. It comes with inbuilt vector tools with which you can create comic panels. Apart from vector designs, Krita is often the choice of designers for creating concept art, matte paintings, and many other forms of designs. Plus, there are several tutorials and guides to help you.
Notable Features
- Design comic panels with inbuilt vector tools.
- Create and share brushes.
- Generate seamless textures and patterns with Wrap-around mode.
- Customizable onion skinning.
- Comes with 100 professionally made brushes.
- 30+ dockers for additional functionality.
- Brush stabilizer helps smoothen brush strokes.
- 9 unique brush engines with the help of which you can customize brushes.
- Audio import support.
- Occasional stability issues.
Pricing - Free and open source
8. Boxy SVG
Boxy SVG is a vector graphics editor for Windows with which you can easily create and modify illustrations, icons, logos and various other kinds of elements in your graphic design. It focuses on editing artwork in SVG file format. As can be inferred from the screenshot above, it has a very minimalistic yet straightforward interface.
Notable Features
- Native SVG support.
- 20+ preset filters.
- Advanced typography with 1000+ fonts.
- Support for various file formats.
- Access millions of photos and vector illustrations from the Assets library.
[pros-cons-one]
[pros-one]
- Work on live files to learn the ins and outs of the software.
- As a developer you can inspect the underlying SVG and CSS code.
- Sync settings between devices.
[/pros-one]
[cons-one]
- Limited features in the free version
9. Pencil2D Animation
Primarily Pencil2D is free and open source animation software. It is lightweight and runs on all operating systems. While it is not exactly a vector graphics editor, if you are an art enthusiast who loves to illustrate things by animating them, this application is perfect for you.
Notable Features
- Turn the Onion skin on and off when animating objects.
- Extensive color palette.
- Timeline to manage animations.
- Eyedropper tool to set color.
- Use shortcuts to perform most of the tasks.
- Customizable interface.
- Ability to choose FPS and add sound.
- Slightly cluttered interface.
- Not as many vector graphics editing tools as many other competitors.
10. GIMP
Last but not least, we have GIMP which is a free and open source software that can help you create vector graphics. You can create vector designs using the path tool and produce smooth and beautiful curves. It also lets you create paths and create SVG format images that you can export to some of the other vector graphics editors.
Notable Features
- A vast array of customizable brushes.
- Customize workflow for maximum efficiency.
- Flexible layers that you can organize, edit, and blend drawings in.
- Precise selection for drawing complex objects.
- Consumes less number of resources.
- Open source.
- Large community support.
- Large projects can slow it down.
