Open Source And Low Cost Vector Graphics Editor
Every designer needs a vector graphics editor. Whether your enhancing drawings, designing a custom site, performing icon design, creating typography, etc, a vector graphics editor is your foundation. For years Adobe Illustrator has been the one only mainstream solution. With advancing time there are now more solutions available for vector artists that may not be as costly. Here are my top low cost, free and open source alternatives to Adobe Illustrator.
Sketch
Sketch app has been out for quite sometime now and for Mac designers it has become a primary tool in vector design. Sketch is mainly useful for product, app, mobile, web, icon and UX design. It is available for a simple payment of $99. I had recently read that Sketch may be moving their business model to a yearly payment (much like adobe) which would be unfortunate as you would no longer own the app but rent it. The only real drawback to Sketch is it is only available on Mac. For a product that has been out for quite some time you would think it would have been ported over to Windows.
Affinity Designer
Affinity Designer is the new vector graphics editor on the scene that is stealing many hearts (mine included). From my past post, many should know a lot about Affinity Designer and it’s functions. It is available for $49.99 for both Mac and Windows (must purchase separate licenses). This is definitely a must have for every designer and is priced low for such a powerful software. Not to mention it opens Photoshop files!
Inkscape
Inkscape has been around practically as long as Illustrator. It is an Open Source vector graphics editor for Linux, Windows and Mac. It has a very different layout/workspace so it may take some time getting used to. With that being said, Inkscape has a powerful community with tons of tutorials to help get you used to the software. A must have software, especially since it’s open source!
Remember to engage and post any other favorites in the comments! Happy designing :)
Originally published at The Rantula.
