9 Best Free Vector Software For Windows & Mac | Updated 2024

Invented at the MIT Lincoln Laboratory by Ivan Sutherland, vector graphics brought in a new dimension to images. Utilizing polygons to illustrate images, vector images promise and still deliver non-pixelated images, irrespective of their scale or size. The foundation of vector graphics is from the word itself. It uses vectors that are run through various areas known as points or nodes. These have a position on the Y-axis and X-axis of a work plane. These also judge the way the route is led and can also be given attributes to be unique not only in place but in shape, color, stroke, etc. Thus, you need to know about the best Free Vector Software out there.

Soon after the invention of Vector graphics, the world of media changed as every consumer and supplier of any media was hungry to create and use images that never got pixelated. Listening to the outcry for resources, software developers rushed to their aid to create suites of applications that would harness this magical technology. One such developer was Adobe, but in particular, their software was named Illustrator. Developed in 1985 as an Apple-exclusive product, Adobe illustrator stood the test of time and criticism proudly.

What is Adobe Illustrator?

Bringing the best in the class editor for vector graphics, they soon became an industry standard and even digressed to create software for Windows, which even today is used by the major population of the media world. Currently available under the name Illustrator CC 2018, they provide a stable station for any graphic designer to work in.

Boasting a cloud server specially for their users, Illustrator CC 2018 packs in the best class performance, online storage, the ability to use a lot of artboards, and so much more to make any graphic designer just drool. But unfortunately, the pricing of such a product is not deep, nor is it justifiable to a point. This is because of the new payment strategy utilized by Adobe.

Top 9 Best Free Vector Software

Coming under a monthly subscription fee of nineteen dollars for an individual, the consumer will feel the need to question the efficiency and effectiveness of the program for his or her utilization. Hence makes, many users refrain from using Adobe as there are cheaper or even free alternatives floating on the internet. There is also circuit designing software out there. But like all Free Vector Software out there, the quality of such products is questionable. Here are our 9 picks for the best free vector software.

Gravit Designer

Initially known as Gravit, this free vector software is the best free vector download software ever. It is number one on our list. This is because it provides an ever-growing and in-depth toolbox that we can compare to even Adobe’s Illustrator, which you will have to pay for.

The best part is that you don’t even have to download it, as it can even run on your browser without the loss of features. The application also has a beautiful GUI which welcomes the user to keep creating artwork after artwork without distracting him/her.

It also has a cloud service that allows you to access your imagery from anywhere and everywhere. Hence, there should be no question that this should be your go-to application if you can’t afford the paid software.

Features

• Helps in the creation of wallpaper, infographics, infographics on banners, charts, and hand lettering, as well as logos.
• Delivers 3D graphics and texturing capabilities.

Compatible – Windows and macOS

Price – 15-day free trial, then $99 per year

Download: Gravit Designer

Vectr

Ranking number two on the list is Vectr Free Vector Software. This free vector graphics software is for people who love to collaborate at work. Vectr provides a rich and diverse toolset for any graphic designer. It can also run on your browser, just like number one on our list. But the unique part is that it allows many users to come together and work on a single project in sync and live.

This service is available even if you are using the browser version. Even if your teammates are using the installed standalone version. It also has a simple and easy-to-use GUI, which anyone can get a hold of in ten to fifteen minutes. Also, these reasons make Vectr take its justifiable position second in our ranking.

Features

• It offers real-time collaboration.
• The software can make scalable images. It may become stretched and hazy.

Compatible – Windows and macOS

Price – Free

Download: Vectr

SVG Edit

Coming in at a strong third place is SVG Edit Free Vector Software. This free vector design software is very lightweight and is one of the most straightforward applications a graphic designer can use. The application provides a detailed toolset that can execute the job as well as Adobe Illustrator. The application has a foundation in HTML5, CSS3, and Javascript, hence allowing it to have no back-end processing.

The best part is it’s an open-source application. This will allow coders and the like to modify the script to their own liking. Unfortunately, there exists no standalone version of it, and it can only work in a browser. Alternatively, one can use some of these drawing tools instead. Irrespective, being basic and simple has its perks, hence allowing us to give it a well-deserved third rank on our list.

Features

• It supports free-hand drawing.
• Consists of robust plugin architecture.

Compatible – Windows and macOS

Price – Free

Download: SVG Edit

See also: 4 Best Free & Paid Game Optimizer Software for Windows

Inkscape

Coming last on our list but certainly not the least, is Inkscape. This is free vector software. It offers very good integration, a simple interface, and a mediocre at best toolbox for editing. It clearly lacks advanced features like alpha blending, cloned objects, and marking extensions.

The other disappointing aspect of this software is that Inkscape download is easy to install on windows. It is hard for Mac, but it’s still possible. Looking at the advantages and disadvantages of this product has allowed us to just give it a ranking of fourth on our list.

Features

• Supports the creation of objects using tools like clones, text tools, embedded bitmaps, and drawing tools.
• Support for file types including PDF, EPS, SVG, and more.

Compatible – Windows and macOS

Price – Free

Download: Inkscape

See Also: 10 Best Drawing Apps For Chromebook In 2024 | Free And Paid

Boxy SVG

Boxy SVG is developed using a modern platform and is a modern vector graphics editor. It is a very versatile software with support for many basic and advanced features. The software allows the user to use a wide range of transformations, groupings, and painting options.

It supports you to import images in many different formats such as .JPG, .PNG, .SVG, .GIF etc. The user can download the software or can also use it inside the web browser. It is available free of cost and is the best canvas for crazy young painters and designers.’

Feature

• Compatibility for a variety of file types, such as PDF, EPS, and SVG
• very handy for new users, site designers, and web developers.

Compatible – Windows and macOS

Price – freemium

Download: Boxy SVG

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LibreOffice Draw

LibreOffice Draw is a very good open-source drawing tool. It is often used for drawing flowcharts and graphs, but you can also use it for designing posters, posters, logos, brochures, and many such basic aspects.

This software is a more basic version with a light interface. It can prove to be a very good choice if you are looking for software for official charts and diagrams used for office work. It may not prove to be that satisfactory if you are looking for an artistic tool.

Features

• Make anything, from simple drawings to intricate ideas.
• Simple interface for creating flowcharts and diagrams.

Compatible – Windows and macOS

Price – Free

Download: LibreOffice Draw

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Autodesk Graphic

Autodesk Graphic is a new version of the previously known tool iDraw. The tool, after degradation, has become a bit expensive, but it offers support for import .SVG files, .PDF .EPS formats, and also allows import and export of .PSD formats for photoshop users.

The tool provides a good range of tools for sketching and drawing and also provides additional features such as technical drawing. The tool is also available in an iPad version which also has support for cloud uploads so that you can access your work anywhere, anytime.

Features

• Numerous drawing and sketching tools
• High functionality toolbox

Compatible – macOS

Price – $24.99

Download: Autodesk Graphic

See Also: Top 14 Best Free Drawing Software To Download [2024]

DrawBerry

DrawBerry stands out for being very lightweight. It is a simple tool that may not wow you with its illustrator tools, but it still makes up to the latest iOS version without any updates since OS 10.5. In spite of being so simple in terms of features and interface, you may still find it useful when you are just trying to pull out something really basic for your low-budget project.

Features

• It enables you to export a completed drawing in PDF, EPS, or image formats like JPEG.
• Additionally, it only takes a click to access palettes for modifying the rules, canvas size, and drawing grid size.

Compatible – macOS

Price – Free

Download: DrawBerry

Pixelmator

Pixelmator is not exactly a vector designer, but it consists of some of the basic lines and shapes that can help you with basic designing. The vector mode can be activated with a few clicks. However, advanced users will find it short of features as they have been used to getting all of the vector designing tools.

New users can have a look at the tutorial section to explore more about the tool. Despite of all the basic functionality, we still feel as if Pixelmator can get your back when you need to get some urgent and simple logos with basic lines and symbols.

Features

• Remove the backdrop from photographs automatically by utilizing the AI-powered Remove Background function.
• Add editable Smart Shapes to swiftly construct your own shapes.

Compatible – macOS

Price – 7-day free trial, then $4.99 per month

Download: Pixelmator

See Also: 6 Best Free Alternatives Apps Like Photoshop In 2024

Should You Continue to Use Illustrator?

You probably work as a professional designer if you already use Adobe Illustrator. In that scenario, using these less expensive vector applications could help you save some money, but you’ll also probably lose certain functionality you depend on. For instance, you might be familiar with how to trace a picture in Illustrator but discover that other programs lack that capability.

Naturally, one of the vector programs we’ve looked at here may be the best option if you’ve never used Illustrator before or if you truly need to cut costs.

See Also: Top 7 Free Raw Image Editor Software | [2024]

FAQ’S

What is the best vector program for Mac?

Our choice for the finest free vector software for MAC is Gravit Designer. It is a web-based application, so you don't even need to download it, and with its extensive toolbox of features, it is a formidable rival to Adobe Illustrator. There is just a 15-day trial period, after which you must make a purchase.

What is the best vector-based software?

Gravit Designer is the best free vector-based program in our opinion. It's a web-based program, so there's no need to download anything. However, there is only a 15-day free trial period before the software must be purchased. You can also try Vectr, which is our runner-up recommendation and is a web-based program.

Which is better Inkscape or vector?

Design professionals may produce diagrams, logos, and illustrations with the help of Inkscape, a comprehensive illustration, designer, and graphics program. Vectr is a cross-platform, open-source, free collaboration vector graphics editor that is appropriate for both casual users and skilled artists.

How do I open a vector file on Mac?

Encapsulated PostScript (EPS) files can include both visuals and text. The majority of MacOS graphics and PDF readers can open EPS files. The simplest method, though, is to open it using the Preview tool that comes with macOS if all you want to do is view it.

Conclusion

Here are some of the best Free Vector Software that can help you to create all those crazy images you always wish existed. You can choose among these softwares for professional work as well as for simple everyday work.