Photoshop is the first name that springs to mind when you think of graphic editors (or GIMP, if you are a Linux user). Photoshop and GIMP, on the other hand, are only good for editing pictures and producing raster images. In many circumstances, raster images such as PNG or JPG would suffice, but you will almost always want a more scalable format. That’s where vector pictures and graphic editors come in, performing jobs that Photoshop can only dream about. Here are some of the greatest free graphics editors for creating vector images.
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Free Graphics Editors for Creating Vector Images
1. Krita
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Krita is a free and open-source graphics editor that focuses on raster graphics editing. However, with the release of Krita 4.0, the vector tools available to it were overhauled, and it has since become a very useful app for creating vector graphics.
You can use the calligraphy and text tool to create more bespoke vectors that resemble brush strokes and other fine shapes, as well as create vector layers, draw all kinds of special shapes, and use the calligraphy and text tool to create more bespoke vectors that resemble brush strokes and other fine shapes.
The transition from the ODG to the more widespread SVG file format, which makes it considerably more versatile for importing and exporting vector graphics, has been a key element of Krita’s recent development.
2. Boxy SVG
Platforms: Web app, macOS, Linux, Chrome
Boxy SVG isn’t complicated software with a lot of options and tweaks to play with, but that’s its power. It’s really easy to use and can be downloaded as desktop software or used via your browser.
All of the drawing tools you’ll need to create attractive vector images with pens, forms, curves, and text can be found here. If you want to go a little further, there are other choices for typography, geometry, masks, and (most importantly) exporting your SVGs in other formats.
BoxySVG is an excellent lightweight tool if you want to jump right into producing vectors with minimal fooling around, thanks to its limited and non-overwhelming amount of options and UI features.
3. SVG-Edit
Platforms: Web
Don’t want to deal with the hassle of downloading software that may include a slew of additional programs you don’t need? SVG-edit is a powerful browser-based vector editor that works with the SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) standard, which is open-source. It has the majority of the fancy image editing features you’d expect, and it works in all major browsers.
4. Inkscape
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Inkscape is a free open-source application with a wealth of capabilities. It’s also the greatest vector editor for all platforms. Many professional designers use Inkscape, which is a full-featured desktop vector editor available for Linux, Windows, and macOS.
It can be used to build vector objects, manipulate them (fill, stroke, render, transform, group, use layers), add text, and produce vector images from bitmaps, among other things. Inkscape may also be used to modify raster formats such as PNG. If you’re looking for a desktop vector editor, I recommend that this is the best choice among all the free vector editors.
5. RollApp
Platforms: Web
You can use RollApp if you like Inkscape but don’t want to install it on your computer. All you need is a browser to use RollApp, which is an online version of Inkscape. It includes all the functionality of Inkscape, as well as Dropbox, Google Drive, One Drive, and a few other cloud storage options.
However, if you work with huge files or have an inconsistent Internet connection, you may not be able to work as smoothly as you could on your desktop, but this is true of practically any other online vector editor.
6. Vectr: Free Graphics Editors for Creating Vector Images
Platforms: Web, Windows, Linux
Vectr doesn’t have all the features of Inkscape or RollApp, but it’s a capable vector editor that can handle practically any work. It’s not all terrible that it doesn’t have as many functionalities as Inkscape; in fact, having simply the essentials makes it easier for beginners. Vectr may still be used to make images and perform simple operations like adding layers, borders, shadows, and text.
Vectr is a lightning-fast online editor (if you have a good Internet connection), but you can also download it for Linux, Windows, Mac, and Chromebook to use offline.
7. LibreOffice Draw
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
For Linux, Windows, and macOS, LibreOffice Draw is a good desktop vector editor. It’s worth a shot, particularly if you’re already familiar with the LibreOffice suite. It can be used to produce vector images from the ground up or to edit existing ones. Because it offers the right tools for the job, one of the coolest uses of LibreOffice Draw is for technical drawings, flowcharts, and diagrams. Inkscape is my preferred tool for more advanced graphic manipulation.
8. Fatpaint
Platforms: Web
Fatpaint isn’t just a vector editor; it can also be used to modify raster images. Because it’s a web application, you’ll only need a browser to use it. It’s wonderful for making logos and other little vector images, and while it lacks some functionality of its desktop versions, it’s more than adequate for short modifications. It allows you to make new vector files and objects, edit them, manipulate paths, and add text, among other things. Fatpaint’s ability to manipulate 3D text is one of its unique characteristics.
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Conclusion: Free Graphics Editors for Creating Vector Images
See our list of the finest InDesign alternatives if you’re seeking additional advanced graphics and design tools. These macOS drawing apps are also worth checking out if you have a MacBook. If you already have Photoshop, check out our tutorial on how to make an image’s backdrop translucent. On your Mac, you may easily make an image’s backdrop translucent without using Photoshop.