Top 12 Best Vector Editors

Vector editing software plays a crucial role in graphic design, illustration, and digital art creation. Vectors are geometric objects, like points, lines, curves, and polygons that are used to build the image. This differs from pixel based images which are made up of blocks of color.

Choosing the right tool can significantly impact the quality and efficiency of your work. Here, we’ll explore the top 12 best vector editors.

Top 12 Best Vector Editors

1. Adobe Illustrator

Designers use Illustrator to create logos, icons, book illustrations, product packaging, billboards, posters, symbols, and patterns

• • Renowned for its versatility and powerful features.
  • It offers a comprehensive set of drawing tools and precise control over vector paths.
  • It Integrates seamlessly with other Adobe Creative Cloud applications.

2. CorelDRAW

CorelDRAW provides a wide range of tools and features for creating and editing vector graphics, including the ability to work with shapes, lines, text, and images. It also includes features for adding special effects, such as drop shadows and bevels, as well as tools for creating complex designs and page layouts.

• • Its known for its user-friendly interface and broad range of design tools.
  • Its ideal for both beginners and experienced designers.
  • Supports advanced features like mesh fills and advanced typography controls.

3. Figma

Figma’s vector editing tools allow users to create and edit vector graphics with precision and flexibility. Figma is considered a very god design tool, especially for UI/UX design.

• Figma offers real-time collaboration capabilities, and strong community support, making it one of the most popular choices among designers and teams, with many regarding it as a leading option in the industry.
• Prototyping, Collaboration, Presentation Design, Web Design, App Design, Icons, User interfaces and User Experience Design.

4. Affinity Designer

With Affinity Designer, you can create professional-quality vector and raster graphics for logos, illustrations, UI/UX designs, branding, print materials, and digital artwork.

• • Its a cost-effective alternative to Adobe Illustrator.
  • It provides a smooth and responsive interface with advanced vector editing capabilities.
  • It supports both raster and vector workflows seamlessly.

5. Sketch

Sketch is a design software suite that helps you create beautiful products at scale, whether you’re working alone or collaboratively. With Sketch you get a powerful Mac app for designing, a web app for handoff and managing your documents from anywhere, and an iOS app for prototyping your work on the go.

• • Its opular among UI/UX designers for its focus on interface design.
  • It simplifies the design process with a minimalist interface.
  • It integrates with various plugins for enhanced functionality.

6. Gravit Designer

Gravit Designer is a free, vector-based graphic design program that can be used to create a variety of designs, including:
Logos, Flyers, Presentations, Web and screen designs, Mobile designs, Business cards, Icons, Illustrations, and Print designs.

• • Its a cross-platform vector editor available both online and offline.
  • It features a clean interface with powerful design and illustration tools.
  • Its suitable for beginners and professionals alike.

7. Vectr

Vectr is a vector graphics platform that allows users to create and edit designs on the web or desktop. It’s a browser-based tool that doesn’t require any software downloads or installations.

• • A user-friendly, web-based vector editor.
  • Enables real-time collaboration on design projects.
  • Ideal for simple vector tasks and collaborative work.

8. Boxy SVG

Boxy SVG is a proprietary vector graphics editor for creating illustrations, as well as logos, icons, and other elements of graphic design. It is primarily focused on editing drawings in the SVG file format.

• • An extension of the Chrome browser, making it accessible on various platforms.
  • Provides a lightweight yet feature-rich vector editing experience.
  • Suitable for quick edits and simple vector projects.

9. Vectornator

A free-to-use vector illustrator that easily translates your documents from the computer to your tablet or smartphone and back again. The app contains all the major tools you need to start creating beautiful vector graphics and will feel familiar to users who have used similar software before.

• • Available for macOS, iPad, and iPhone, offering a seamless workflow across devices.
  • Features an intuitive interface with advanced vector editing capabilities.
  • Supports various export formats.

10. Xara Designer Pro

Draw inspiration from images, unleash your creativity and get the most out of every project. Xara Photo & Graphic Designer offers everything you need for image editing and graphic design, and is based on a simple, fast workflow.

• • Known for its speed and efficiency in vector editing.
  • Offers a range of design tools, including photo editing capabilities.
  • Suitable for both print and web design projects.

11. Inkscape

Inkscape is a free, open-source vector graphics editor that can be used to create and edit images for print and web use:
Features: Inkscape is similar to Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, and CorelDRAW. It can create and edit vector graphics, such as illustrations, diagrams, line art, charts, logos, and complex paintings. It can also design for laser cutters, Cricut machines, and Silhouette machines.

• • An open-source vector editor, making it accessible to all users.
  • Offers a wide range of features, including object manipulation and node editing.
  • Constantly evolving with a supportive community.

12. PenPot

Penpot is a free, open-source, web-based design tool that helps designers and developers collaborate on projects

• • Penpot offers a variety of features, including interface design, prototyping, feedback and sharing, code inspection, and libraries and templates.

What to Consider with Vector Software

When choosing the right vector editor, consider the following factors to ensure it meets your needs.

1. Features and Functionality

• • Core Tools: Look for essential vector editing tools such as pen tools, shape builders, path operations, and Boolean operations (union, subtract, intersect, etc.).
  • Advanced Features: Consider if you need advanced tools like gradient meshes, symbol libraries, or perspective drawing.
  • Precision and Accuracy: Ensure the software supports snapping, rulers, grids, and alignment tools for precise design.
  • Typography Tools: Robust text editing features, including font integration, kerning, and path text options.

2. Compatibility

• • File Formats: Ensure the editor supports popular file types like SVG, EPS, PDF, and AI for import/export.
  • Cross-Platform Support: Check if it works on your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux) or is browser-based.
  • Integration: Consider integration with other software (e.g., Adobe Creative Cloud, Figma, or CAD tools).

3. Ease of Use

• • User Interface: A clean, intuitive interface suitable for beginners or experienced users.
  • Learning Curve: Availability of tutorials, templates, or community support for learning.
  • Customizability: Ability to adjust tools, workspaces, and shortcuts to your workflow.

4. Performance

• • Speed: Handles complex files with ease, especially large-scale designs or those with multiple layers.
  • System Requirements: Runs efficiently on your hardware without frequent crashes or lags.

5. Collaboration

• • Real-Time Collaboration: If working in a team, look for features like cloud storage, version control, or shared editing.
  • Cloud-Based Options: Some editors allow for online editing and saving directly in the cloud.

6. Pricing

• • Cost: Evaluate the cost of the software (free, subscription-based, or one-time purchase).
  • Free Alternatives: If budget is a concern, explore free options like Inkscape or Vectr.
  • Trial Period: Many premium tools offer a free trial—test them before committing.

7. Specific Use Cases

• • Design Needs: Ensure it fits your purpose (e.g., logo design, illustrations, web graphics, or print materials).
  • Export Quality: Consider if the editor produces high-quality, scalable outputs.

8. Support and Community

• • Technical Support: Availability of customer support or a help center for troubleshooting.
  • Community Forums: An active community where you can share ideas, get feedback, or ask for help.