Adobe Illustrator is a powerful and expensive program. However, there are alternatives that are free or cheaper than Adobe Illustrator.
Some of these programs include Inkscape and GIMP. Both of these programs have the ability to do many of the same things as Adobe Illustrator, but they are less expensive and may be more appropriate for some projects.
Additionally, there are many other cheap graphic design programs that can be used to create illustrations and graphics.
Table of Contents
#1 Inkscape

Price: Free
Inkscape is an open-source vector graphics software that has many similar features to Adobe Illustrator, such as sketching, illustrating, editing, bitmap tracing, color painting, and gradient editing. It also supports SVG format and can import and export various file types.
How to use Inkscape:
- Download it from inkscape.org.
- Install it on your computer and launch it.
- Create a new document or open an existing one from the File menu.
- Use the tools on the left panel to draw shapes, paths, text, and other objects.
- The options on the top bar adjust the fill, stroke, opacity, and other properties of your objects.
- Use the menus on the top bar to access more functions such as layers, filters, extensions, and preferences.
#2 GIMP

Price: Free
GIMP stands for GNU Image Manipulation Program and is a free and open-source raster graphics software that can also handle some vector functions. It has similar tools to Adobe Illustrator such as selection tools, drawing tools, transformation tools, and text tools.
How to use GIMP:
- Download it from gimp.org.
- Install it on your computer and launch it.
- You can create a new image or open an existing one from the File menu.
- Tools on the left panel to edit your image or create vector objects using paths.
- The options on the top bar to adjust the color mode, image size, resolution, and other settings of your image.
- Menus on the top bar to access more functions such as filters, effects, layers, and plugins.
#3 BoxySVG

Price: Starting from $9.99/year
BoxySVG is a web-based vector graphics editor that works in any modern browser. It has a simple and intuitive interface that lets you create scalable vector graphics using shapes, paths, texts, and gradients.
How to use BoxySVG:
- Visit boxy-svg.com.
- Sign up for a free account.
- Click Launch App to create a new document.
- You can use the tools on the left panel to draw objects on the canvas.
- You can use the options on the right panel to adjust the fill, stroke, opacity, transform, and other properties of your objects.
- Menus on the top bar are to access more functions such as layers, symbols, filters, and export.
4# Vecteezy

Price: Starting from $7/month
Vecteezy is a an online vector graphics editor that also offers a large collection of free and premium vector art that you can use for your projects. It has a simple and user-friendly interface that lets you create and edit vector graphics using shapes, paths, text, and images.
How to use Vecteezy:
- Visit vecteezy.com.
- Sign up for a free account or log in with Google or Facebook.
- Click Start Designing at the top left corner to create a new document.
We have to remind you that it is important to find the right program for the specific needs of your project.