Best 10 Free and Open-Source Vector Graphics Software

by | Last Updated on 17th February, 2024 | Free Software

Best Open-Source Free Vector Graphics Software

In today’s digital age, creating stunning visuals has become an essential part of our everyday lives, whether for personal or professional purposes. From designing logos and illustrations to creating infographics and marketing materials, vector graphics software has become an indispensable tool for artists, designers, and even casual users. While there are many commercial software options available, not everyone can afford to invest in expensive software packages. Fortunately, there’s an abundance of free vector graphics software that offers a wide range of features, making it possible for anyone to create high-quality graphics without breaking the bank.

In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 best open-source free vector graphics software that are currently available. We’ll dive into their features, user interfaces, and capabilities, so you can make an informed decision on which one suits your needs best.

Top Free Open-Source Vector Graphic Softwares

  • Inkscape
  • LibreOffice Draw
  • Gravit Designer
  • Vectornator
  • Karbon
  • Boxy SVG
  • Xara Cloud
  • RawTherapee
  • Birdfont
  • Pencil Project

1. Inkscape

Inkscape is a powerful and versatile free and open-source vector graphics editor. It has been a popular choice among designers and artists for over a decade. It’s a powerful and versatile vector graphics editor that can handle a wide range of tasks, from creating simple illustrations and logos to designing complex multi-page documents.

Key Features of Inkscape

  • Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) Format:Inkscape uses the SVG format, which allows you to create graphics that can be scaled to any size without losing quality.
  • Powerful Drawing Tools:Inkscape offers a robust set of drawing tools, including bezier curves, shape tools, text tools, and calligraphy tools, allowing you to create complex illustrations and designs.
  • Object Manipulation:Inkscape provides a variety of object manipulation tools, such as transforms, boolean operations, and path operations, making it easy to modify and combine shapes.
  • Layer Management:Inkscape supports layers, making it easy to organize and manage complex designs.
  • Compatibility:Inkscape can import and export a wide range of file formats, including SVG, PNG, JPEG, PDF, and EPS, ensuring compatibility with other software.

Highlight: Inkscape’s user interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced designers.

2. LibreOffice Draw

LibreOffice Draw is a part of the LibreOffice suite, a free and open-source office productivity software. It is a vector graphics editor that is part of the LibreOffice suite, a free and open-source office productivity software. While it may not be as robust as dedicated vector graphics software, LibreOffice Draw offers a solid set of tools for creating and editing vector graphics.

Key Features of LibreOffice Draw

  • Basic Drawing Tools:LibreOffice Draw provides a range of basic drawing tools, including shapes, lines, curves, and text tools, allowing you to create simple vector illustrations and diagrams.
  • Object Manipulation:LibreOffice Draw supports object manipulation tools, such as resizing, rotating, and aligning, making it easy to adjust and position elements in your design.
  • Layer Management:LibreOffice Draw supports layers, allowing you to organize and manage complex designs.
  • Compatibility:LibreOffice Draw can import and export a variety of file formats, including SVG, PNG, JPEG, and PDF, ensuring compatibility with other software.
  • Integrated with LibreOffice Suite:Since LibreOffice Draw is part of the LibreOffice suite, it integrates seamlessly with other LibreOffice applications, making it easy to incorporate vector graphics into documents, presentations, and spreadsheets.

Highlight: LibreOffice Draw may not be as feature rich as dedicated vector graphics software, but it’s a solid choice for basic vector graphics needs, especially if you already use the LibreOffice suite for your office productivity tasks.

3. Gravit Designer

Gravit Designer is a powerful and intuitive free and open-source vector graphics software that offers a wide range of features for designers and artists. It is a relatively new player in the world of vector graphics software, but it has quickly gained popularity due to its powerful features and intuitive user interface. This free and open-source software offers a wide range of tools and capabilities that can rival even some commercial alternatives.

Key Features of Gravit Designer

  • Advanced Drawing Tools:Gravit Designer provides a comprehensive set of drawing tools, including bezier curves, shape tools, boolean operations, and path editing, allowing you to create complex and detailed illustrations.
  • Non-Destructive Editing:Gravit Designer offers non-destructive editing, which means you can make changes to your design without permanently modifying the original objects, giving you more flexibility and control over your work.
  • Advanced Text Handling:Gravit Designer has powerful text handling capabilities, including support for OpenType features, advanced typography, and text on a path, making it easy to create eye-catching typography in your designs.
  • Layer and Artboard Management:Gravit Designer supports layers and artboards, enabling you to organize and manage complex designs with ease.
  • Compatibility: Gravit Designer can import and export a wide range of file formats, including SVG, PNG, JPEG, PDF, and more, ensuring compatibility with other software.

Highlight: Gravit Designer’s modern and intuitive user interface, combined with its powerful features, makes it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced designers.

4. Vectornator

Vectornator is a free and open-source vector graphics software that offers a sleek and user-friendly interface, making it an excellent choice for beginners and casual users. It is a free and open-source vector graphics software that has gained popularity in recent years due to its sleek and user-friendly interface. While it may not be as feature-rich as some other options, Vectornator is an excellent choice for beginners and casual users who want to create simple vector graphics without dealing with a steep learning curve.

Key Features of Vectornator

  • Intuitive User Interface:Vectornator boasts a clean and modern user interface that is easy to navigate, making it a great option for those new to vector graphics software.
  • Basic Drawing Tools:Vectornator provides a range of basic drawing tools, including shapes, lines, curves, and text tools, allowing you to create simple vector illustrations and graphics.
  • Object Manipulation:Vectornator supports object manipulation tools, such as resizing, rotating, and aligning, making it easy to adjust and position elements in your design.
  • Layer Management:Vectornator supports layers, allowing you to organize and manage your design elements.
  • Compatibility:Vectornator can import and export a variety of file formats, including SVG, PNG, JPEG, and PDF, ensuring compatibility with other software.

Highlight: While Vectornator may not be as feature-rich as some of the other options on this list, its user-friendly interface and basic drawing tools make it an excellent choice for beginners and casual users who want to create simple vector graphics without a steep learning curve.

5. Karbon

Karbon is a part of the Calligra Suite, a free and open-source office productivity software that includes a vector graphics editor with a range of useful features. It is a vector graphics editor that is part of the Calligra Suite, a free and open-source office productivity software. While it may not be as well-known as some of the other options on this list, Karbon offers a range of useful features that make it a worthy contender for those in need of vector graphics software.

Key Features of Karbon

  • Drawing Tools:Karbon provides a variety of drawing tools, including shapes, lines, curves, and text tools, allowing you to create vector illustrations and graphics.
  • Object Manipulation:Karbon supports object manipulation tools, such as resizing, rotating, and aligning, making it easy to adjust and position elements in your design.
  • Layer Management:Karbon supports layers, allowing you to organize and manage complex designs.
  • Compatibility:Karbon can import and export a variety of file formats, including SVG, PNG, JPEG, and PDF, ensuring compatibility with other software.
  • Integration with Calligra Suite:Since Karbon is part of the Calligra Suite, it integrates seamlessly with other Calligra applications, making it easy to incorporate vector graphics into documents, presentations, and spreadsheets.

Highlight: While Karbon may not be as feature-rich as some dedicated vector graphics software, its integration with the Calligra Suite and its ability to handle basic vector graphics tasks make it a solid choice, especially if you already use the Calligra Suite for your office productivity needs.

6. Boxy SVG

Boxy SVG is a free and open-source vector graphics software that focuses on simplicity and ease of use, making it an excellent choice for beginners and casual users. It is a relatively new player in the world of vector graphics software, but it has already garnered a following due to its focus on simplicity and ease of use. This free and open-source software is designed to be user-friendly, making it an excellent choice for beginners and casual users who want to create simple vector graphics without a steep learning curve.

Key Features of Boxy SVG

  • Intuitive User Interface:Boxy SVG boasts a clean and modern user interface that is easy to navigate, making it a great option for those new to vector graphics software.
  • Basic Drawing Tools:Boxy SVG provides a range of basic drawing tools, including shapes, lines, curves, and text tools, allowing you to create simple vector illustrations and graphics.
  • Object Manipulation:Boxy SVG supports object manipulation tools, such as resizing, rotating, and aligning, making it easy to adjust and position elements in your design.
  • Layer Management:Boxy SVG supports layers, allowing you to organize and manage your design elements.
  • Compatibility: Boxy SVG can import and export a variety of file formats, including SVG, PNG, JPEG, and PDF, ensuring compatibility with other software.

Highlight: While Boxy SVG may not be as feature-rich as some of the other options on this list, its focus on simplicity and user-friendliness makes it an excellent choice for beginners and casual users who want to create simple vector graphics without a steep learning curve.

7. Xara Cloud

Xara Cloud is a free and open-source vector graphics software that offers a range of powerful features in a user-friendly interface, making it a versatile option for both beginners and experienced designers. It is a versatile vector graphics software that offers a range of powerful features in a user-friendly interface. While it may not be as well-known as some of the other options on this list, Xara Cloud is a worthy contender that can handle a variety of vector graphics tasks with ease.

Key Features of Xara Cloud

  • Intuitive User Interface:Xara Cloud boasts a clean and modern user interface that is easy to navigate, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced designers.
  • Drawing Tools:Xara Cloud provides a variety of drawing tools, including shapes, lines, curves, and text tools, allowing you to create vector illustrations and graphics.
  • Advanced Features:Xara Cloud offers advanced features such as advanced text handling, gradient fills, and photo editing capabilities, making it a versatile option for a wide range of design tasks.
  • Layer and Object Management:Xara Cloud supports layers and object management tools, allowing you to organize and manage complex designs with ease.
  • Compatibility: Xara Cloud can import and export a wide range of file formats, including SVG, PNG, JPEG, and PDF, ensuring compatibility with other software.

Highlight: Xara Cloud’s user-friendly interface, combined with its powerful features and advanced capabilities, make it a versatile option that can cater to both beginners and experienced designers alike.

8. RawTherapee

RawTherapee is a free and open-source photo editing software that includes vector graphics capabilities, making it a unique option for those who work with both raster and vector graphics. It is primarily known as a free and open-source photo editing software, but it also includes vector graphics capabilities that make it a unique option for those who work with both raster and vector graphics. While it may not be as feature-rich as dedicated vector graphics software, RawTherapee offers a solid set of tools for creating and editing vector graphics.

Key Features of RawTherapee

  • Photo Editing Capabilities:RawTherapee’s primary focus is on photo editing, providing a wide range of tools for adjusting color, exposure, noise reduction, and more.
  • Vector Graphics Tools:In addition to its photo editing capabilities, RawTherapee also includes a set of vector graphics tools, including shapes, lines, curves, and text tools, allowing you to create and edit vector illustrations and graphics.
  • Object Manipulation:RawTherapee supports object manipulation tools, such as resizing, rotating, and aligning, making it easy to adjust and position elements in your design.
  • Layer Management:RawTherapee supports layers, allowing you to organize and manage complex designs.
  • Compatibility: RawTherapee can import and export a variety of file formats, including SVG, PNG, JPEG, and PDF, ensuring compatibility with other software.

Highlight: While RawTherapee’s vector graphics capabilities may not be as robust as dedicated vector graphics software, its ability to handle both raster and vector graphics makes it a unique option for those who work with a combination of both, such as photographers or graphic designers who need to create vector graphics for their projects.

9. Birdfont

Birdfont is a free and open-source vector graphics software that specializes in creating and editing fonts, making it a valuable tool for designers and typographers.

Birdfont is a unique vector graphics software that specializes in creating and editing fonts. While it may not be a traditional vector graphics editor, Birdfont offers a set of powerful tools for designers and typographers who need to create or modify fonts for their projects.

Key Features of Birdfont

  • Font Creation and Editing:Birdfont’s primary focus is on creating and editing fonts, providing a wide range of tools for designing glyphs, adjusting kerning, and generating font files.
  • Vector Graphics Tools:In addition to its font creation and editing capabilities, Birdfont also includes a set of basic vector graphics tools, such as shapes, lines, and curves, allowing you to create and edit vector illustrations and graphics.
  • Object Manipulation:Birdfont supports object manipulation tools, such as resizing, rotating, and aligning, making it easy to adjust and position elements in your design.
  • Layer Management:Birdfont supports layers, allowing you to organize and manage complex designs.
  • Compatibility:Birdfont can import and export a variety of file formats, including SVG, PNG, JPEG, and PDF, ensuring compatibility with other software.

Highlight: While Birdfont may not be a traditional vector graphics editor, its specialized focus on font creation and editing, combined with its basic vector graphics capabilities, makes it a valuable tool for designers and typographers who need to create or modify fonts for their projects.

10. Pencil Project

Pencil Project is a free and open-source vector graphics software that focuses on creating user interface (UI) mockups, wireframes, and prototypes, making it an excellent choice for designers and developers working on web and mobile applications.

Pencil Project is a specialized vector graphics software that focuses on creating user interface (UI) mockups, wireframes, and prototypes. While it may not be a general-purpose vector graphics editor, Pencil Project offers a set of tools tailored specifically for designers and developers working on web and mobile applications.

Key Features of Pencil Project

  • UI Design Tools:Pencil Project provides a range of tools for creating UI mockups, wireframes, and prototypes, including shapes, icons, and UI components.
  • Stencil Management:Pencil Project supports stencil management, allowing you to organize and manage design elements for reuse across multiple projects.
  • Compatibility:Pencil Project can import and export a variety of file formats, including SVG, PNG, JPEG, and PDF, ensuring compatibility with other software.
  • Collaboration:Pencil Project supports collaboration features, allowing multiple users to work on the same project simultaneously.
  • Prototyping:Pencil Project includes prototyping capabilities, enabling you to create interactive mockups and test them before implementation.

Highlight: While Pencil Project may not be suitable for general vector graphics tasks, its specialized focus on UI design and prototyping makes it an excellent choice for designers and developers working on web and mobile applications.

Conclusion

In this article, we’ve explored the top 10 best free and open-source vector graphics software currently available. From powerful and versatile options like Inkscape and Gravit Designer to specialized tools like Birdfont and Pencil Project, there’s a wide range of choices to suit various design needs.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced designer, a casual user or a professional, there’s a free and open-source vector graphics software that can help you create stunning visuals without breaking the bank. Each option offers its own unique set of features and capabilities, so take the time to explore and find the one that best fits your requirements.

Remember, while these software options are free, they often have active communities and extensive documentation, providing ample support and resources to help you get the most out of them. Don’t be afraid to dive in, experiment, and unleash your creativity with these powerful tools.

In the ever-evolving world of technology, the availability of free and open-source vector graphics software is a testament to the power of collaboration and the spirit of sharing knowledge. So, embrace the opportunities these tools offer, and let your imagination soar as you create beautiful and impactful vector graphics.

FAQs on Best 10 Free and Open-Source Vector Graphics Software

What is vector graphics software, and why is it important?

Vector graphics software is a type of computer program that allows users to create and manipulate graphics using mathematical equations and geometric shapes. These graphics are composed of paths, lines, and curves, which can be scaled infinitely without losing quality, making them ideal for logos, illustrations, and other designs that need to be resized or printed at various resolutions. Vector graphics software is important because it provides designers, artists, and casual users with a powerful toolset for creating high-quality graphics that can be easily resized and edited without compromising their sharpness or clarity.

How does vector graphics software differ from raster graphics software?

Vector graphics software and raster graphics software are two different approaches to creating and editing digital images. Vector graphics software uses mathematical equations to create paths, lines, and curves that make up the image, which can be scaled infinitely without losing quality. Raster graphics software, on the other hand, works by manipulating individual pixels to create and edit images, which can become pixelated when scaled up. Vector graphics software is generally better suited for creating graphics that need to be resized or printed at various resolutions, while raster graphics software is more suitable for editing photographs and creating complex, pixel-based designs.

Can I use free and open-source vector graphics software for commercial purposes?

Yes, you can generally use free and open-source vector graphics software for commercial purposes. Most free and open-source software is released under licenses that allow for both personal and commercial use, with some restrictions and requirements. However, it’s important to carefully review the specific license terms for each software to understand the limitations and requirements, such as attribution or prohibitions on the distribution of modified versions.

How do I get started with vector graphics software as a beginner?

Getting started with vector graphics software as a beginner involves choosing beginner-friendly software, learning the basics through tutorials and documentation, practicing with simple exercises and projects, seeking help from online communities and resources, and being patient as you develop your skills over time. Start with software like Vectornator, Boxy SVG, or Xara Cloud, which have user-friendly interfaces, and gradually familiarize yourself with the tools, concepts, and techniques through practice and learning resources.

How can I choose the right vector graphics software for my needs?

Choosing the right vector graphics software depends on factors such as the features and capabilities it offers, the user interface and learning curve, compatibility with existing workflows and file formats, specialization in specific design needs (e.g., font creation, UI prototyping), the size and activity of the software’s community and support resources, and system requirements. Evaluate these factors based on your specific design needs, skills, and workflow to select the software that best fits your requirements.