Adobe Illustrator / Alternatives

LeafGreen

I'd like to try to create some vector based graphics. I'm very much a beginner and products such as Illustrator seem more geared towards the professional market (in features and price - too expensive for me!)

Can anyone recommend any alternative vector graphics applications (on PC) either free or not too expensive.

Alternatively is it possible to buy an older version of Illustrator outright, the latest version seems to be on a monthly subscription model only?

AndyPix

Inkscape (its free)


https://inkscape.org/en/


note: vector graphics are usually used by professionals, so you can expect any such editor to be rather "feature rich"

hugonellie

Is there a specific reason it needs to be vector?

Try this.... https://www.gimp.org/ I know its a silly name, but its a decent package

Fightsback

hugonellie wrote: »

Is there a specific reason it needs to be vector?

Try this.... https://www.gimp.org/ I know its a silly name, but its a decent package

Gimp is raster and it's geared to photos not drawing, see here:

http://goinkscape.com/inkscape-vs-gimp-a-vector-and-raster-comparison/

You could also try Krita as well:

https://krita.org/en/

LeafGreen

Thanks all, will check those out. A friend also mentioned Serif Draw Plus which apparently has a free version too.

I was thinking vector as the kind of stuff I'd like to produce is more diagrams, transport maps etc rather than photo manipulation.

All very new to me so I will do some downloading and playing :-)

cookie365

If you already have access to an MS Office app you can create some fairly sophisticated vector graphics pretty easily.

I have Illustrator but for a quick logo I'll usually turn to Powerpoint first

LeafGreen

good call cookie365, thanks - actually I do already have Office 2016 (which in proper mse style only cost me about a tenner on a deal through my employer!)