How to Get Adobe Illustrator for Free (or Cheap)

If free trials won’t cut it, we hear you loud and clear. Sometimes you need to get the job done but don’t have the extra funds to spend on a regular subscription (even at a discount). So here are a few apps you can take advantage of that have many of the capabilities you’ll find in Adobe Illustrator that cost absolutely nothing.

Inkscape – This application has pen tools necessary for creating vector art and .svg files. It also has a robust online community with plenty of useful extensions and addons.

Gimp – This is a tool I’ve personally used for years (more than a decade). I find it useful to have on hand as it provides not just Illustrator tools but ones similar to Photoshop as well.

Boxy SVG – As the name suggests, this tool can be used to create .svg files. However, this tool works in browser and doesn’t require any installation.