Creative Cloud services by Adobe are set to increase in cost
In the world of graphic design, Adobe Illustrator has long been a go-to tool for professionals and hobbyists alike. However, recent price hikes have left many creatives seeking alternatives. Here are some top contenders for 2025.
Adobe's Creative Cloud Pro plan, now priced at $839.88 annually, is a significant increase from its previous $719.88. Moreover, Adobe Illustrator itself will no longer be available for new users after January 2025. This has prompted a surge in interest for affordable alternatives.
One such alternative is Curve, a website offering an intuitive interface, solid performance, and essential graphics design features. Curve stands out with its free version, which includes professional features, and a Pro plan priced at just $79 per year, equivalent to $6.58 per month.
Curve boasts AI-powered features like content-aware background removal and generation, and Auto Trace. Many users find Curve easier to learn and use, especially for beginners and non-designers transitioning from Illustrator. Essential features like vector editing, typography tools, and auto-trace make Curve a solid Illustrator replacement.
Another notable alternative is Inkscape, widely regarded as the top free alternative. It is an open-source vector graphics editor with comprehensive drawing tools, advanced object manipulation, pattern creation, and bitmap tracing. Inkscape supports SVG natively and runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it suitable for professionals and semi-pro designers seeking a powerful free solution.
Affinity Designer, a one-time purchase vector graphics software, is another professional-grade alternative to Illustrator. It provides a robust set of tools for illustrators and designers without a subscription model, balancing affordability and capability well.
Figma, a popular web-based design tool, combines vector editing with UI/UX design features and collaboration. It offers free tiers and paid options and supports AI plugins, making it versatile for creative workflows beyond traditional vector art.
Pixlr, primarily an online tool, is good for both image editing and basic illustration. It features AI-powered tools like generative fill and background removal, offering a free version with optional paid upgrades to remove ads. It’s accessible without installation and handy for beginners or those needing quick graphic design tasks.
Other notable mentions include CorelDRAW (subscription or purchase), Sketch (Mac-only focused on UI design), and tools like Skencil for Mac users who prefer Python-based vector drawing.
In summary, for the best free option, Inkscape stands out as the most capable Illustrator alternative in 2025. For those willing to pay a modest one-time fee, Affinity Designer offers excellent value. For collaborative or web-based design workflows, Figma is highly recommended. Pixlr is an accessible choice for simple, AI-enhanced tasks without installation. With these alternatives, creatives can continue to thrive without breaking the bank.
[1] Inkscape official website [2] Affinity Designer official website [3] Figma official website [4] Pixlr official website [5] CorelDRAW official website [6] Sketch official website [7] Skencil official website
- After the price increase of Adobe's Creative Cloud Pro plan, many designers are looking for alternatives, such as the affordable Curve, which offers a Pro plan priced at $79 per year.
- Curve not only has an intuitive interface and essential graphics design features but also AI-powered tools like content-aware background removal, Auto Trace, and generative content.
- Inkscape, a free and open-source vector graphics editor, is another top alternative, offering comprehensive drawing tools, advanced object manipulation, and native SVG support.
- Figma, a web-based design tool, combines vector editing with UI/UX design features and collaboration, making it versatile for creative workflows beyond traditional vector art.
