The downside is that at $95, VectorStyler is twice as expensive as Affinity Designer, which tops our list of the best Illustrator alternatives, and there's no iPad app or wider ecosystem of other software. We've found the interface to be easy and intuitive, and there are plenty of interesting filters and tools. This Illustrator alternative can handle Illustrator files, and you can also import AI brush collections. Its big sell is its wide range of scalable vector brushes and the inclusion of tools that some users might miss in other alternatives to Illustrator, such as a shape builder, a blend tool and a pattern tool. It used to be available for Mac only but there's now a Windows version too. VectorStyler is a relatively new Illustrator alternative that seems to be expanding its offering. More expensive than competing options with a one-off payment If you’ve never used it, you might want to take advantage of the free trial to see how it feels in practice. It does work out a little cheaper than Illustrator but really the main reason to choose CorelDRAW over Illustrator would be if you prefer the interface and workflow. It can easily import Adobe AI and PSD files, so there are no problems with compatibility, and CorelDRAW now has a browser-based app and iPad app too, making it easier to use the program on the go. It adds in new features including dynamic asset management and a faster adjustments docker for photo editing. There's also CorelDRAW standard, which is aimed at enthusiasts rather than professionals.

CorelDRAW Graphics Suite 2021 is available for a one-off payment while the new 2022 version requires a subscription. Because the interfaces and approaches are quite different, fans of each tool will argue, with equal vehemence, that theirs is the easiest to use, but there’s no real objective way of settling this.ĬorelDRAW isn't exactly a cheap Illustrator alternative, but it is more flexible in terms of how you can pay because you can get the software in several ways. Both are packed with features and both have their passionate advocates. In fact, it's hard to say whether CorelDRAW or Illustrator is the 'better' tool.

First launched in 1989, CorelDRAW is an Illustrator alternative that has a big following among artists and illustrators.

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