Top Graphic Alternative Software for Design Professionals
Graphic is a robust graphic design and illustration application, specifically built for Mac OS X. It offers powerful features for creating everything from simple diagrams to intricate vector artwork, with excellent SVG, PDF, and PSD import/export capabilities. However, users often seek a Graphic alternative for various reasons, including cross-platform compatibility, specific feature sets, open-source options, or different pricing models. This article explores the best software alternatives to Graphic, ensuring you find the perfect tool for your creative needs.
Best Graphic Alternatives
Whether you're looking for a free, open-source solution, a powerful raster editor, or another vector design powerhouse, these alternatives offer compelling features and workflows to replace or complement Graphic in your design arsenal.
Inkscape
Inkscape is a professional, free, and open-source vector graphics editor available for Linux, Windows, and macOS. It's a fantastic Graphic alternative for those seeking robust SVG editing, support for layers, vector drawing, and the ability to vectorize raster images. Its cross-platform nature and extensive feature set make it a powerful choice for a wide range of design tasks.
Affinity Photo
Affinity Photo is a professional, full-featured raster graphics editor available for Mac, Windows, and iPad. While Graphic focuses on vector, Affinity Photo excels in photo editing, offering non-destructive editing, RAW photo processing, and excellent performance. It's a strong Graphic alternative if your workflow involves extensive image manipulation and raster-based design, and it's a one-time purchase, avoiding subscriptions.
Vectornator
Vectornator is a free vector graphics design software available for Mac, iPhone, and iPad. It allows you to create sophisticated graphics, layouts, and illustrations. As a Graphic alternative, Vectornator offers intuitive vector drawing, auto-trace, artboards, and excellent UI design capabilities, making it a great choice for mobile and Mac-based designers looking for a comprehensive, free solution.
Affinity Designer
Affinity Designer is an incredibly fast and precise vector graphic design software for Mac, Windows, and iPad. It's an excellent Graphic alternative, known for its clear and fast workflow, support for layers, and its unique 'Pixel Persona' for integrated raster editing. It's a commercial product with no subscription, offering powerful vector strokes and PDF export.
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Illustrator is an industry-standard vector drawing software for Mac and Windows. It's a comprehensive Graphic alternative with sophisticated tools for drawing, typography, and advanced color controls. While it operates on a subscription model, its extensive features, including vector strokes, raster adjustment, and excellent PDF export, make it a top choice for professional graphic designers.
Sketch
Sketch is a popular design toolkit specifically for Mac, built for UI design and vector drawing. As a Graphic alternative, it excels in UI design, offering features like live preview, cloud sync, and strong integration with other design tools. While it includes bitmap editing, its core strength lies in its vector capabilities for interface design.
Pixelmator
Pixelmator is a powerful and user-friendly image editor for Mac, iPhone, and iPad. While Graphic focuses on vector, Pixelmator is a strong raster-based Graphic alternative for photo editing, retouching, and applying photo effects. It supports opening PSD files and offers features like a healing brush and RAW photo processing, making it ideal for photographers and digital artists on Apple devices.
CorelDRAW Graphics Suite
CorelDRAW Graphics Suite is a comprehensive design package for Mac, Windows, and Web, encompassing vector illustration, page layout, and photo-editing. This commercial Graphic alternative offers pixel accuracy, desktop publishing features, and extensive customization, making it suitable for a broad range of professional design tasks.
Vectr
Vectr is a free graphics editor that runs both in your web browser and as a native desktop app for Windows, Linux, and Chrome OS. It's a collaborative Graphic alternative, similar to Google Docs, offering intuitive vector drawing and image editing capabilities. Its cross-platform and web-based nature makes it highly accessible for quick design tasks and team collaborations.
Gravit Designer
Gravit Designer is a cross-platform vector graphics tool available as a desktop application and in-browser for Mac, Windows, Linux, Web, and Chrome OS. This freemium Graphic alternative offers robust vector drawing, an unlimited canvas area, cloud sync, and an intuitive user interface. It's excellent for website wireframing, master design, and general vector illustration, providing a versatile solution for designers.
Choosing the best Graphic alternative depends on your specific design needs, operating system, and budget. Whether you prioritize free and open-source software, professional-grade raster editing, or another powerful vector design suite, there's an option here to fit your workflow. Explore these alternatives to find the perfect tool to bring your creative visions to life.