Uncovering the Best IDesign Alternatives for Vector Drawing
IDesign, a popular precision 2D vector drawing and design application for iPad and iPhone, has been a go-to for many artists and designers looking to create professional-quality illustrations on the go. Its unique features and offset controls allow for accurate drawing without obstruction. However, as with any specialized software, users often seek alternatives for various reasons – whether it's platform compatibility, specific feature sets, pricing, or the desire for open-source solutions. This article dives into the top IDesign alternative options available today.
Top IDesign Alternatives
Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting, finding the right vector drawing software is crucial. Here's a curated list of excellent IDesign alternatives that offer robust features for every design need.
Inkscape
Inkscape is a powerful and free IDesign alternative, offering a professional vector graphics editor for Linux, Windows, and macOS. As a free and open-source solution, it's perfect for those seeking a robust tool without the cost. Its features include support for layers, SVG editing, vector drawing, live path effects, and the ability to vectorize raster images, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of design tasks.
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Illustrator is a commercial powerhouse and a leading IDesign alternative for professional vector graphics. Available on Mac and Windows, it offers sophisticated tools for drawing, typography, advanced color controls, and creative effects. Its comprehensive feature set, including vector drawing, layer manipulation, export to PDF, and SVG editing, makes it ideal for designers who demand industry-standard capabilities.
CorelDRAW Graphics Suite
CorelDRAW Graphics Suite is a comprehensive commercial IDesign alternative for professional and occasional designers, offering vector illustration, page layout, photo-editing, and tracing software. Compatible with Mac, Windows, and Web, it provides features like pixel accuracy, customization, and desktop publishing capabilities, catering to a broad spectrum of graphic design needs.
Karbon
Karbon, a component of the Calligra Suite, is a free and open-source scalable vector drawing application for KDE, Linux, Mac, and BSD. As a strong IDesign alternative, it empowers artists to create complex drawings with features like SVG editing and high availability, making it a viable option for users within the KDE ecosystem.
Bloom
Bloom is a commercial, cross-platform procedural graphics editor available for Mac, Windows, and Linux. This IDesign alternative stands out for its speed and lightweight nature, allowing users to tweak every action performed, organized by layer. Its focus on image editing, image processing, UI design, and vector drawing makes it a flexible tool for various creative projects.
Xara Designer Pro
Xara Designer Pro X10 is a commercial, fully integrated single package solution for graphic design needs on Windows. This IDesign alternative covers illustration, photo editing, DTP, and web design. Key features include animation, drawing, image editing, support for layers, photo effects, raw import, and vector drawing, making it a comprehensive choice for all-in-one creative work.
YouiDraw
YouiDraw is a freemium web-based IDesign alternative that works on HTML5 canvas, offering features similar to Adobe Illustrator. It's excellent for creating stunning vector graphic designs, logos, and paintings, and boasts Google Drive integration for seamless workflow.
Xara Photo & Graphic Designer
Xara Photo & Graphic Designer, a commercial Windows-based software, is known for being incredibly fast graphics software. This IDesign alternative provides flexible illustration tools and revolutionary photo handling, with robust features for drawing, image editing, and vector drawing.
Serif Drawplus
Serif DrawPlus is a freemium IDesign alternative for Windows, an affordable all-in-one creative powerhouse for drawing, sketching, painting, designing, illustrating, and animating. It offers desktop publishing and sketching capabilities, making it a versatile tool for various creative endeavors.
DrawBerry
DrawBerry is a free and open-source IDesign alternative for Mac, providing features comparable to other vector editing applications like Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape. It's a powerful yet easy-to-use application, ideal for users seeking a free Mac-native solution for image editing and vector drawing.
Exploring these IDesign alternatives will help you find the perfect software to match your specific design needs, budget, and preferred operating system. Each offers unique strengths, so consider which features align best with your workflow and creative goals.