Quick Overview
- 1#1: Adobe Illustrator - Industry-standard vector graphics editor for creating scalable logos, icons, illustrations, and typography with advanced tools.
- 2#2: Affinity Designer - Professional vector and raster design app offering pixel-perfect precision, unlimited artboards, and one-time purchase value.
- 3#3: CorelDRAW - Comprehensive vector illustration and layout software with multipage support, font management, and photo editing integration.
- 4#4: Inkscape - Free open-source vector graphics editor featuring advanced path operations, cloning, and SVG optimization.
- 5#5: Figma - Collaborative web-based design tool for vector UI/UX prototyping, auto-layout, and real-time team editing.
- 6#6: Sketch - Mac-exclusive vector editor optimized for UI/UX design with symbols, shared libraries, and plugin ecosystem.
- 7#7: Linearity Curve - Powerful vector design app for iPad and Mac with advanced shape tools, auto-trace, and Apple Pencil support.
- 8#8: VectorStyler - Feature-rich vector graphics software with text-on-path, mesh fills, and Illustrator-compatible tools.
- 9#9: Boxy SVG - Lightweight SVG editor for web designers with clean interface, snapping, and cross-platform support.
- 10#10: Canva - User-friendly online design platform with templates, drag-and-drop tools, and AI features for quick 2D visuals.
Tools were chosen based on technical capability (advanced features), workflow efficiency, accessibility (intuitive interfaces), and value (one-time purchases, subscriptions, or cost) to deliver a curated range that balances power, ease, and affordability.
Comparison Table
This comparison table examines leading 2D design tools—such as Adobe Illustrator, Affinity Designer, CorelDRAW, Inkscape, Figma, and more—outlining their distinct capabilities, target use cases, and usability. It equips readers with actionable insights to choose software tailored to their projects, whether for vector art, graphic design, or collaborative workflows.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Adobe Illustrator Industry-standard vector graphics editor for creating scalable logos, icons, illustrations, and typography with advanced tools. | creative_suite | 9.7/10 | 9.9/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 2 | Affinity Designer Professional vector and raster design app offering pixel-perfect precision, unlimited artboards, and one-time purchase value. | creative_suite | 9.3/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 3 | CorelDRAW Comprehensive vector illustration and layout software with multipage support, font management, and photo editing integration. | creative_suite | 8.9/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 4 | Inkscape Free open-source vector graphics editor featuring advanced path operations, cloning, and SVG optimization. | other | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.2/10 | 10.0/10 |
| 5 | Figma Collaborative web-based design tool for vector UI/UX prototyping, auto-layout, and real-time team editing. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 6 | Sketch Mac-exclusive vector editor optimized for UI/UX design with symbols, shared libraries, and plugin ecosystem. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | Linearity Curve Powerful vector design app for iPad and Mac with advanced shape tools, auto-trace, and Apple Pencil support. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 8 | VectorStyler Feature-rich vector graphics software with text-on-path, mesh fills, and Illustrator-compatible tools. | other | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 9 | Boxy SVG Lightweight SVG editor for web designers with clean interface, snapping, and cross-platform support. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 10 | Canva User-friendly online design platform with templates, drag-and-drop tools, and AI features for quick 2D visuals. | other | 8.7/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.0/10 |
Industry-standard vector graphics editor for creating scalable logos, icons, illustrations, and typography with advanced tools.
Professional vector and raster design app offering pixel-perfect precision, unlimited artboards, and one-time purchase value.
Comprehensive vector illustration and layout software with multipage support, font management, and photo editing integration.
Free open-source vector graphics editor featuring advanced path operations, cloning, and SVG optimization.
Collaborative web-based design tool for vector UI/UX prototyping, auto-layout, and real-time team editing.
Mac-exclusive vector editor optimized for UI/UX design with symbols, shared libraries, and plugin ecosystem.
Powerful vector design app for iPad and Mac with advanced shape tools, auto-trace, and Apple Pencil support.
Feature-rich vector graphics software with text-on-path, mesh fills, and Illustrator-compatible tools.
Lightweight SVG editor for web designers with clean interface, snapping, and cross-platform support.
User-friendly online design platform with templates, drag-and-drop tools, and AI features for quick 2D visuals.
Adobe Illustrator
creative_suiteIndustry-standard vector graphics editor for creating scalable logos, icons, illustrations, and typography with advanced tools.
The Pen Tool for pixel-perfect bezier curve creation and path editing
Adobe Illustrator is the industry-standard vector graphics software for creating scalable logos, icons, illustrations, and complex typography. It offers unparalleled precision with tools like the Pen Tool for bezier curves, Shape Builder for intuitive shape manipulation, and advanced effects for professional-grade designs. Seamlessly integrated with Adobe Creative Cloud, it supports multi-device workflows, collaboration, and asset sharing across Photoshop and InDesign.
Pros
- Unmatched vector precision and scalability for print and digital
- Vast ecosystem of brushes, effects, and Adobe Stock integration
- Robust collaboration tools and cloud syncing
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- Subscription-only pricing with no one-time purchase
- Resource-intensive on lower-end hardware
Best For
Professional graphic designers and illustrators needing top-tier precision for scalable 2D vector artwork.
Pricing
$22.99/month single app or $59.99/month Creative Cloud All Apps (annual commitment).
Affinity Designer
creative_suiteProfessional vector and raster design app offering pixel-perfect precision, unlimited artboards, and one-time purchase value.
Persona system for instant switching between Vector, Pixel, and Export workflows in the same document
Affinity Designer is a professional-grade vector graphics editor for creating illustrations, logos, icons, UI/UX designs, and print graphics. It uniquely combines vector and raster editing capabilities within a single application via its Persona system, enabling seamless workflow switches. Available on Mac, Windows, and iPad with native Apple Pencil support, it delivers Adobe Illustrator-level tools without subscriptions.
Pros
- One-time purchase model offers unbeatable value
- Lightning-fast performance and non-destructive editing
- Full-featured iPad app with pressure-sensitive stylus support
Cons
- Limited third-party plugins and extensions
- No real-time cloud collaboration tools
- Steeper learning curve for advanced vector effects
Best For
Freelance designers and illustrators seeking a high-performance, subscription-free alternative to Adobe Illustrator.
Pricing
One-time purchase: $69.99 (desktop), $18.99 (iPad); full Affinity Suite: $169.99.
CorelDRAW
creative_suiteComprehensive vector illustration and layout software with multipage support, font management, and photo editing integration.
Integrated multipage document management for seamless brochure, booklet, and catalog creation
CorelDRAW is a professional vector graphics editor and part of the CorelDRAW Graphics Suite, specializing in 2D design for illustrations, logos, layouts, signage, and print materials. It offers precise vector drawing tools, advanced typography, multipage document support, and integrated raster editing via PHOTO-PAINT. With features like LiveSketch for natural drawing and PowerTrace for vectorization, it provides a comprehensive workflow for graphic designers seeking an Adobe Illustrator alternative.
Pros
- Extensive vector tools and precise control for complex designs
- Native multipage document support for brochures and catalogs
- Perpetual licensing option alongside subscription model
Cons
- Steeper learning curve and cluttered interface for beginners
- Less dominant in industry-standard Adobe workflows
- Performance can lag with very large files
Best For
Professional graphic designers and print specialists needing robust 2D vector capabilities without subscription lock-in.
Pricing
Subscription from $22.42/month (billed annually at $269/year); perpetual license $549 one-time.
Inkscape
otherFree open-source vector graphics editor featuring advanced path operations, cloning, and SVG optimization.
Native, full-featured SVG editing with advanced node manipulation and live path effects
Inkscape is a free, open-source vector graphics editor designed for creating and editing scalable vector illustrations, logos, diagrams, and layouts. It provides professional-grade tools for drawing paths, shapes, text, and effects, with strong support for SVG format and import/export of numerous file types like PDF, EPS, and PNG. Cross-platform compatibility on Windows, macOS, and Linux makes it accessible, while its extensibility through community plugins enhances functionality for complex designs.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no subscriptions or limitations
- Powerful vector tools including advanced path editing and bitmap tracing
- Extensive file format support and cross-platform availability
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners due to dense interface
- Occasional performance lag with very complex documents
- Lacks some polished automation and 3D capabilities of premium competitors
Best For
Budget-conscious designers, students, hobbyists, and open-source enthusiasts needing robust 2D vector editing without ongoing costs.
Pricing
100% free with no paid tiers or licenses required.
Figma
enterpriseCollaborative web-based design tool for vector UI/UX prototyping, auto-layout, and real-time team editing.
Real-time multiplayer editing allowing multiple users to design simultaneously
Figma is a cloud-based collaborative design tool primarily used for creating vector-based 2D user interfaces, prototypes, and design systems. It excels in UI/UX design with features like auto-layout, components, variants, and interactive prototyping. Teams can work in real-time across multiple platforms without needing software installations.
Pros
- Real-time multiplayer collaboration
- Powerful prototyping and design system tools
- Browser-based with seamless integrations
Cons
- Performance can lag with very large files
- Internet dependency limits offline use
- Advanced features have a learning curve
Best For
UI/UX design teams and collaborative product designers needing real-time feedback.
Pricing
Free Starter plan; Professional at $12/user/month; Organization at $45/user/month; Enterprise custom.
Sketch
specializedMac-exclusive vector editor optimized for UI/UX design with symbols, shared libraries, and plugin ecosystem.
Nested Symbols with overrides for efficient, scalable component libraries
Sketch is a vector-based design tool tailored for UI/UX designers, focusing on creating wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes for digital products. It features a robust artboard system, reusable symbols, and built-in prototyping tools to streamline the design workflow. Exclusively available on macOS, Sketch emphasizes performance and simplicity for interface design rather than general illustration.
Pros
- Powerful Symbols system for reusable, nested components with overrides
- Intuitive interface optimized for UI/UX workflows and rapid prototyping
- Extensive plugin ecosystem for extended functionality
Cons
- Mac-only, with no native support for Windows or web browsers
- Subscription model may deter one-time buyers
- Real-time collaboration lags behind cloud-native competitors like Figma
Best For
UI/UX designers on macOS who prioritize a lightweight, performant tool for interface design and prototyping.
Pricing
Individual: $99/year; Teams: starting at $9/user/month (billed annually); free trial available.
Linearity Curve
specializedPowerful vector design app for iPad and Mac with advanced shape tools, auto-trace, and Apple Pencil support.
AI-powered Auto Trace that instantly converts bitmap images into fully editable vectors with high accuracy
Linearity Curve is a professional vector graphics editor designed primarily for Apple devices like iPad and Mac, enabling users to create illustrations, logos, UI designs, and print graphics with precision. It features an intuitive interface, advanced pen tools, shape libraries, and AI-powered Auto Trace for converting raster images to editable vectors. Optimized for Apple Pencil and native Apple Silicon performance, it supports seamless workflows across iPad and Mac with real-time collaboration options.
Pros
- Exceptional Apple Pencil integration and native performance on iPad/Mac
- Intuitive UI with gesture-based controls for fast workflows
- Generous free tier with powerful core vector tools
Cons
- Limited cross-platform support (no Windows or Android apps)
- Advanced features like unlimited exports and AI tools require Pro subscription
- Fewer third-party plugins compared to Adobe Illustrator
Best For
iPad and Mac-based designers and illustrators seeking a free, high-performance alternative to Adobe Illustrator for vector work.
Pricing
Free for core features; Pro subscription at $9.99/month or $99.99/year for AI tools, unlimited assets, and advanced exports.
VectorStyler
otherFeature-rich vector graphics software with text-on-path, mesh fills, and Illustrator-compatible tools.
Seamless vector-raster workflow with pixel-perfect editing tools and non-destructive live effects
VectorStyler is a professional 2D vector graphics editor that provides advanced tools for illustration, logo design, typography, and layout creation, rivaling Adobe Illustrator in capabilities. It supports both vector and raster editing, with features like dynamic shapes, live effects, and precise path tools. Cross-platform for macOS and Windows, it emphasizes high performance, native Apple Silicon support, and a perpetual license model without subscriptions.
Pros
- Extensive feature set including advanced Bézier tools, shape builders, and raster integration
- Outstanding value with one-time purchase and no recurring fees
- Excellent performance with GPU acceleration and native cross-platform support
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to dense interface similar to Illustrator
- Occasional bugs and incomplete features as the software is still evolving
- Limited ecosystem with fewer tutorials and third-party resources
Best For
Professional graphic designers and illustrators seeking a powerful, affordable alternative to subscription-based tools like Adobe Illustrator.
Pricing
One-time purchase: $89 for standard personal license, $295 for Pro license with advanced features like scripting and multi-page support.
Boxy SVG
specializedLightweight SVG editor for web designers with clean interface, snapping, and cross-platform support.
Distraction-free, precision path editing with live SVG preview and optimization
Boxy SVG is a lightweight vector graphics editor specialized in creating and editing SVG files for web and print use. It features a clean, minimalist interface with precise tools for paths, shapes, text, and layers, making it ideal for icons, logos, and illustrations. Available as a web app, native desktop applications for Mac, Windows, and Linux, it emphasizes speed and SVG optimization without raster support.
Pros
- Ultra-clean and intuitive interface
- Excellent SVG editing and optimization tools
- Cross-platform support including web and native apps
Cons
- No raster image editing or support
- Limited advanced effects and typography options
- Lacks collaboration and cloud syncing features
Best For
Web designers and developers who need a fast, bloat-free SVG editor for scalable graphics.
Pricing
Freemium model with free web lite version; Pro web subscription $9.99/month or $99.99/year; desktop one-time purchases from $9.99 (Project) to $99.99 (full).
Canva
otherUser-friendly online design platform with templates, drag-and-drop tools, and AI features for quick 2D visuals.
Magic Studio AI tools for instant design generation, background removal, and smart resizing
Canva is a web-based graphic design platform that allows users to create professional 2D visuals such as social media graphics, presentations, posters, infographics, and videos using a drag-and-drop interface and extensive template library. It provides access to millions of stock photos, icons, fonts, and elements, making it accessible for beginners without design experience. Canva supports collaboration, animations, and basic photo editing, positioning it as a versatile tool for quick content creation.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface ideal for beginners
- Massive library of templates, assets, and AI-powered tools
- Strong collaboration features and generous free tier
Cons
- Limited advanced vector editing and typography controls
- Many premium elements and features require Pro subscription
- Performance can lag with complex or large designs
Best For
Non-designers, marketers, and small teams needing fast, template-based 2D visuals without a steep learning curve.
Pricing
Free plan with basic features; Pro at $12.99/month or $119.99/year; Teams and Enterprise options available.
Conclusion
The lineup of top 2D design software showcases Adobe Illustrator as the clear leader, boasting industry-defining vector tools for scalable, professional graphics. Affinity Designer follows with its unbeatable one-time purchase model and pixel-perfect precision, appealing to those prioritizing value and technical excellence, while CorelDRAW rounds out the top three with its all-encompassing suite, merging illustration, layout, and photo editing. Together, these three cater to diverse needs, ensuring there’s a standout choice for every designer, from beginners to pros.
To unlock the full potential of 2D design, start with Adobe Illustrator—its trusted tools and universal appeal make it the ultimate partner for turning creative ideas into stunning, scalable visuals.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison