Inkscape

Our verdict: the leading free, open-source vector graphics editor — a genuine Illustrator alternative that keeps your work in local files and the open SVG format, with a learning curve to match its power.

Inkscape is a mature, free and open-source vector graphics editor for Windows, macOS and Linux — a genuine alternative to Adobe Illustrator. It handles illustration, logos, icons, diagrams and technical drawing using the open W3C SVG standard as its native file format, and is developed by The Inkscape Project, an international volunteer community.

Files are SVG-native and saved locally, with no account or sign-in required to install or use the app. It is highly capable — path and node editing, Boolean operations, bitmap tracing, Live Path Effects and Python extensions — but the interface is dense and has a real learning curve, and the project is community-run rather than backed by a commercial support team.