Adobe Illustrator vs Inkscape
Pick Inkscape if you want free vector design for logos, icons and diagrams; pick Illustrator if your work depends on Adobe's tools and Creative Cloud.
Pick Adobe Illustrator if…
Pick Illustrator if you work with clients or teams that use Adobe, want its AI features like Concept to Vector, or want an iPad app, and you are fine with a subscription.
Pick Inkscape if…
Pick Inkscape if you want a free, open source vector editor for Windows, macOS or Linux, with SVG as its main format and no subscription.
Price
- Paid
- Free
- Open source
Starting price
Free plan
Open source
Works on
| Feature | Adobe's subscription vector graphics app for logos, icons and illustrations on desktop and iPad. | A free and open source vector graphics editor that works mainly with SVG files. |
|---|---|---|
| Price |
|
|
| Starting price | US$22.99/mo, annual plan billed monthly (Illustrator, individuals) | — |
| Free plan | No | Yes |
| Open source | No | Yes |
| Works on | Windows, macOS, iOS | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Try Adobe Illustrator (opens the Adobe Illustrator website in a new tab) | Try Inkscape (opens the Inkscape website in a new tab) |
Price: Inkscape is free and open source, with most source code under the GNU General Public License. Illustrator is subscription only, with the individual plan at US$22.99/mo on an annual plan billed monthly and a 7-day free trial. The Creative Cloud Pro bundle is listed at a regular US$69.99/mo.
Platforms: Inkscape installs on Windows, macOS and Linux. Illustrator works on Windows, macOS and iPad, and does not have a Linux version on the pages we checked.
Features: Both are vector editors for drawing logos, icons and illustrations. Adobe lists AI tools such as Concept to Vector and Generative Shape Fill, plus Turntable and Generative Expand. Inkscape describes itself as a vector editor for artwork, logos, typography and diagrams that saves mainly in SVG; we did not compare other features.
For learners, hobbyists and anyone producing web graphics, Inkscape is the sensible starting point because it costs nothing. If a job or client specifically asks for Illustrator files, or you need Adobe's AI tools and iPad app, the subscription is the practical route.
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Last updated 16 October 2026. How we make money