# VectorCraft: free Illustrator alternative, tested

> VectorCraft is a free alternative to Adobe Illustrator, also for business use. What it can do, what is missing and how mature it is.

Source: https://1x1it.de/en/freeware/vectorcraft/

VectorCraft is a free drawing program for vector graphics. Logos, icons and signs come out crisp at any size, as SVG and PDF as well as images for websites.

[VectorCraft at the vendor](https://getartcraft.com/apps/vectorcraft)
[All freeware recommendations](https://1x1it.de/en/freeware/)

VectorCraft Freeware

- **Type:** Vector graphics
- **Cost:** free, also for business
- **Licence:** Apache 2.0
- **Systems:** Windows, macOS, Linux, in the browser
- **Version:** 0.16.0 of 23 Oct 2026

Maturity Development

Development Alpha Beta Stable

## How it helps day to day

- The logo needs to go on the company vehicle: The vector graphic scales without loss and can go to the sign maker as PDF.
- The logo only exists as a pixel image: Image tracing with 12 presets turns it into a vector graphic that you then tidy up.
- Icons are needed for the website: Draw once, then export in several sizes as PNG, JPEG or WebP.

## What is inside VectorCraft

Own format (JSON). Imports and exports SVG and PDF; exports PNG, JPEG and WebP.

- **Drawing tools:** Pen, direct selection, shape booleans, snapping guides.
- **Effects that stay editable:** Blends, distortions, gradient meshes, repeats, shadows and glows.
- **Trace images:** Convert pixel images to vectors automatically with 12 presets.
- **Export for screens:** Export several sizes at once as PNG, JPEG or WebP.

## VectorCraft compared with Adobe Illustrator

VectorCraft has the basic tools of a vector program: pen, shape booleans, gradient mesh, image tracing. Exchange with Illustrator works via SVG and PDF; the vendor does not name the native .ai format.

As of 25 Oct 2026, according to the vendors

| | VectorCraft | Adobe Illustrator |
| Cost | free, also for business | €25,99 a month (annual plan billed monthly, incl. VAT) [Source](https://www.adobe.com/de/products/illustrator/plans.html) |
| Licence | open source (Apache 2.0) | commercial software |
| Systems | Windows, macOS, Linux, in the browser | see vendor |
| Shared files | SVG and PDF |
| Maturity | in development, version 0.16.0 | on the market for years |

Illustrator is a trademark of Adobe Inc.. It is named for orientation only; there is no connection between Adobe Inc. and the maker of VectorCraft.

## Our assessment

VectorCraft is still in development but has the most important drawing tools. It is worth testing for simple graphics and converting old logos.

### Already useful for

- Simple logos, icons and signs
- Converting pixel logos to vectors
- Opening and adjusting SVG files

### Better wait for now

- Print files without a check by the printer or sign maker
- Complex illustrations with many layers
- Switching your graphics work over completely

## Frequently asked questions

### Can I pass on my logo as SVG?

Yes, VectorCraft imports and exports SVG and PDF.

### Can VectorCraft replace Illustrator?

VectorCraft is still in development but has the most important drawing tools. It is worth testing for simple graphics and converting old logos.

### May I use VectorCraft commercially?

Yes. The Apache 2.0 licence allows business use without a licence fee. It does not require you to publish your own files or data. Licence notices only apply if you redistribute or modify the program itself.

### What does VectorCraft cost?

Nothing. VectorCraft is open source under the Apache 2.0 licence and may also be used in a business free of charge.

### How do I install it?

The vendor’s page offers installers for Windows, macOS and Linux. If you use several Craft apps, the ArtCraft Launcher installs them and keeps them up to date. In businesses with several workstations, new programs should be approved centrally; we can help with that.

## Related

[PhotoCraft Image editing](https://1x1it.de/en/freeware/photocraft/)
[LightCraft Photo library and raw developer](https://1x1it.de/en/freeware/lightcraft/)
[FigCraft Interface design and prototyping](https://1x1it.de/en/freeware/figcraft/)
[All freeware recommendations Programs at a glance](https://1x1it.de/en/freeware/)

Sources: [vendor page](https://getartcraft.com/apps/vectorcraft) and [source code on GitHub](https://github.com/storytold/vectorcraft), accessed 25 Oct 2026. We have tested the program ourselves and rated it worth a look. We have no business relationship with the vendor.

## Introducing new software in your business

Want to use a free program and not sure whether it fits your workflows and files? We will look at it with you.

[0173 644 22 17](tel:+491736442217)

[Request an initial consultation](https://1x1it.de/en/kontakt/#anfrage)