Alternatives

Best Curve alternatives in 2026

Curve is Mac and iPad vector design app with a free plan. These 9 alternatives come from the same rankings, ordered by editorial score. Connected products carry a small, disclosed lift.

9 alternatives From best vector graphics editors How we rank Share

Ranked alternatives

  1. Affinity

    Also runs on Windows. Free vector drawing with pixel editing and page layout in one app, and it imports AI, PSD and SVG files. It runs only on Windows and Mac for now, and the iPad version is still in development.

    Best for Free vector and photo work in one app

    WindowsmacOSFree

  2. Adobe Illustrator

    Also runs on Windows. The industry-standard vector editor, with the deepest drawing, type and artboard tools and files that printers and agencies expect. It is subscription-only, unlike Affinity (free) and Inkscape (open source).

    Best for Professional logo, icon and illustration work

    WindowsmacOSiPadOSSubscription

  3. Inkscape

    Is open source; also runs on Windows, Linux. The open-source vector editor here, native to SVG and running on Windows, macOS and Linux. Its interface is less polished than Affinity's, and it has no page layout suite.

    Best for Open-source SVG drawing and icons

    WindowsmacOSLinuxFree and open sourceOpen source

  4. CorelDRAW

    Also runs on Windows, Web. A long-running vector suite with illustration, layout and typography, sold by subscription or one-time purchase. It is paid, unlike Affinity and Inkscape, and the free trial lets you test the full suite first.

    Best for Paid illustration and layout suite

    WindowsmacOSWebSubscription

  5. Figma

    Also runs on Web, Windows. Vector drawing sits inside a browser-based interface tool with real-time collaboration. It suits shared design work, but it is aimed at interface design more than illustration or print.

    Best for Shared interface and UI vector work

    WebWindowsmacOSFree plan, paid upgrades

  6. Sketch

    Also runs on Web. Vector shapes and paths in a Mac-native interface app, with a web app that viewers open in any browser. It has no native Windows app, unlike Affinity and Inkscape, and it is sold by subscription or as a Mac-only license.

    Best for Mac-based screen and icon vector work

    macOSWebiPadOS, iOSSubscription

  7. Photopea

    Also runs on Web. Vector shapes and paths inside a photo editor, free in the browser. Vector tools are a side feature here, so precise illustration work is better done in the apps above.

    Best for Quick vector shapes in a photo editor

    WebFree

  8. Vectr

    Also runs on Web. A browser-only vector editor with AI tools that turn photos into SVG, but it is paid-only since the free version ended. Unlike Affinity or Inkscape there is no free way to use it, and it suits logos and icons more than print work.

    Best for Browser-based logos and image-to-SVG conversion

    WebSubscription

  9. SVGEdit

    Is open source; also runs on Web. An MIT-licensed SVG editor that runs in any browser and can be self-hosted. It has fewer drawing tools than Inkscape, so it fits quick SVG edits and embedding rather than detailed illustration.

    Best for Quick SVG edits in a browser, self-hosted

    WebSelf-hostedFree and open sourceOpen source

About Curve alternatives

What is the best alternative to Curve?
On listme.name the highest-scored alternative is Affinity, followed by Adobe Illustrator. The right choice depends on price, platform and whether you need open source.
Is there a free alternative to Curve?
Yes. Free options include Affinity, Inkscape, Figma.