Quick comparison: 5 free alternatives to CorelDRAW
| Alternative | Price | Platforms | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inkscape Top pick | Open Source | WindowsmacOSLinux | Offline |
| Affinity | Freemium | WindowsmacOS | Offline |
| LibreOffice Draw | Open Source | WindowsmacOSLinux | Offline |
| Vectorpea | Freemium | Web | Online |
| Boxy SVG | Freemium | WebWindowsmacOSLinux | Online & offline |
A closer look at each alternative
-
Inkscape
Top pickOpen SourceOfflineWindowsmacOSLinux- Price
- Free and open source.
- Download
- Download the installer from the official site; works offline.
- Why it stands out
- Full vector illustration: nodes, text, gradients and PDF and SVG export for print.
-
Affinity
FreemiumOfflineWindowsmacOS- Price
- Free, with optional paid extras.
- Download
- Download the installer from the official site; works offline.
- Why it stands out
- Vector, photo and layout in a single free app; requires a free Canva account.
-
LibreOffice Draw
Open SourceOfflineWindowsmacOSLinux- Price
- Free and open source.
- Download
- Download the installer from the official site; works offline.
- Why it stands out
- Opens CorelDRAW .cdr files so you can view or reuse them, and exports to PDF.
-
Vectorpea
FreemiumOnlineWeb- Price
- Free, with optional paid extras.
- Download
- Runs in your browser; nothing to install.
- Why it stands out
- A vector editor in the browser from the makers of Photopea; nothing to install.
-
Boxy SVG
FreemiumOnline & offlineWebWindowsmacOSLinux- Price
- Free, with optional paid extras.
- Download
- Use it in the browser or download the app from the official site.
- Why it stands out
- A simple, clean SVG editor, ideal for logos and icons.
Tip for students: Inkscape exports to PDF and SVG, the formats most print shops and vinyl-cutting programs accept.
Independent: we have no commercial relationship, sponsorship or affiliation with CorelDRAW or with these alternatives, and nobody pays us to recommend them. Links go to their official websites and are not affiliate links; the site is funded only by Google AdSense ads, which don't influence the selection. Learn more.
Frequently asked questions about alternatives to CorelDRAW
What is the best free alternative to CorelDRAW?
Our first pick is Inkscape. Full vector illustration: nodes, text, gradients and PDF and SVG export for print. Affinity and LibreOffice Draw are also worth trying. The best one for you depends on whether you prefer working in the browser or with an installed program.
Are there open source alternatives to CorelDRAW?
Yes: Inkscape and LibreOffice Draw are open source: free, licence-free and with code anyone can inspect.
Which alternatives to CorelDRAW work offline?
Inkscape, Affinity, LibreOffice Draw and Boxy SVG install on your computer and work without a connection. If you'd rather not install anything, Vectorpea and Boxy SVG run in the browser.
Which alternatives to CorelDRAW are there for Mac and Linux?
Inkscape, LibreOffice Draw and Boxy SVG run on both macOS and Linux. Also, Vectorpea runs in the browser on any system.