The best vector graphics editors, according to hackers
8 vector graphics editors were recommended on Hacker News between November 2025 and November 2026. We rank them by how many separate people recommend each one, and 2 earn the Hacker Approved badge.
Top picks
The two most recommended vector graphics editors with the badge. Each figure is 5 people. RecommendsCriticizes One comment
Replaces Adobe Illustrator
A free, open-source vector editor many use to replace Illustrator for figures and SVG work, though it can produce messy SVGs and suffers slowdowns, crashes and regressions.
Strong Illustrator alternative
People recommend it as a capable Illustrator alternative that is well priced. The most common caveat is that the newer version after Canva's acquisition requires email sign-in.
All 8 vector graphics editors, ranked
Select a column heading to sort. Approval share is recommenders out of everyone who gave an opinion; the tick on each bar marks the 2 to 1 line the badge needs. Months counts the months, out of 13, in which someone recommended it.
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Inkscape | 95 | 24 | 80% | 12 | — | Approved |
| 2 | Adobe Illustrator | 17 | 20 | 46% | 10 | — | — |
| 3 | Affinity Designer | 14 | 3 | 82% | 9 | — | Approved |
| Tied 4 | SVG Path Editor | 8 | 0 | 100% | 2 | — | — |
| Tied 4 | VectorNest | 8 | 1 | 89% | 1 | — | — |
| Tied 6 | VectorPea | 5 | 0 | 100% | 3 | — | — |
| Tied 6 | Boxy SVG | 5 | 0 | 100% | 3 | — | — |
| Tied 6 | VectorCraft | 5 | 1 | 83% | 1 | — | — |
How we rank
Rank is the number of separate people who recommend a product in a Hacker News comment over the past year. Someone who praises the same vector graphics editor in five threads counts once.
The badge goes to vector graphics editors that at least 10 people recommend, with recommenders outnumbering critics at least 2 to 1, recommended in at least 4 of the 13 months.
Rankings are never for sale. We may earn a commission when you buy through our links. It never changes the order.