commons
Built in the open
THE REPLACEMENT INDEX

Open alternatives to Adobe Illustrator.

Compare projects for vector design. Pick the workflow you need, then check the gaps and adoption documentation.

Want to help build an alternative?

Platforms describe available clients; self-hosted services still need a server. “Mixed licenses” means editions or components have different terms.

A PLACE TO START

Open alternatives exist. Start a Commons project.

The curated references below are independent upstream projects. A member-owned Commons project is a separate place to share work and coordinate a team.

No Commons project is linked to Adobe Illustrator yet. Add yours or use the guide to start one.

How to start one
1 project for this comparison

Reviewed upstream alternatives

Comparisons cover specific workflows, not complete feature parity. An active alpha can be worth building while still being unsuitable for daily work.

Creative tools

Graphite

Alpha · active rebuild

A procedural vector editor combining nondestructive layers with node-based design.

WebLocalApache-2.0Open source
Procedural vector graphics and generative designExperimental rebuild

Alpha. Raster tools, collaboration and broader creative-suite ambitions should not be treated as delivered parity.

Sources, activity & license scope

Current capabilities focus on procedural vector editing.

License source Repository activity: Repository activity observed · Oct 14, 2026

Repository activity may include documentation or automation; it is a weaker signal than a release.

Workflow source

Reviewed Oct 14, 2026 · Commons editorial research

Explore project Adoption & documentation

Independent curated reference · discuss it here; contribute upstream.