Quick answer: Vectornator is a professional vector design application built exclusively for iPad and Mac that offers a free plan and a Pro plan. It is best suited for iPad designers looking for vector illustration tools without an Adobe subscription, but it is not suitable for Windows or mixed-OS teams.
Introduction to Vectornator
Vectornator is designed to provide professional vector design capabilities for iPad and Mac users. Known for offering full-featured vector design without Illustrator's subscription cost, the app provides a range of capabilities like vector illustration tools, bezier path editing, Apple Pencil support, Auto Trace raster-to-vector, layered artboards, typography tools, SVG, PDF, and PNG export, as well as AI-assisted features.
Pricing Plans
The software operates under a free pricing model and offers two specific options for users:
- Free Plan: Listed under the name Free with a price label of Free.
- Pro Plan: Listed under the name Pro with a price label of $8.99 per month.
The application does not offer a free trial since it features a permanent Free tier.
Who Is Vectornator For?
The software is best for iPad designers who want professional vector illustration tools without paying for an Adobe subscription. With Apple Pencil optimization that makes it feel like drawing with a pencil, responsive and natural handling, and artboard management supporting multiple pages in a single document for branding projects, it serves individual creators well.
Who Is Vectornator Not For?
It is not for Windows or cross-platform teams. Because Adobe Illustrator and Affinity Designer work across Windows and Mac, and Figma runs in any browser, Vectornator's Apple-only limitation makes it unsuitable for mixed-OS design teams. Users should also note that the software has been rebranded to Linearity Curve, which may cause confusion.
Key Pros and Cons
Pros
- Free on iPad and Mac, offering full-featured vector design without Illustrator's subscription cost.
- Apple Pencil optimization provides a responsive and natural drawing experience.
- Auto Trace converts photos and rasters to vector paths intelligently.
- Artboard management supports multiple pages in a single document for branding projects.
- SVG and PDF export produces clean, usable files for developers and printers.
Cons
- Rebranded to Linearity Curve, causing some user confusion regarding the product rename.
- Less powerful than Adobe Illustrator for complex pattern fills, effects, and automation.
- No Windows or cross-platform version, as it is exclusively for the Apple ecosystem (iPad, Mac, and iPhone).
- Collaboration features are limited compared to browser-based tools like Figma.
You can explore more about the app directly on Vectornator.
