# Graphite: Free Open Source Alternative to Adobe Illustrator, Paper, pen.dev

Canonical: https://caniforkit.com/fork/graphite
Last updated: 2026-11-07

Graphite (Open Source, Open Source) replaces Adobe Illustrator, Paper, pen.dev, Pixelmator Pro. A free, open source vector graphics editor built around nondestructive, node-based design. Runs locally in the browser, exports SVG, PNG, and JPG.

## Tool Specifications
- **Tool Name**: Graphite
- **Type**: Open Source Project
- **License**: Open Source
- **Official Website**: https://graphite.art/
- **GitHub Repository**: https://github.com/graphiteeditor/graphite
- **GitHub Stars**: ★ 27.9k
- **Runs On**: Local
- **Maintenance Status**: nov 2026
- **Platforms**: desktop, cross-platform, one-click install
- **Data Storage**: All application data lives locally on your own machine.
- **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/graphiteeditor/graphite or deploy with Docker Compose
- **Setup Requirements**: Download the native package or installer for your operating system.
- **The Catch / Limitation**: Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.

## Paid SaaS Applications Replaced (4)
Replacing these paid tools with Graphite saves up to $80/mo ($960/yr) in software subscriptions:

| Replaced Software | Category | SaaS Price | Comparison Guide |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Adobe Illustrator](https://caniforkit.com/adobe-illustrator) | [design](https://caniforkit.com/category/design) | $20/mo | [Compare Adobe Illustrator vs Graphite](https://caniforkit.com/vs/adobe-illustrator-vs-graphite) |
| [Paper](https://caniforkit.com/paper) | [design](https://caniforkit.com/category/design) | $20/mo | [Compare Paper vs Graphite](https://caniforkit.com/vs/paper-vs-graphite) |
| [pen.dev](https://caniforkit.com/pen-dev) | [design](https://caniforkit.com/category/design) | $20/mo | [Compare pen.dev vs Graphite](https://caniforkit.com/vs/pen-dev-vs-graphite) |
| [Pixelmator Pro](https://caniforkit.com/pixelmator-pro) | [photo editing](https://caniforkit.com/category/photo-editing) | $20/mo | [Compare Pixelmator Pro vs Graphite](https://caniforkit.com/vs/pixelmator-pro-vs-graphite) |

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Is Graphite free and open source?
Graphite is an open source tool licensed under Open Source that runs on local. A free, open source vector graphics editor built around nondestructive, node-based design. Runs locally in the browser, exports SVG, PNG, and JPG.

### What is the trade-off or limitation of using Graphite?
Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.

## Related

- [Self-Hosted Open Source Directory](https://caniforkit.com/self-hosted)
- [All Paid SaaS Alternatives Index](https://caniforkit.com/alternatives)
- [Software Categories Directory](https://caniforkit.com/categories)
- [Homepage](https://caniforkit.com)