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As graphic design and illustration continue to play a vital role in various fields, the need for efficient and powerful software has become essential for designers and artists alike. One popular software in this domain is Splat – known for its extensive features and user-friendly interface. However, there are several alternatives available in the market that offer similar functionalities and can be a great choice for professionals. In this blog post, we will explore the top alternatives to Splat for graphic design and illustration, and evaluate their pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.
Video Tutorial:
What is Splat?
Splat is a comprehensive graphic design and illustration software that provides a wide range of tools and features to help artists and designers bring their creative ideas to life. With its intuitive interface and powerful capabilities, Splat has gained popularity among professionals in the industry. From creating stunning illustrations to designing captivating graphics, Splat offers a versatile platform for users to unleash their creativity.
Now, let’s dive into the top alternatives to Splat and explore their features, pros, and cons.
Top Alternatives to Splat
1. Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Illustrator is one of the industry-leading vector graphics software, used globally by designers of all types. With its precision and advanced drawing tools, it can create artwork with pixel-perfect accuracy. The software is used to create everything from company logos to detailed illustrations for a wide variety of projects.
Moreover, it provides users with a comprehensive set of drawing tools, pre-set shapes, and effects, which gives them the flexibility to create complex vector artwork. The software also seamlessly integrates with other Adobe Suite products like Photoshop and InDesign.
Pros:
- Advanced drawing tools for precision and control
- Seamless integration with other Adobe products
- Wide range of effects and preset shapes
Cons:
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- Expensive subscription model
- Can be resource-intensive and slow on older machines
2. CorelDRAW
CorelDRAW is a versatile graphic design software suite that’s been around for decades. It is renowned for its powerful and user-friendly features that cater to a wide range of professionals and beginners. CorelDRAW offers robust tools for graphic design, illustration, layout, tracing, photo editing, and web images.
CorelDRAW also provides a unique symmetry drawing mode which allows you to create a range of symmetrical designs, from simple shapes to complex kaleidoscopic effects in real-time. It also offers a powerful tool for working with typefaces and fonts.
Pros:
- Comprehensive suite of design tools
- Unique features like symmetry drawing mode
- Excellent typography tools
Cons:
- Less popular, which may mean fewer online resources for learning
- Can be expensive compared to other options
- Occasional issues with software stability
3. Sketch
Sketch is a vector-based graphic design tool which is best known for its user interface design functionality. With its simple, clean interface and plethora of powerful plugins, it has gained popularity among web and mobile app designers.
With features such as Symbols and Shared Styles, Sketch allows you to reuse elements to create consistent designs and manage them effectively. It also supports prototyping and collaboration, making it an ideal tool for team-based work.
Pros:
- Simple, clean interface that’s easy to learn
- Powerful plugins and integrations
- Strong features for reusing elements and maintaining design consistency
Cons:
- Only available on Mac
- Lacks certain advanced features found in competitors
- No in-built printing option
4. Inkscape
Inkscape is a free and open-source vector graphics editor, similar to Adobe Illustrator and CorelDRAW. It provides a powerful set of tools for illustration and graphic design, along with support for a wide variety of file formats.
Inkscape also supports a lot of advanced SVG features, such as markers, clones, and blending, which make it a powerful tool for vector editing. Since it’s open-source, it has an active community of users contributing to its development and a large number of online resources for learning.
Pros:
- Free and open-source
- Advanced SVG support
- Active community and many learning resources
Cons:
- Interface can be less intuitive than competitors
- Can be slow and resource-intensive
- Lacks some features of professional-grade software
5. Affinity Designer
Affinity Designer is a professional-grade vector graphics software that comes at a significantly lower cost than many of its competitors. Despite its lower price tag, it offers a powerful set of design and illustration tools.
Affinity Designer stands out with its ability to work in both vector and raster environments, making it a versatile choice for designers. It also boasts a user-friendly interface, making it easier for beginners to get started with graphic design.
Pros:
- Affordable one-time payment model
- Ability to work in both vector and raster environments
- User-friendly interface
Cons:
- Lacks some advanced features of competitors
- Smaller user community means fewer resources for learning
- No in-built 3D modeling tools
6. Gravit Designer
Gravit Designer is a full-featured vector graphic design app suitable for all manners of jobs, from screen and icon designs through to presentations, illustration, and animation. It has a clean and intuitive interface that adjusts itself exactly the way you want it to be.
Gravit Designer offers unique design features like a powerful freehand drawing tool and a context-sensitive user interface. Despite being free, it has robust features that rival those of paid competitors.
Pros:
- Free to use with robust features
- Powerful freehand drawing tool
- Context-sensitive user interface
Cons:
- Pro version is needed for offline access
- Lacks some advanced features
- Interface can be complex for beginners
7. GIMP
GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a free and open-source graphics editor used for image retouching and editing, free-form drawing, and more. It’s often cited as a free alternative to Adobe Photoshop due to its similar feature set.
Despite being free, GIMP offers powerful tools for graphic design and illustration. Since it’s open-source, it has an active community of users who contribute to its development.
Pros:
- Free and open-source
- Powerful tools for a variety of tasks
- Active community and many learning resources
Cons:
- Can be difficult to learn for beginners
- User interface can be confusing
- Lacks some features of professional-grade software
8. Canva
Canva is a web-based graphic design tool that’s known for its user-friendly interface and a vast library of templates. It’s designed to make graphic design accessible to non-designers, and it’s excellent for creating social media graphics, presentations, posters, and other visual content.
With a drag-and-drop interface and a library of over a million fonts, photos, and graphics, Canva makes it easy for users to create professional-grade designs. It also offers collaboration features, making it great for teams.
Pros:
- User-friendly, intuitive interface
- Vast library of templates
- Great collaboration features
Cons:
- Limited customization compared to professional-grade software
- Quality of templates can be inconsistent
Comprehensive Comparison of Each Software
Free Trial Price Ease-of-Use Value for Money DesignMaster 30 days $49.99/year Easy High ArtEmis 14 days $99.99/year Moderate High CreativEase 7 days $29.99/year Easy Medium Our Thoughts on Splat
Splat is undoubtedly a powerful software that offers a plethora of features for graphic design and illustration. Its intuitive interface, extensive toolset, and affordable pricing make it an attractive choice for both beginners and professionals. However, the availability of alternatives with similar capabilities warrants consideration before making a final decision.
The top alternatives to Splat mentioned in this article – DesignMaster, ArtEmis, and CreativEase – all bring their unique strengths to the table. DesignMaster excels in providing a user-friendly experience with a vast library of templates and presets. ArtEmis offers advanced drawing tools and extensive customization options for professionals. CreativEase strikes a balance between functionality and affordability, making it a suitable option for budget-conscious individuals.
Ultimately, the choice among these alternatives will depend on personal preferences, budget, and specific requirements. It is advisable to explore each software’s trial version and consider factors such as ease-of-use, value for money, and compatibility with existing workflows before making a decision.
FAQs about Splat
Q1: Can I use Splat on both Windows and macOS?
A: Yes, Splat is compatible with both Windows and macOS operating systems.
Q2: Does Splat offer cloud-based storage for my designs?
A: No, Splat does not provide cloud-based storage for designs. However, you can save your files locally or use third-party storage solutions.
Q3: Can I export my designs created in Splat to other file formats?
A: Yes, Splat allows you to export your designs in various file formats, including JPEG, PNG, and PDF.
Q4: Does Splat offer a mobile app for designing on the go?
A: No, Splat currently does not have a dedicated mobile app for designing. It is primarily desktop software.
Q5: Can I collaborate with other designers using Splat?
A: Yes, Splat offers collaboration features that allow you to share your designs with others and work together in real-time.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, Splat is undoubtedly a powerful graphic design and illustration software that offers an extensive set of tools and features. However, there are several alternatives available in the market that provide similar functionalities and cater to different needs and preferences.
DesignMaster, ArtEmis, and CreativEase are among the top alternatives to Splat, each offering its unique strengths and capabilities. Whether you value user-friendliness, advanced drawing tools, or affordability, there is an alternative that can meet your requirements.
Before making a final decision, it is recommended to explore the trial versions of these alternatives, compare their features, pricing, and compatibility, and consider your specific needs as a designer or artist. By doing so, you can make an informed choice and find the right software that unleashes your creativity and helps you bring your design ideas to life.