VectorCraft: Official Download & Beginner Guide (2026)

Open the official VectorCraft download page →

Quick answer: VectorCraft is a free, open-source vector illustration app from the ArtCraft team. Download it only from the official VectorCraft page or the storytold/vectorcraft GitHub releases. The current stable release is v0.21.0, published November 3, 2026; the project still labels the app in active development / alpha. (official product page, official release, project README)

This is an independent download and starter guide. It is not affiliated with the ArtCraft team or Adobe, and it does not host installers. For the sibling AI studio, see our ArtCraft download guide.

VectorCraft download: official sources only

The project README recommends the VectorCraft page on getartcraft.com for new users. It offers the ArtCraft Launcher for installation and updates, or standalone VectorCraft installers without the launcher. (official product page, README download section)

Use the latest official GitHub release when you need a specific architecture or package format. The release includes SHA256SUMS.txt for checking downloaded files. Do not use repackaged installers from third-party download mirrors. (official README, v0.21.0 release assets)

Choose your platform

• Windows: official MSI installers and portable ZIPs are listed for x64, ARM64 and x86. The README says the installers and executables are code-signed. (official download matrix)
• macOS: choose the universal DMG for Apple silicon or Intel; the README says it is signed and notarized. (official download matrix)
• Linux: official x86_64 and ARM64 packages include AppImage, Flatpak, DEB, RPM and tarball formats. (official download matrix)
• FreeBSD: the project lists an x86_64 tarball. (official download matrix)
• Web: VectorCraft supports a WebAssembly browser build. The official product page lists Web alongside the native platforms; use its current web option rather than an unofficial hosted copy. (official product page, README web build)

How to install and start VectorCraft

1. Open the official VectorCraft page. Choose the Launcher if you want it to select the build and manage updates, or choose a standalone installer for VectorCraft only. (official product page)
2. Match your operating system and CPU architecture. On Windows, do not assume every PC is x64: the official release has separate x64 and ARM64 packages. On macOS, the universal build covers both Apple silicon and Intel. (official README)
3. Check the file against SHA256SUMS.txt if you download from GitHub. The project publishes that checksum file with the release assets. (v0.21.0 release)
4. Start with a new drawing or an official example. The repository’s examples/ folder contains editable .vectorcraft artwork made through the app’s own command API. (official examples)
5. Keep copies of important work in a widely supported export format. VectorCraft is alpha, so test your actual save, reopen and export workflow before using it as the only copy of a production project. (project status)

Build from source instead

The official product page requires Rust 1.90 or newer for a source build. Its documented commands are:

git clone https://github.com/storytold/vectorcraft.git
cd vectorcraft
cargo run --release -p vectorcraft

That route is for people comfortable with development tools; most users should start with an official installer. (official product page, README quick start)

VectorCraft beginner tools and files

The familiar starting points are Pen and Direct Selection for Bézier paths, plus Pathfinder, Shape Builder, smart guides, layers, swatches and appearance controls. The project also documents live blends, gradient meshes, repeats, image tracing and editable effects. (official feature overview, official product page)

VectorCraft’s native .vectorcraft document is JSON. The README lists SVG and PDF import/export, PDF-compatible .ai import/export, and PNG, JPEG and WebP output. Format support is not the same as perfect compatibility: the project’s status section specifically says reliable exchange of real-world .ai files remains a missing area. (file-format support, current limitations)

For a first practice project, draw a simple poster with shapes and text, try a boolean operation, then export both SVG and PNG. Reopen the saved native document and inspect the exports before starting client work. This is a suggested learning workflow, not a compatibility guarantee.

VectorCraft vs Adobe Illustrator vs ArtCraft

VectorCraft is the ArtCraft team’s open-source vector illustration application, dual-licensed under MIT or Apache-2.0. It is still alpha and publishes its remaining gaps, including real-world .ai exchange and some advanced workflows. (VectorCraft license and status)

Adobe Illustrator is Adobe’s vector graphics product. It is a separate proprietary product, not the developer or publisher of VectorCraft. If your work depends on established Adobe-only files, plug-ins or team workflows, test those exact requirements rather than assuming VectorCraft is a drop-in replacement. (Adobe Illustrator official page, VectorCraft limitations)

ArtCraft is the sibling AI image and video studio, not the same application as VectorCraft. Choose VectorCraft for editable vector paths and illustration; use the ArtCraft download guide if you intended to install the AI studio. (ArtCraft official site, VectorCraft official repository)

VectorCraft FAQ

Is VectorCraft free? Yes. The official page calls it free and open source, and the repository offers a choice of MIT or Apache-2.0 licensing. Third-party assets retain their own listed licenses. (official page, license and credits)

What is the latest VectorCraft version? The latest stable GitHub release checked for this guide is v0.21.0, published November 3, 2026. Check the official latest-release page for a newer version before downloading. (official release)

Is VectorCraft available for Linux? Yes. The official README lists AppImage, Flatpak, DEB, RPM and tarball packages for x86_64 and ARM64. (official Linux downloads)

Can I use VectorCraft in a browser? The project supports a WebAssembly web build and its official product page lists Web as a platform. Use the web option on the official page rather than an unofficial hosted copy. (official product page, official README)

Can VectorCraft replace Adobe Illustrator? It depends on your workflow. VectorCraft provides many familiar vector tools, but the project still labels itself alpha and lists reliable real-world .ai exchange among its gaps. Test your own files and required features before switching. (official status and gaps)

Is VectorCraft the same as ArtCraft? No. VectorCraft is for vector illustration; ArtCraft is the sibling AI image and video studio. They have different applications and download guides. (official repository, ArtCraft official site)

Related guide

• ArtCraft download — official sources, installation and plans for the sibling AI image and video studio.

Sources

• Official VectorCraft product and download page — launcher, standalone downloads, platforms, features and source-build requirement.
• Official VectorCraft README — download matrix, quick start, formats, development status, limitations and license.
• Official VectorCraft v0.21.0 release — current version, release assets and checksum file.
• Adobe Illustrator official page — confirms Illustrator as Adobe’s separate vector graphics product.

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Last updated November 4, 2026. Version numbers, platform support and alpha limitations can change; check the official release before installing.