illustro

Illustro is a cross‑platform vector illustration software and collaborative design platform designed for artists, designers, and educators. It provides standard vector drawing tools, precise path editing, and layer-based workflows, with added emphasis on real-time collaboration and accessibility across desktop and web environments.

History and development of Illustro began as an open‑source project in 2019, created by a community of designers and developers seeking an alternative to exclusive, subscription-based tools. The project released its first stable version in 2020 and has continued to evolve through contributions from volunteers and a supporting foundation. Illustro aims to balance a user-friendly interface with robust capabilities suitable for professional work, while prioritizing privacy and local workflow options.

Features and capabilities include pen and shape tools, curves and path operations, layer management, masking, and typography support. It supports non-destructive editing, symbol and component systems, and advanced color management. The platform is extensible via plugins and an API, enabling custom tools and workflows. Export options cover common formats such as SVG, PDF, EPS, PNG, and WebP, with both offline desktop use and cloud-enabled collaboration. Real-time co-editing, version history, comments, and project sharing are among the collaborative features. Illustro runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, and through a web-based editor, offering flexibility for different work setups.

Licensing and reception: Illustro employs a dual model with an open-source core under a permissive license and optional paid features for teams and enterprise use. It has found adoption in education, freelance, and small studios, with users praising its approachable interface and collaborative workflows while noting it competes with more established tools in features and ecosystem size.

See also: vector graphics editor, digital illustration, open-source software.