Vector graphics are essential design elements that can enhance websites, presentations, videos and more. But not all vectors are made equal. Finding high-quality, scalable vectors that are actually free for commercial use can be tricky.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare raster vs vector images, break down where to access abundance of great free vectors for 2024, plus tips to customize and work with vectors like a pro. Let’s dive in!
Raster Images vs Vector Graphics
Before getting into vectors specifically, let’s compare raster images vs vector graphics at a high-level:
| Type | Raster | Vector |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Pixels | Shapes, paths, mathematical formulas |
| File types | JPG, GIF, PNG, BMP | SVG, EPS, AI, PDF |
| Resolution | Fixed | Infinite – can scale up/down |
| Editing | Limited | Flexible shape/color editing |
As you can see, vector images are extremely versatile for designers and publishers. The ability to resize infinitely without loss makes them perfect for both web and print (think billboards!)
Vectors also provide more control over editing colors, shapes and layouts. This makes iterating on designs quicker compared to manual photo editing or recreating complex raster images.
According to a 2021 survey of digital designers, over 90% used vector image assets on a regular basis – more commonly than raster image types.
So whether you‘re creating marketing materials, presentations, instructional videos or decorating websites, vectors are an essential tool for success.
Why Use Free Vector Illustrations?
Other than the general benefits of vectors highlighted above, there are a few specific advantages of using free vector illustrations and graphics over paid stock assets or custom illustrations:
Cost – Well designed, visually appealing vectors available at no cost for commercial projects. This saves potentially hundreds on custom assets.
Flexibility – Nearly all free vector websites place images under licenses allowing unrestricted commercial use without attribution. Much more flexible than paid stock sites.
Artistic Expression – From talented designers releasing beautiful scenes, characters and objects for anyone to use without restriction.
Volume – Some sites like Freepik host literally millions of free vectors giving endless options.
Styles – The range of art styles from modern to retro, minimal to complex is incredible thanks to the vibrant designer ecosystem creating vectors.
While there are downsides like having less control or exclusivity (others may use the same assets), the benefits greatly outweigh potential drawbacks for most website owners, bloggers, video producers and marketers.
Especially when getting started or operating on a budget, tapping into the world of high quality free vector illustrations can be a smart move.
Best Websites for Free Commercial Use Vectors
Alright, let‘s get to the main event – the best vector websites offering illustrations free for commercial use!
Vector4Free
File types: EPS, AI
Licensing: Attribution required
Boasting hundreds of technical, business and miscellaneous vectors, Vector4Free stands out for illustrations useful in professional settings.
While attribution is required, it contains helpful assets for showcasing workflow diagrams, organizational charts, web graphics and more that fit business use cases well.
Best for: technical/business vectors
Vecteezy
File types: EPS, SVG, PNG
Licensing: No attribution
Vibrant colors are the highlight of Vecteezy‘s vector collection focused primarily on abstract shapes and backgrounds rather than detailed scenes.
They offer bountiful SVG files spanning categories and styles that web designers, social media managers and digital marketers may find especially useful.
Best for: websites, mass marketing materials, banners, posters
Drawkit
File types: SVG, PNG
Licensing: No attribution
Drawkit features unique illustrated vectors around topics like workers, food, nature with a contemporary, minimal style. The crisp monochromatic designs give a modern feel across categories.
With no attribution required and both static plus editable file types, these vectors work well for landing pages, software products, clean websites and infographics.
Best for: sleek marketing sites, product demos
Freepik
File types: EPS, JPG, AI, SVG
Licensing: Attribution required
Home to over 4 million free vectors, Freepik features an unparalleled range of images spanning concepts, objects, scenes and more. Any style you want from line art to 3D is likely available.
While attribution is required when using their dizzying array of vectors, it‘s a small price to pay for this volume and variety.
Best for: marketing materials, websites, mass usage
ManyPixels
File types: SVG, PNG
Licensing: No attribution
ManyPixels makes the list not only for their solid library of business and technology focused vectors. But also because they offer unlimited graphic design and image creation services paired with access to their existing free vector collection.
For solopreneurs, startups and bootstrappers, this combo can be valuable if you need both DIY assets + pro design help.
Best for: brands, startups, bootstrappers
Absurd Design
File types: PNG, SVG (premium)
Licensing: Attribution required, premium option
The name says it all. Absurd Design offers no shortage of outrageous, humorous and downright weird illustrations if you‘re looking for something quirky.
Ranging from ironic food art to strange settings, these vectors can work for projects wanting a fun, informal or silly style.
The $57/quarterly premium subscription provides SVG access and removes attribution requirements. But the free PNGs work for lighter commercial uses.
Best for: humor/fun, youth brands
Shutterstock (Free Subsection)
File types: PNG, EPS
Licensing: Standard Shutterstock license
Shutterstock needs no introduction as a leader in paid stock photography and illustrations. But they also offer a nice batch of vectors to download and test free including shapes, icons and silhouettes.
The downside is mandatory watermarks on files limiting finished product use without a paid account upgrade. But helpful nonetheless for ideating.
Best for: demo concepts, shapes
This just scratches the surface of amazing sites providing free commercial vectors. But hopefully gives a solid starting point for boosting your projects!
Extra Tips for Finding & Using Free Vectors
Beyond therobust marketplaces above, here are some additional tips for scoring and customizing free vectors:
Search Aggregator Sites Like Delesign and PNGTree. These sites scan multiple vector sources and centralize them in one spot. Great for browsing thousands of vectors via category without having to visit each site individually. Downside is the quality can vary more wildly.
Take Advantage of Customization Features Prior to Download Sites like UnDraw allow easy editing like changing the color scheme before downloading to match branding needs. This saves time over downloading then manually editing locally.
Learn Basic Vector Editing Skills. While PNGs work for simple insertion, to customize vectors to their maximum potential requires picking up basic skills in Illustrator, Inkscape or other editing tools. Watch a few YouTube tutorials to learn techniques like changing colors, reshaping designs and properly exporting files. Power skills that pay dividends.
Follow Designers Generously Sharing New Vectors Weekly or Monthly Talented designers like Lucasz Adam (@lukasz_adam) release SVG icon packs and scene illustrations free for use on a regular basis. By following these vector "influencers" directly you stay updated with the newest options.
Don‘t Overlook Animation Plugins If Applicable. While predominantly covering static vectors, don‘t forget about animation plugins like Lottie for bringing illustrations and icon sets to life through interactive movement. This opens additional creative doors.
Consider Generating Custom Vectors Programmatically If Possible For simpler needs like custom shapes, graphical data representations etc., leveraging vector generation APIs can be an option vs manually designing. Tools like VectorMagic even auto-trace raster images saving tons of effort.
Key Takeaways
The world of free vector illustrations, icons and graphics continues expanding. And with knowledge of the best places to access these versatile assets plus skills for customizing vectors to your needs, integrating great artwork is easier than ever.
So why not experiment on your next website project, video series or presentation? Ditch the boring generic graphics for beautiful vectors from this roundup! Just keep the core benefits and ideal use cases for vector images in mind:
- Scales infinitely – great for responsive sites, HD displays
- Smooth lines and color consistency – professional polish
- Flexible editing parameters – change color, shape, size easily
- Download in needed file format – SVG, PNG etc
Have you discovered any go-to websites or tricks for scoring awesome free vectors? Let us and our community know in the comments your favorites!
