Stop the search!
We've gone through more than 30 sites to find the top spots for you. No more guesswork.
Below, you'll find the best places to grab those free vector images you've been looking for.
So, what are we waiting for?
Let's jump right in!
1. Creattie - best for designers and entrepreneurs 
When it comes to finding the perfect spot for professional designers, Creattie tops the list.
Why, you ask?
It's the only place that curates style collections tailored for any industry you can think of. Picture this: 3,500 illustrations all in the same style, covering any category you need. This is a game-changer for pulling off big projects with a consistent design vibe.
The quality of the designs?
Absolutely top-notch and exclusive. Creattie also boasts a massive collection of animated and static icons, and Lottie animations for all your needs.
Now, for the best part: not only can you download free vector images, but you can also unlock access to their entire library and all future updates with just a one-time fee. And don't worry, it's priced not to break the bank.
2. Freepik 
Freepik's pretty much the go-to spot if you're in the market for free vector images. They've got this massive treasure trove of visuals for any theme you can think of, all thanks to the army of artists they collaborate with globally.
Here's the scoop: you can snag up to 10 vector images daily. But, keep in mind, it's not a free-for-all. They've got a select list of illustrations that make the daily freebie cut.
One small catch – if you use their stuff, you've got to tip your hat to them with a "Designed by Freepik" shoutout alongside whatever you're showcasing.
Beyond that little detail, Freepik is a solid choice, especially if you're hunting for that one perfect image. Just a heads-up, though: if you're looking to keep your project style uniform with collections, you might need to look elsewhere since that's not their jam.
3.Vecteezy: Where Ads Meet Art 
So, Vecteezy popped onto my radar thanks to the Startup Stories segment on the Mixergy podcast, where Andrew Warner was chatting it up with Shawn Rubel, the brains behind Vecteezy.
Here's the gist: Vecteezy offers up some nifty vector images and icons, and all they ask in return is that you're cool with seeing some ads. Fair trade, right?
Now, just a heads up: grabbing the freebies means you're saying no to commercial rights and waving goodbye to perks like access to collections and zippy downloads.
But honestly, Vecteezy's still a solid pick for scooping up free vector images, backgrounds, and icons. It's a bit like finding treasure, minus the map and the digging.
4. Blush 
Blush isn't your average "grab and go" kind of place for vector files. What makes it stand out? It nudges you to put your own spin on things. Yeah, you heard that right – it's all about customizing to make it 'you'.
Worried you need to be some kind of design wizard?
No stress.
Blush is like having a design buddy that hands you options for every piece of your project. Say you're crafting a character but aren't feeling the hat – Blush is there with a bunch of alternatives to pick from.
You don't need to be a pro, but a little design sense goes a long way. Still, Blush is a pretty neat tool if you're looking to add a personal touch without diving too deep into the nitty-gritty of design work.
5. unDraw 
unDraw might seem small at first glance, but oh boy, does it pack a punch! Created by the talented Katerina Limpitsouni, this gem offers an unlimited stash of vector images you can use anywhere – yep, both commercial and non-commercial projects are fair game.
But here's the thing: there's only one style. It's super versatile and likely to mesh well with a ton of projects, but if it's not your cup of tea, well... that's pretty much that.
Despite this, unDraw is an incredible project by Katerina that truly deserves a round of applause for its contribution to the design world.
6. Free Vector: The Giant Library with a Catch 
Free Vector stands out as a giant among platforms for downloading vector images, icons, templates, and more. The sheer volume of their library is impressive – it's like they've got everything under the sun. The catch? Well, the design quality might hit the 'meh' spectrum for some.
But here's the real kicker – ads, ads everywhere. Imagine stepping into the digital equivalent of Las Vegas, flashy and unrelenting. Interestingly, amidst all the glitz, you'll find pointers to other sites like Shutterstock or Vecteezy.
Despite the ad overload, Free Vector remains a go-to spot for snagging designs without dipping into your wallet.
7. VectorStock 
Next up is VectorStock – a place that’s all about vectors, through and through. They’ve got options for everyone, whether you’re looking to browse for free or dive into their paid plans.
A quick shoutout to something cool they offer: for anyone just dipping their toes into the design world, VectorStock breaks down what vectors are all about. Super helpful for the newbies out there!
With a whopping 38 million vector files, their collection is nothing short of impressive. Whether you’re into "Tattoos," "Doodles," "Vintage," or need something for a logo or business card, they’ve got you covered in all styles.
And here's a bit of good news: if you can’t find what you need for free, you can still grab individual assets without committing to a monthly plan. Pretty handy, right?
8. Pixabay 
Pixabay isn’t just another drop in the ocean of free stock design platforms. It’s a crowd favorite, pulling in around 34 million visits a month according to Similarweb. But here’s the thing: Pixabay feels more like a community than a mere download hub.
It’s a place where designers can show off their work, and users can show love with likes and follows. Pretty cool, right? It’s like social media, but for design buffs.
Now, about their library size, I couldn’t find exact numbers, but let me tell you, finding what I needed was a breeze.
And here’s the neat twist:: You can whisk designs straight to Canva for editing. In a world where Canva’s pretty much become a household name, that’s a super handy feature. Why reinvent the wheel when you can integrate with the best, right?
9. Adobe Stock 
Alright, so Adobe Stock isn't your go-to if you're hunting for totally free vector images. But, get this: sign up for a new account, and bam, you're gifted 10 free images.
Not too shabby, right?
Especially when you consider the massive selection and good quality they offer.
One heads-up, though:
Adobe Stock plays it pretty tight with their licensing rules. Eyeing an extended license? That’ll set you back about $95 USD. So, yeah, keep an eye on that.
But hey, if you're just looking to grab a few vector illustrations without opening your wallet, Adobe Stock might just be your sweet spot.
10. llustAC 
Okay, to lay it all out there, illustAC wouldn't exactly be my first pick. Why? The quality might not hit the mark for everyone, and the ads... well, they're pretty much everywhere. That's mainly why it's toward the bottom of our roundup.
But here's the thing: their library is huge. If you're on the hunt for something specific and don't want to spend a penny, you've got a good shot at finding it here. They cover just about every category you could need, plus they've got this "Search by image" feature.
Sure, it's not groundbreaking these days, but for a free platform, it's a nice touch.
And if those ads start to get to you, or you're after a better license, they do offer a monthly subscription to smooth out those edges.
Wrapping It Up: Your Go-To Guide for Free Vector Images
To wrap up, whether you're a designer, solo entrepreneur, or student, there's a perfect platform out there for you. Here's our top pick for every need:
- Creattie for unmatched quality and design consistency.
- Blush for those who want to personalize their designs.
- Pixabay for engaging with a creative community.
- Adobe Stock for a handful of high-quality illustrations with a free start.
- Freepik is ideal for small, individual projects.
- Vecteezy works well if ads aren't a bother and a business license isn't needed.
Each platform offers unique benefits, ensuring you find exactly what you need for your creative projects, tailored to your preferences for quality, customization, or community.
FAQ
What are vector stock images?
Vector stock images are digital graphics created using vector illustration software. Unlike pixel-based images (like photos), vector images are made up of paths, which allows them to be scaled up or down in size without losing quality. This makes them ideal for logos, icons, and other designs that need to look sharp at any size.
Is a vector image a JPEG or PNG?
No, a vector image is not a JPEG or PNG. Those are types of raster (or bitmap) images, which are made up of pixels and can lose quality when resized. Vector images are created with mathematical equations and can be scaled infinitely without losing clarity.
They're typically saved in formats like SVG, AI, or EPS.
How do I make an image into a vector?
To convert an image into a vector, you'll need to use vector graphic software such as Adobe Illustrator or a free alternative like Inkscape. The process involves tracing the image manually with vector drawing tools or using an automatic trace function within the software, which converts the raster image (like JPEG or PNG) into vector paths or shapes. This process can vary in complexity based on the image's detail and the desired accuracy.
