Best Adobe Illustrator CS3 (Mac) Alternatives in 2025
Looking for alternatives to Adobe Illustrator CS3 (Mac)? In this comparison, we take a closer look at Adobe Illustrator CS3 (Mac) alongside similar software solutions including Adobe Illustrator CS3 (Mac), Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop CS5, CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6, Paint.NET, Nero CoverDesigner, UXP WebView Support, Scribus, Adobe Photoshop and Canon My Image Garden Design Files.
Our detailed comparison table highlights key features, pricing, and performance of these leading solutions, empowering you to make an informed decision. Whether you're seeking robust functionality, user-friendly design, or cost-effective alternatives, explore how Adobe Illustrator CS3 (Mac), Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop CS5, CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6, Paint.NET, Nero CoverDesigner, UXP WebView Support, Scribus, Adobe Photoshop and Canon My Image Garden Design Files stack up to find the perfect software for your goals.
Platform Compatibility
 Adobe Illustrator CS3 (Mac)
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Compatible with Mac operating system but has limited compatibility issues and performance issues with newer versions. |
 Adobe InDesign
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Requires 64-bit multi-core Intel processor, works on recent Windows and Mac systems. |
 Adobe Illustrator
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Available for both Windows and Macintosh computer systems. |
 Adobe Photoshop CS5
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Supports both Windows and Mac operating systems, requires decent system specifications. |
 CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6
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Runs on Microsoft Windows 7 and Vista, not Mac compatible. |
 Paint.NET
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Runs on Windows-based operating systems including Windows 7 and 10. |
 Nero CoverDesigner
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Available on Windows operating systems only. |
 UXP WebView Support
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Supports macOS desktop platforms. |
 Scribus
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Works on Windows and Mac OS X, as well as Linux/Unix. |
 Adobe Photoshop
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Available for Windows and Mac OS platforms, supports mobile devices (iOS and Android). |
 Canon My Image Garden Design Files
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Supports both Windows and Mac operating systems. |
Primary Functionality
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Adobe Illustrator CS3 (Mac)
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Advanced vector-based graphics with drawing and typography tools for professional illustrators and designers. |
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Adobe InDesign
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Desktop publishing software for creating multi-page layouts such as books, magazines, brochures with advanced typographic features. |
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Adobe Illustrator
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Industry standard vector graphics editor for creating logos, illustrations, complex designs and print/web media graphics. |
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Adobe Photoshop CS5
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Advanced image manipulation and photo editing with content-aware fill, layers, 3D capabilities focused on raster graphics. |
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CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6
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Graphic design software package for vector illustration, bitmap editing, page layout with enhanced typography tools. |
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Paint.NET
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Free image editing software with basic to advanced editing options suited for beginners and casual users. |
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Nero CoverDesigner
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CD/DVD cover design tool with pre-designed templates and basic image/text editing features aimed at beginners. |
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UXP WebView Support
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Framework supporting high-performance web content rendering in desktop applications using modern web technologies like HTML5. |
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Scribus
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Open-source desktop publishing software enabling professional layout designs including CMYK color management and PDF/X-3 export. |
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Adobe Photoshop
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Comprehensive digital image editing software supporting color correction, layers, selection tools, raster graphics editing. |
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Canon My Image Garden Design Files
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Photo management and editing software focused on printing projects such as calendars, collages, greeting cards. |
Licensing Model & Cost
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Adobe Illustrator CS3 (Mac)
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Legacy software often purchased outright, represents an outdated version without ongoing subscription fees but limited support. |
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Adobe InDesign
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Requires a subscription with high cost as part of Adobe Creative Cloud suite with ongoing expenses for updates and support. |
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Adobe Illustrator
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Monthly or annual subscription model through Adobe Creative Cloud; ongoing payments required for updates and support. |
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Adobe Photoshop CS5
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Trial version available; legacy product requires valid license purchase; no subscription model, older version support limited. |
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CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6
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Software purchased via license; free trial available; license purchased version without subscription model. |
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Paint.NET
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Free to use with no hidden costs supported by a community; freemium aspects may add optional paid features or donations. |
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Nero CoverDesigner
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Purchased software typically once-off license; no indication of subscription fees; beginner friendly with moderate cost. |
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UXP WebView Support
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Free feature integrated into Adobe Creative Cloud services requiring subscription to access other functionalities. |
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Scribus
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Free and open-source software licensed under GNU General Public License; no cost involved with full features available. |
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Adobe Photoshop
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Subscription-based pricing model via Creative Cloud; monthly payments required for full access to latest features and updates. |
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Canon My Image Garden Design Files
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Provided freely for users of Canon printers; no additional purchase necessary; designed to complement Canon hardware products. |
Choosing the right software isn’t just about features. Size, license type, user ratings, and popularity also matter.
This quick comparison shows how Adobe Illustrator CS3 (Mac) stacks up against Adobe Illustrator CS3 (Mac), Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop CS5, CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6, Paint.NET, Nero CoverDesigner, UXP WebView Support, Scribus, Adobe Photoshop and Canon My Image Garden Design Files in these key areas—helping you find the best alternative for your needs.
Size
License
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Adobe Illustrator CS3 (Mac)
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Commercial |
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Adobe InDesign
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Shareware |
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Adobe Illustrator
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Shareware |
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Adobe Photoshop CS5
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Commercial |
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CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6
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Demo |
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Paint.NET
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Freeware |
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Nero CoverDesigner
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Shareware |
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UXP WebView Support
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Shareware |
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Scribus
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Open Source |
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Adobe Photoshop
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Commercial |
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Canon My Image Garden Design Files
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Shareware |