Best SVG Editors for Mac, top tools for Mac users
If you’re a Mac user working with SVG cut files or digital designs, choosing the right software can make a huge difference to your creative workflow. Whether you’re creating original designs for Cricut or Silhouette, or just tweaking existing files, these are some of the best SVG editors available for macOS right now.
1. Affinity Designer
Why pick it: Affinity Designer is one of the most popular vector graphic editors for Mac. It offers professional-grade tools, supports SVG natively, and provides an intuitive interface that feels right at home on macOS. It’s ideal for creating high-quality SVG files, layering designs, and exporting in multiple formats.
Best for: Professional designers and serious crafters who want precision and flexibility without the ongoing subscription cost of Adobe Illustrator.
Potential drawback: There’s a one-time purchase fee, and while it’s excellent for vector work, it may feel complex if you only need basic SVG editing.
2. Boxy SVG
Why pick it: Boxy SVG is designed specifically for working with SVG files. It provides direct access to SVG code, node editing, gradients, and filters while keeping the interface simple and lightweight.
Best for: Users who regularly edit existing SVGs or create simple cut-ready files for Cricut, Glowforge, or Silhouette.
Potential drawback: Some advanced design features available in larger suites like Affinity Designer are missing, but for most craft-level work, Boxy SVG is more than enough.
3. macSVG
Why pick it: macSVG is an open-source SVG editor built exclusively for macOS. It’s completely free and focused on SVG animation, interactivity, and structure. While not as sleek as commercial software, it’s a solid choice for anyone who wants a lightweight and cost-free tool.
Best for: Those who prefer open-source tools, need to adjust SVG structure, or work with animated SVGs for web projects.
Potential drawback: The interface can feel dated, and it lacks some of the design polish and usability of paid apps.
4. Amadine
Why pick it: Amadine is a modern vector graphics app developed specifically for macOS and iPad. It offers smooth SVG export, including support for preserving vector effects like shadows and glows. It’s beginner-friendly, yet powerful enough for detailed projects.
Best for: Hobbyists, small-business crafters, and designers who want a Mac-native feel with professional results.
Potential drawback: It’s a paid app, and while it’s affordable, it doesn’t yet have the large community or extensive tutorials that tools like Inkscape offer.
5. Inkscape
Why pick it: Inkscape is the go-to free and open-source vector editor for many Mac users. It handles SVGs natively and includes all the key tools you need – paths, nodes, layers, text, and alignment.
Best for: Anyone who wants a powerful free option for designing or cleaning up SVG files before uploading them to Cricut Design Space.
Potential drawback: The Mac version doesn’t feel as seamless as a native app, and it can be a bit technical for beginners, but it’s packed with features once you get used to it.
Which One Should You Choose?
- For professional-grade design: Affinity Designer
- For simple editing and crafting: Boxy SVG or Amadine
- For open-source enthusiasts: Inkscape or macSVG
- For beginners: Amadine offers the easiest learning curve
Final Thoughts
When it comes to SVG editing on a Mac, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. If you’re preparing SVG cut files for Cricut or Silhouette, focus on tools that handle clean paths, simple layering, and accurate SVG exports.
Try a few of these editors to see which fits your workflow best – after all, the right tool is the one that helps you create faster, cleaner, and more confidently.
