Dotgrid

Dotgrid is a vector drawing app for making logos, icons and type, best suited to people who want grid-based drawing on desktop or Android without a software fee. It is a focused choice for vector marks, not an all-purpose design suite.

Overview

Dotgrid combines grid-based drawing with layers and support for the full SVG specification. Mirroring and radial effects are practical strengths for symmetrical or repeated forms; they matter less for work that does not use those shapes. Export to SVG preserves vector output, while PNG gives you a raster option.

The guide documents segment dragging, vertex deletion and keyboard controls for drawing and editing. These controls support direct path refinement, but point to a workflow centered on vector drawing rather than a broad range of design tasks. A manual and tutorial video offer learning resources, and a separate Hundred Rabbits themes repository provides themes.

Key features

• Layers and SVG: Layers help organize artwork, while full SVG specification support suits projects that need vector files.
• Mirroring and radial drawing: Useful for symmetrical logos, icons and repeated forms, but not a deciding advantage for other kinds of illustration.
• PNG and SVG export: Covers both raster and vector output.
• Editing controls: Segment dragging, vertex deletion and keyboard controls offer ways to adjust paths directly.

Pricing

Dotgrid is free. Its “Name your own price” plan costs nothing and includes the downloadable tool for Windows, macOS, Linux and Android. There is no free trial because the product is already free. That makes it an easy fit for individuals who need its focused drawing and export tools without a subscription; it is less compelling if the project calls for a wider design toolkit.

The application is open source under the MIT license, but its images, text and other assets use the BY-NC-SA 4.0 license. Those are separate terms, so the code license should not be taken as the license for the accompanying assets.

Platforms

Dotgrid runs on Android, Linux, macOS and Windows, including desktop systems. That spread makes it a practical option for users working across those platforms.

Who it's for

Dotgrid is best for people creating logos, icons or type who value grid-based vector drawing, symmetry effects and SVG output. Its narrow focus makes it a poor choice for someone seeking a broader design application. Help is directed through the product's community, and the repository lists Patreon support.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Free access across four platforms makes it accessible without a recurring software cost.
• Pros: Layers, full SVG support and SVG export suit vector-focused mark-making.
• Pros: Mirroring and radial effects directly support symmetrical and repeated designs.
• Cons: Its stated focus on logos, icons and type is narrow, so it is not the natural choice for broader design work.
• Cons: The code and included assets have different licenses, which users need to account for separately.

Alternatives

Browse Vector Graphics Software for more options. Choose Lunacy instead if its free plan's cloud-document and editor/exporter allowances, plus 30 days of version history, better suit your workflow. Drawtify may fit users who want web access and a free plan with limited templates and design elements, SD exports and a 40 MB image-upload limit.

Graphite is another free, open-source option, with Linux, macOS, web and Windows support. Affinity may suit someone looking for vector design, pixel photo editing, page layout and export tools in one free offering for macOS and Windows. For iPad or iPhone work, Amadine has a free version, though exporting, printing and image tracing require purchase.

Gusta Draw is free on Android, iOS and the web, with drawing tools, effects, starter designs and SVG, PNG and PDF exports. Inkscape is a free, GPL-licensed open-source vector editor for Linux, macOS and Windows. Linearity Curve is worth considering for iOS or macOS users comparing freemium vector tools.

Verdict

Choose Dotgrid if you want a free, cross-platform tool for grid-based logos, icons or type, especially when mirroring, radial effects and SVG output matter. Look elsewhere if your work needs a wider design toolkit or if the distinct licenses for the application and its assets do not fit your use.