Adobe Illustrator has many powerful tools and unique features, and one of them is Illustrator's Paintbrush Tool. Brushes can be applied to paths and strokes, and they are great for creating stunning stroked designs in seconds.
The best part about Illustrator's brushes is that they are vectors and can be completely modified to suit your needs by changing their colors, the vector brush stroke width, weight, and more. Let's take a look at a massive selection of free Illustrator brushes available on the web!
Unlimited Illustrator Brush Strokes From Envato Elements
If you're looking for premium-quality brushes, though, choose from the assortment of creative and unique Illustrator brushes available with a a subscription to Envato Elements.
40 Free Adobe Illustrator Brushes
In this article, you will find a huge compilation of free Illustrator brushes on the web, such as floral flourishes, swirls, foliage brushes, sketch brushes, watercolor brushes, chains, ropes, beautiful border brushes, Christmas themes, snowflakes, beads, gem brushes, and more. You name it, we've got it! And we've brought them all here just for you!
Learn more about how to use brushes in Illustrator in our post titled, "A Comprehensive Guide: Illustrator's Paintbrush Tool and Brush Panel."
Want to learn how to install and use your free Illustrator brushes? Check out this video tutorial to learn more:
7 Floral, Swirl and Foliage Free Brushes for Illustrator
Floral Pattern: Free Illustrator Brushes
Update your toolbox with this set of floral brushes. It includes over 20 free Illustrator floral brushes, vector illustrations, and additional support.
Teardrop Foliage: Free Adobe Illustrator Brushes
This versatile set of free Adobe Illustrator foliage brushes can be used in many different ways.
Mycanthus: Free Illustrator Brushes
A brush pack to draw something similar to those nice swirly acanthus type leaves used on money, important documents, and other ornamentation. It's a nice pack of free Illustrator floral brushes.
Spiral Bubbles: Free Illustrator Brushes
A simple, swirly bubble brush set which includes 12 brushes.
Swooshes and Swirls: Free Illustrator Brushes
A brush set meant for making your own custom swoosh, swirl, and curl designs, which includes 28 of them.
Swirl Rocks: Free Adobe Illustrator Brushes
A beautiful brush kit for drawing swirly designs.
Flores.1: Free Brushes for Illustrator
A great set of free Illustrator floral brushes for drawing beautiful flowers.
6 Border and Decor Free Illustrator Brushes
Scrapbook Style: Free Adobe Illustrator Brushes
Here's a huge set of ornamental borders influenced by scrapbooking projects. Included are several Illustrator brushes that are easy to use.
Free Adobe Illustrator Brushes Pack
This pack of Illustrator CC brushes is free and features a lovely geometric pattern brush for Illustrator.
Victorian Vector: Free Brushes for Illustrator
A great pack of Victorian vector brushes, which includes around 11 of them. Use these Illustrator CC brushes that are free for your vintage projects.
Artistic Free Illustrator Brushes
Sometimes simplicity is key for your borders. This set of ink borders is artistic and perfect for any creative. Enjoy various styles and shapes for your design projects. This is a great set of Illustrator ink brushes.
Fractalized Lines: Free Illustrator Brushes
Another set for some really funky borders. It includes a pack of free Adobe Illustrator brushes that have weird fractal shapes and designs.
Halftone Free Illustrator Brushes Set
Add lovely halftones to your borders. This collection features many styles of the halftone effect that are modern and unique.
10 Sketchy, Paint, Ink, and Watercolor Brushes
Japanese-Inspired Free Brushes for Illustrator
Travel the world through your creative projects. This set of Japanese-inspired brushes includes textural calligraphy brushes intended for designers and creatives.
Ink Stains: Illustrator Brushes with Free Download
Are you looking for a graffiti style in your art? Then look no further than this download of free brushes for Illustrator. It features a set of more than ten unique Adobe Illustrator brushes with realistic ink stain effects.
Watercolor: Free Brushes for Illustrator
Enjoy beautiful watercolor brushes that have a number of cool uses. This set includes 20 free Adobe Illustrator brushes in one incredible bundle.
Multi-Colored Free Adobe Illustrator Brushes
A collection of thick, multi-colored Adobe Illustrator brushes made for many concepts. Each brush was created with great texture and use of color.
Marker Pen Set: Free Adobe Illustrator Brushes
Need a standard brush set for traditional projects? Check out this next pack of black vector brushes with great textural details and blunt vector brush strokes.
Lineart: Free Brushes for Illustrator
A brush to make your strokes look as if they were drawn with a pencil. Thin where the stroke begins, wider in the middle, and back to thin where the vector brush stroke ends.
Grungy Set: Free Adobe Illustrator Brushes
Here's a great set of grungy vector brushes for every Illustrator lover. Enjoy broad vector brush strokes and abstract designs for print, web, and so much more.
Grunge Set: Free Adobe Illustrator Brushes
A set for drawing grungy vector illustrations, which includes three sets with 13 brushes.
Watercolor Illustrator Brushes With Free Download
A huge set of Illustrator brushes. If you are looking to add a natural media feel to your vector illustrations, then this one is for you.
Custom Set: Free Illustrator Brushes
Another set of 14 brushes for vector drawing in Illustrator.
5 Rope, Chain and Bead/Gem Free Brushes for Illustrator
Rodeo: Hand Drawn Rope: Free Brushes for Illustrator
Created by designer Ray Dombroski, this hand-drawn vector brush includes a highly detailed rope design. It's also a nice set of Adobe Illustrator CC brushes that are free to use.
Vector Chain: Illustrator Brushes With Free Download
A custom-made vector brush set, this download of free brushes for Illustrator is perfect for gritty themes. Use this brush in Illustrator for vintage projects, print designs, and art decorations.
Chains: Free Adobe Illustrator Brushes
Connect your details together with this chain Adobe Illustrator brushes set. This pack includes more than six vector chains in various styles. Download these vector brush strokes for free.
Chain Necklace: Illustrator Brushes with Free Download
Create a stylish chain with this set of Adobe Illustrator brushes. This set includes three different brushes that use distinct colors.
Beads and Gems: Free Brushes for Illustrator
A very beautiful and useful set of 17 brushes you can use to draw realistic and glossy beads and gems. Not bad for a download of Illustrator CC brushes that are free.
4 Snowflake, Starburst, and Circular Brushes
Flowers & Circular Designs: Free Adobe Illustrator Brushes
A set of 30 pattern brushes intended to be used for circular designs. Their unique look is rare in Illustrator CC brushes that are free. This is a pattern brush for Illustrator that you'll love.
Stars Set: Free Brushes for Illustrator
Make a cluster of stars with this free pack of Illustrator star scatter brushes. It includes 12 free designs that can also be used as wreaths or borders. Go ahead and get these vector brush strokes for free.
Shape Brush Vector: Free Illustrator Brushes
Create a sparkly trail of stars and more shapes with this brush vector. This pack includes ten sparkly vector brushes perfect for a range of projects.
Abstract Set: Free Brushes for Illustrator
A beautiful set of abstract brushes to help you create delicate circular designs.
4 Scatter, Arrow, and Hair Brushes
Star Scatter: Free Illustrator Brushes
Here's a set of 24 cool free star scatter brushes for Illustrator. They have cartoonish 3D effects that add some flair to your work.
Hair and Line Art: Free Adobe Illustrator Brushes
A brush set for drawing hairs and eyebrows as well as line art.
The Hairbrush Kit: Free Brushes for Illustrator
A hair kit for drawing brush vector hair in Illustrator. The best thing about these files is that you get vector brush strokes for free.
Scatter Set: Free Illustrator Brushes
Enjoy this collection of scatter brushes to use across various projects. Includes different colors and sizes.
4 Fancy and Various Free Illustrator Brushes
Paper Tooth: Free Illustrator Brushes
This vector brush set creates a realistic ink effect on your digital canvas. It includes various point sizes for authentic work!
Abstract Pack: Free Adobe Illustrator Brushes
Add some quirkiness to your illustrations. This brush pack includes 35 unique-looking Adobe Illustrator brushes that you can use on your projects.
Butterfly Flowers: Free Brushes for Illustrator
A beautiful set of butterfly brushes.
Miscellaneous Pack of Free Illustrator Brushes
Not sure what specific type of brushes for Illustrator you want to use? This download of free brushes for Illustrator takes out the guesswork by giving you options to choose from.
11 Premium Adobe Illustrator Brushes From Envato Elements
If you're looking for a great investment, then why not give these premium Illustrator brushes a shot? These unique Adobe Illustrator brushes have been selected from the large collection of Envato Elements, and they're all available to download.
1. Linocut Brushes for Adobe Illustrator (AI)
Create beautiful handmade illustrations with this set of gorgeous Illustrator brushes. Included in this package are 35 awesome linocut brushes designed to give your illustrations that rustic, hand-carved look.
2. Wood Brushes for Adobe Illustrator (AI)
Create gorgeous wooden backgrounds or pristine flooring with these wooden Illustrator brushes. This awesome set features wood brushes created by hand to give your art a beautiful natural finish.
3. Cut Edge Brushes for Adobe Illustrator (AI)
Try not to cut yourself with this awesome set of 52 cut-edge Illustrator brushes. The ultimate set for achieving that digital woodcut look, this package features amazing linocut brushes that work really well for line art too! It's a nice alternative to a download of free brushes for Illustrator.
4. Essential Artistic Illustrator Brush Collection (AI)
Every artist could use a selection of the essentials in their design kit. And you'll be happy you went with this incredible set of essential art brushes for Adobe Illustrator. Download this package to gain access to 28 artistic brushes to add texture to your designs.
5. Shader Brushes for Adobe Illustrator (AI)
Add subtle gradients and shadows to your illustrations with ease. This amazing set of high-quality brushes was designed to help you easily make texture shades. Choose from 22 unique brushes to shade, add texture, or create line art for your illustrative work.
6. Light Print Texture Illustrator Brushes (AI, EPS)
Add a little imperfection to your designs with this awesome print Illustrator texture brushes pack. With special attention paid to the flaws and subtle marks left over from under-inked printing, these brushes are ideal for adding texture to your work. Choose from dozens of brushes to give your designs that vintage look. Go ahead and get this brush stroke vector.
7. Illustrator Stitch Brushes (AI, EPS)
Get crafty with this fun set of Illustrator stitch brushes! If you need an easy way to add instant charm to your designs, add a little stitching to your work. This set of 19 highly detailed pattern brushes allows you to apply the effect fast and easily to your own brushwork. Bonus Christmas and Valentine-themed stitches also included!
8. Illustrator Painted Canvas Brushes (AI, EPS)
You'll be tempted to let your work dry after using these realistic painted canvas brushes. Designed to give you that traditional painterly feel, this set of 67 brushes comes complete with standard, angled, and messy brushes to fulfill your artistic needs.
9. Illustrator Chain Brushes (AI, EPS)
Feeling a little chained to your designs? Well, you can add a unique realistic chain to your work with these fun Illustrator chain brushes. Choose from a variety of brush styles and add that extra pizazz to your borders, dividers, or illustrations.
10. Watercolor ProBrush for Illustrator (AI)
The beauty of working digitally is that you can still achieve the look of traditional art but with scalable elements. In this set of amazing watercolor brushes, choose from 83 high-quality handmade brushes to fit a variety of occasions.
11. Big Illustrator Brushes Pack (AI, EPS)
Need a one-stop shop for great Illustrator brushes? Check out this amazing pack of 56 varied styles to cover everything you need to work digitally. It includes everything from traditional art textures to clean patterns and shapes, so you'll be able to use this brush pack in many creative projects.
14 Creative Premium Adobe Illustrator Brushes From GraphicRiver
Designed by talented creative professionals, these illustrator brush strokes have been hand-picked from GraphicRiver.
1. 42 Rope Brush Stroke Vectors for Illustrator (AI)
If you like the serene feel of sailing on the open seas then you'll probably fancy these Illustrator brushes as well. Inspired by the classic rope styles found in nautical designs, this package features 42 different brushes perfectly created with no gaps or glitches!
2. Stipple Brush Illustrator Set (AI, EPS, ABR)
Create amazing vintage shading effects with this incredible set of stipple brushes. Designed for both Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, this brush set lets you create authentic stippling textures in just seconds! Use it for print, web, and app design.
3. Easy Hair Brushes for Adobe Illustrator (AI)
Are you having trouble creating hair in Illustrator? Then give these wonderful brushes a try! This awesome package comes with 17 easy hair brushes that can create a variety of hairstyles and work well with different colors. No professional graphics tablet necessary—you can enjoy these brushes with your regular mouse too!
4. Grunge Pack: Illustrator Brush Pack (AI)
Set up your projects with incredible details with this set of handmade grunge brushes for Illustrator. This pack of Adobe Illustrator assets includes 25 hand-drawn designs created with real dry paintbrush textures. Enjoy!
5. Illustrator Smoke Brush (AI)
Realistic smoke effects may seem hard to create in Adobe Illustrator. Now you can mimic the real thing with this set of Illustrator smoke brushes. This set includes eight high-quality vector brushes for Adobe Illustrator CS5 or higher. Get this amazing brush stroke vector!
6. 20 Border Pattern Brushes for Illustrator (AI)
Borders can be a great finishing detail to any design. And now you have 20 amazing border brushes to choose from! In this incredible package, you'll find an array of border brushes, from pattern brushes to separators and so much more!
7. Illustrator Halftone Brushes (AI, EPS)
Achieve that gorgeous halftone look with this Illustrator brush set! This amazing package includes 26 halftone brushes that come in two unique styles. Decorate your designs with that messy screen-tone look, or distribute the effect evenly with cleaner lines.
8. Sponge Illustrator Brushes (AI, EPS)
Love traditional art textures? Enjoy high-quality distressing brushes with this set of sponge-inspired Adobe Illustrator assets. This massive pack includes 56 highly textured art and scatter brushes for all your creative projects.
9. Icicle Layered Illustrator Brush Set (AI, EPS, PSD, PNG)
Cool down your designs with this fun icicle Illustrator brush set. This set of brushes comes with five incredible frozen variations that are extremely easy to use! Turn your paths into a string of icicles with just one simple click!
10. 7 Lace Adobe Illustrator Brushes (AI, EPS, PNG, JPG)
If you have a soft spot for fashion design then you'll definitely love these lace brushes. These unique vector brushes simulate realistic lace trim details to add that extra pop to your designs. Included are seven different laces to add style to your fashion illustrations.
11. Grit, Grunge & Grain Scatter Brushes (AI, EPS)
Ideal for type effects, this pack of Adobe Illustrator scatter brushes features grit, grain, and grunge designs. Use them for illustrations like the image below or for subtle decorations on your work. Included in this pack are 24 Illustrator brushes and a quick help guide. Go ahead and download this fun brush stroke vector.
12. Neon Illustrator Brushes (AI, EPS)
Illuminate your designs with these professional neon brushes! Carefully crafted to help draw bright neon lines just like a pen, these brushes come in a variety of glows, contrasts, and line types to satisfy all your design needs.
13. Pencil Illustrator Brushes (AI, EPS)
If you're an artist who loves to draw with the classic pencil and paper setup, then you're sure to love these brushes! Designed to give you that traditional feel, this set includes 18 art brushes hand-drawn to give your designs that handmade look!
14. 21 Flat Ribbons Illustrator Brushes Set (AI)
Ribbons are a great way to make an announcement, highlight an important headline, or display a new sale. And you have the choice between 21 amazing ribbon styles with this flat Illustrator brush set. Simply create a curve, set the brush and color, and change the thickness for the perfect ribbon!
Adobe Illustrator Brush Resources
For those new to using Adobe Illustrator brushes, don't worry! Envato Tuts+ has you covered with all the resources you need to get started. First, learn how to get started with your new downloads with this helpful video guide:
If you need a professional solution, our vector Illustrator brushes are available for purchase on GraphicRiver. We have a large, premium assortment to choose from, with straightforward usage rights and excellent creative options.
If you want to learn more, try our free course on how to use Adobe Illustrator. Dan Scott teaches you all the basics to learn how to work with a pattern brush for Illustrator and the basics of brushes.
Or why not check out the following tutorials and articles on Adobe Illustrator brushes:
How to Make, Use, and Manipulate a Calligraphic Brush in Adobe Illustrator
How to Make a Watercolor Brush in Adobe Illustrator
How to Vector Hair With Brushes in Adobe Illustrator
How to Make a Texture Brush in Illustrator
How to Make a Brush in Illustrator
How to Create a Stipple Brush In Illustrator (+5 Top Stippling Brushes)
How to Make a Pickle Pattern Brush in Illustrator
How to Make a Tentacle Art Brush in Adobe Illustrator
How to Make a Splatter Brush in Illustrator
How to Create a Gold Chain Pattern Brush With Illustrator
How to Create Animated Vector Icons in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop
Editorial Note: This post has been updated with contributions from Gonzalo Angulo. Gonzalo is a staff writer with Envato Tuts+.
