Quick Answer
vectr.exe is safe. It's the legitimate desktop application for Vectr vector graphics editing, delivering UI, rendering, and cloud sync capabilities.
Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Program Files\Vectr\vectr.exe
Warning
Most vectr.exe processes are normal
Each window or task may run in its own process depending on platform
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Close or exit Vectr to stop background tasks; there are no persistent background services by default
What is vectr.exe?
vectr.exe is the Windows executable for the Vectr Vector Graphics Editor. It launches the desktop app that lets you create icons, logos, and mockups using vector shapes, layers, and real-time collaboration via the cloud. The program initializes with a lightweight UI and supports offline editing.
Vectr uses a modular architecture where the UI runs in the main process while rendering and export tasks run in separate sub-processes. It supports SVG import/export, layer management, and vector paths with hardware acceleration optional.
Quick Fact: Vectr's desktop app separates UI from rendering to improve responsiveness on mid-range machines.
Types of Vectr Processes
- Main UI Process: Window and user interface container (1 instance)
- Canvas/Renderer Process: Vector rendering and viewport drawing for the canvas
- Cloud Sync/Background: Background tasks for cloud sync and autosave
- Plugin/Extension Process: Extensions or scripts run in isolated processes
- Export/Import Processor: Handles SVG/PNG/JPG export and import tasks
- Utility/Background Service: Background tasks such as autosave, indexing, and search
Is vectr.exe Safe?
Yes, vectr.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Vectr, downloaded from official sources (vectr.co) or installed via trusted app store.
Is vectr.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real vectr.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware sometimes disguises itself using similar names to trick users.
How to Tell if vectr.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\Vectr\vectr.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Vectr\vectr.exe. Any vectr.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click vectr.exe in File Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "Vectr, Inc.".
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 2-15% CPU per process, 100-400 MB total memory. Constant high usage while idle is suspicious.
- Behavior: Vectr should run only when you launch the app. Background network activity when closed could indicate malware if not using cloud sync.
Red Flags: If vectr.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp, AppData\Roaming, or System32), runs when Vectr isn't open, has no digital signature, or uses excessive resources constantly, scan your system with antivirus software immediately. Beware of similarly-named files like "vectr32.exe" from untrusted sources.
Why Is vectr.exe Running on My PC?
vectr.exe runs when you open the Vectr app or when cloud sync or background tasks are enabled in settings.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Editing Session: You're currently editing or viewing vector art; rendering and autosave run in separate processes.
- Background Sync: Cloud sync for projects and assets may run in the background to keep files up to date.
- Startup Launch: Vectr is configured to start with Windows or macOS startup for quick access.
- Export/Render Tasks: Export operations or image rendering may spawn separate processes to keep the UI responsive.
- Extensions or Plugins: If extensions are installed, they can spawn their own processes to perform tasks.
Can I Disable or Remove vectr.exe?
Yes, you can disable vectr.exe. It's safe to close Vectr when not in use, and you can uninstall it completely if you prefer a different editor.
How to Stop vectr.exe
- End Active Window: Close all Vectr windows to stop renderers and autosave tasks
- Exit App: Use File → Exit or close all windows to terminate the app gracefully
- End Task in Task Manager: Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), locate vectr.exe, right-click → End Task
- Prevent Startup: Task Manager (Startup tab) → Disable Vectr from starting automatically
- Disable Cloud Sync: In Vectr settings → Cloud, disable automatic sync to limit background activity
How to Uninstall Vectr
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Vectr → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Vectr → Uninstall
- ✔ Consider alternative editors: Inkscape, Adobe Illustrator, Figma
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If vectr.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Complex vector files: Large files with many nodes, gradients, or effects can spike usage. Reduce complexity or use layers and simplify paths.
- Resource-Heavy Extensions: Disable unnecessary extensions or plugins in Vectr's extension manager.
- Cloud Sync: Pause or limit automatic cloud sync in Settings to reduce network and CPU load.
- Outdated Version: Update Vectr to the latest version from vectr.co to benefit from performance improvements.
- Hardware Acceleration: Toggle hardware acceleration in Settings → Performance to see if it stabilizes usage.
- Corrupted Cache: Clear application cache or reset preferences via Settings to resolve lingering issues.
Quick Fixes:
1. Close unnecessary documents to reduce canvas count
2. Pause cloud sync and clear recent caches
3. Update Vectr to the latest version
4. Disable non-essential extensions
5. Toggle hardware acceleration in Settings → Performance
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vectr.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate vectr.exe from Vectr is not a virus. Ensure the file is located at C:\Program Files\Vectr\vectr.exe and has a valid digital signature from "Vectr, Inc.". Malware may imitate names.
Why is vectr.exe using so much CPU?
High CPU can result from heavy vector editing, complex SVGs, auto-save, or cloud sync. Use Vectr Task Manager (if available) or Close unnecessary documents, update the app, and check extensions.
Can I delete vectr.exe?
Yes, you can uninstall Vectr via Windows Settings → Apps, which removes vectr.exe and associated data (unless you sync to the cloud). Reinstall anytime from vectr.co.
Can I disable vectr.exe?
Yes. Exit the app to stop processes, disable startup in Task Manager, and turn off cloud sync or background tasks in Settings.
Why is vectr.exe running at startup?
vectr.exe may be configured to start with Windows. Disable it in the Startup tab of Task Manager to prevent automatic launches.
How do I reduce Vectr's memory usage?
Close unused documents, disable unnecessary extensions, clear cache, update to the latest version, and consider using simpler vector files to reduce memory footprint.