Inkscape is a vector graphics editor aimed at illustrators, designers, artists and anyone creating scalable graphics.
SVG is its native file format, giving users an open, XML-based standard for artwork ranging from icons and logos to technical diagrams, maps and complex illustrations.
Inkscape combines precise path editing with drawing, text, object manipulation, bitmap tracing and extensive fill, stroke and filter controls. It also supports multipage documents and a broad range of import and export formats.
This is free and open source software.
Key Features
- Creates and edits SVG graphics with support for shapes, paths, text, markers, clones, gradients, patterns and transformations.
- Powerful node editing and path operations including unions, intersections, differences, offsets and path simplification.
- Shape Builder combines, divides and removes overlapping regions, and can also clip raster graphics into separate sections.
- Layers and object management with grouping, cloning, clipping paths, masks, symbols and configurable object properties.
- Multipage documents with pages of different sizes, page navigation and multipage PDF import and export.
- Bitmap tracing converts raster artwork into vector paths, with controls for single and multiple scans.
- Comprehensive text tools including text on paths, flowed text, font collections and extensive typography controls.
- Fill and stroke tools support solid colours, gradients, patterns, swatches, transparency and a wide range of SVG filters.
- Filter Gallery provides searchable categories and previews for applying and exploring graphical effects.
- Flexible snapping, guides and rectangular, axonometric and modular grids support precise drawing and layout work.
- Imports and exports a broad range of vector and raster formats, including PDF, EPS, AI and common bitmap formats, with Affinity Designer import support.
- Extensible through a large collection of bundled and third-party extensions, with extensive command-line actions for automated processing and export.
- Cross-platform support – runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows.
Website: inkscape.org
Support:
Developer: Over 100 developers
License: GNU General Public License v2.0
Inkscape is written in C++. Learn C++ with our recommended free books and free tutorials.
Related Software
| Vector Graphics Editors | |
|---|---|
| Inkscape | Vector-based drawing program |
| Graphite | 2D vector and raster editor |
| OpenPencil | Combines visual design tools with automation facilities |
| SVG-edit | Complete vector graphics editor in the browser (in JavaScript) |
| Xfig | Draw and manipulate objects interactively |
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Read our verdict in the software roundup.
| GUI Prototyping Tools | |
|---|---|
| Penpot | Design tool that’s web based. Penpot requires a browser, that’s it. |
| Inkscape | Powerful design software with flexible drawing tools |
| Akira | Design application for prototyping |
| Pencil | Easy GUI Prototyping with a good range of built-in shape collections |
| Workbench | Prototype with GNOME technologies |
| mydraft | Wireframing tool |
Read our verdict in the software roundup.
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Right now (2022) Inkscape is only suitable for logos and small artwork. Using GPU acceleration is way above CYMJ and other new features. I use video editors with complex effects and a lot of tracks and the OpenGL acceleration is awesome. Even though I really dislike what windows have become and being a linux user for 15 years is unusable for me and I still need Illustrator for complex artwork. GIMP also falls in that. It can barely deal with today’s DSLR images.