Inkscape
Inkscape
Free
Free open-source application
AvailabilityGlobal
The official FAQ permits commercial and noncommercial use.
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There is a researched guide for these apps. Read Inkscape vs GIMP: vector artwork, photo editing and a shared workflow.
Prices & plans
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Features and limits
13 features
Row headings group related topics. Each answer keeps its specific scope. An unverified answer means we do not have enough evidence.
Platforms
Inkscape
Devices
Current release downloads are available for Windows, macOS and GNU/Linux.
Vendor documentedSource
Native format
GIMP
Not yet verified for this product.
Export
Inkscape
Output formats
The current feature list documents SVG editing and output including PNG, PDF and EPS.
Vendor documentedSource
GIMP
Working format
Save preserves the GIMP project as XCF; Export produces delivery formats. XCF does not preserve undo history.
Vendor documentedSource
Project portability
Inkscape
SVG portability
Plain SVG removes Inkscape editing metadata. Keep an Inkscape SVG master when further editing matters.
Vendor documentedSource
GIMP
Interchange
Other formats preserve only some project properties, so an exported image is not a full XCF replacement.
Vendor documentedSource
Free plan limits
Inkscape
Free application
The project is open source and permits use without a paid editing tier.
Vendor documentedSource
GIMP
Free application
GIMP is free and open source without a paid editing tier.
Vendor documentedSource
Use for paid work
Inkscape
Commercial work
The official FAQ permits commercial use under its software license.
Vendor documentedSource
GIMP
Use for paid work
The project FAQ permits commercial work without restrictions on the kind of work produced.
Vendor documentedSource
Current nondestructive tools
Inkscape
Vector construction
Node editing, Boolean operations, shape building and live path effects are documented.
Vendor documentedSource
GIMP
Current nondestructive tools
GIMP 3.2 adds link and vector layers and expands nondestructive filter workflows.
Vendor documentedSource
Bitmap tracing
GIMP
Not yet verified for this product.
Automation
Inkscape
Automation
Command-line export and a Python extension system support repeatable tasks.
Vendor documentedSource
GIMP
Not yet verified for this product.
Current release
Inkscape
Release scope
The current download route resolves to 1.4.4. Its notes distinguish the planned 1.5 multipage format.
Vendor documentedSource
GIMP
Current release
The download page lists GIMP 3.2.6. Older 2.x comparisons do not describe the current feature set.
Vendor documentedSource
Offline use
Inkscape
Not yet verified for this product.
GIMP
Local files
The desktop workflow opens local images and saves working documents as XCF.
Vendor documentedSource
Camera RAW
Inkscape
Not yet verified for this product.
GIMP
Camera RAW
The project documents darktable and RawTherapee integration for RAW processing.
Vendor documentedSource
CMYK scope
Inkscape
Not yet verified for this product.
GIMP
CMYK scope
The FAQ describes CMYK import/export through RGB storage and soft proofing rather than a native CMYK editing mode.
Vendor documentedSource
| Feature | Inkscape | GIMP |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Devices Current release downloads are available for Windows, macOS and GNU/Linux. Vendor documentedSource | Devices Official downloads cover GNU/Linux, Windows and macOS. Vendor documentedSource |
| Native format | Native format SVG is the native editable vector format. Vendor documentedSource | Not yet verified for this product. |
| Export | Output formats The current feature list documents SVG editing and output including PNG, PDF and EPS. Vendor documentedSource | Working format Save preserves the GIMP project as XCF; Export produces delivery formats. XCF does not preserve undo history. Vendor documentedSource |
| Project portability | SVG portability Plain SVG removes Inkscape editing metadata. Keep an Inkscape SVG master when further editing matters. Vendor documentedSource | Interchange Other formats preserve only some project properties, so an exported image is not a full XCF replacement. Vendor documentedSource |
| Free plan limits | Free application The project is open source and permits use without a paid editing tier. Vendor documentedSource | Free application GIMP is free and open source without a paid editing tier. Vendor documentedSource |
| Use for paid work | Commercial work The official FAQ permits commercial use under its software license. Vendor documentedSource | Use for paid work The project FAQ permits commercial work without restrictions on the kind of work produced. Vendor documentedSource |
| Current nondestructive tools | Vector construction Node editing, Boolean operations, shape building and live path effects are documented. Vendor documentedSource | Current nondestructive tools GIMP 3.2 adds link and vector layers and expands nondestructive filter workflows. Vendor documentedSource |
| Bitmap tracing | Bitmap tracing Color and monochrome bitmap tracing are available; a placed bitmap alone remains a bitmap object. | Not yet verified for this product. |
| Automation | Automation Command-line export and a Python extension system support repeatable tasks. Vendor documentedSource | Not yet verified for this product. |
| Current release | Release scope The current download route resolves to 1.4.4. Its notes distinguish the planned 1.5 multipage format. Vendor documentedSource | Current release The download page lists GIMP 3.2.6. Older 2.x comparisons do not describe the current feature set. Vendor documentedSource |
| Offline use | Not yet verified for this product. | Local files The desktop workflow opens local images and saves working documents as XCF. Vendor documentedSource |
| Camera RAW | Not yet verified for this product. | Camera RAW The project documents darktable and RawTherapee integration for RAW processing. Vendor documentedSource |
| CMYK scope | Not yet verified for this product. | CMYK scope The FAQ describes CMYK import/export through RGB storage and soft proofing rather than a native CMYK editing mode. Vendor documentedSource |
This workspace aligns existing research. It does not declare a winner or treat missing evidence as a missing feature. Read the methodology.