Inkscape
Inkscape
Free
Free open-source application
AvailabilityGlobal
The official FAQ permits commercial and noncommercial use.
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Your comparison workspace.
Put two or three tools from the same category side by side.
There is a researched guide for these apps. Read Inkscape vs GIMP: vector artwork, photo editing and a shared workflow.
Prices & plans
Published prices keep their original currency and billing terms. Taxes, promotions and checkout prices can differ.
Features and limits
13 features
Documented differences. An unverified answer means we do not have enough evidence.
Platforms
Inkscape
Current release downloads are available for Windows, macOS and GNU/Linux.
Vendor documentedSource
Native format
GIMP
Not yet verified for this product.
Export
Inkscape
The current feature list documents SVG editing and output including PNG, PDF and EPS.
Vendor documentedSource
GIMP
Save preserves the GIMP project as XCF; Export produces delivery formats. XCF does not preserve undo history.
Vendor documentedSource
Project portability
Inkscape
Plain SVG removes Inkscape editing metadata. Keep an Inkscape SVG master when further editing matters.
Vendor documentedSource
GIMP
Other formats preserve only some project properties, so an exported image is not a full XCF replacement.
Vendor documentedSource
Free plan limits
Inkscape
The project is open source and permits use without a paid editing tier.
Vendor documentedSource
Use for paid work
GIMP
The project FAQ permits commercial work without restrictions on the kind of work produced.
Vendor documentedSource
Current nondestructive tools
Inkscape
Node editing, Boolean operations, shape building and live path effects are documented.
Vendor documentedSource
GIMP
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
Command-line export and a Python extension system support repeatable tasks.
Vendor documentedSource
GIMP
Not yet verified for this product.
Current release
Inkscape
The current download route resolves to 1.4.4. Its notes distinguish the planned 1.5 multipage format.
Vendor documentedSource
GIMP
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
The desktop workflow opens local images and saves working documents as XCF.
Vendor documentedSource
Camera RAW
Inkscape
Not yet verified for this product.
GIMP
The project documents darktable and RawTherapee integration for RAW processing.
Vendor documentedSource
CMYK scope
Inkscape
Not yet verified for this product.
GIMP
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 | Current release downloads are available for Windows, macOS and GNU/Linux. Vendor documentedSource | Official downloads cover GNU/Linux, Windows and macOS. Vendor documentedSource |
| Native format | SVG is the native editable vector format. Vendor documentedSource | Not yet verified for this product. |
| Export | The current feature list documents SVG editing and output including PNG, PDF and EPS. Vendor documentedSource | Save preserves the GIMP project as XCF; Export produces delivery formats. XCF does not preserve undo history. Vendor documentedSource |
| Project portability | Plain SVG removes Inkscape editing metadata. Keep an Inkscape SVG master when further editing matters. Vendor documentedSource | Other formats preserve only some project properties, so an exported image is not a full XCF replacement. Vendor documentedSource |
| Free plan limits | The project is open source and permits use without a paid editing tier. Vendor documentedSource | GIMP is free and open source without a paid editing tier. Vendor documentedSource |
| Use for paid work | The official FAQ permits commercial use under its software license. Vendor documentedSource | The project FAQ permits commercial work without restrictions on the kind of work produced. Vendor documentedSource |
| Current nondestructive tools | Node editing, Boolean operations, shape building and live path effects are documented. Vendor documentedSource | GIMP 3.2 adds link and vector layers and expands nondestructive filter workflows. Vendor documentedSource |
| Bitmap tracing | Color and monochrome bitmap tracing are available; a placed bitmap alone remains a bitmap object. | Not yet verified for this product. |
| Automation | Command-line export and a Python extension system support repeatable tasks. Vendor documentedSource | Not yet verified for this product. |
| Current release | The current download route resolves to 1.4.4. Its notes distinguish the planned 1.5 multipage format. Vendor documentedSource | 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. | The desktop workflow opens local images and saves working documents as XCF. Vendor documentedSource |
| Camera RAW | Not yet verified for this product. | The project documents darktable and RawTherapee integration for RAW processing. Vendor documentedSource |
| CMYK scope | Not yet verified for this product. | The FAQ describes CMYK import/export through RGB storage and soft proofing rather than a native CMYK editing mode. Vendor documentedSource |
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