Inkscape
Inkscape
Free
Free open-source application
AvailabilityGlobal
The official FAQ permits commercial and noncommercial use.
SourceInkscape
Open-source vector drawing in SVG
Where it fits
Inkscape is an open-source desktop vector editor built around SVG. It is a good candidate for logos, icons and diagrams whose shapes must stay editable and scale cleanly. Its tools cover paths, nodes, text and reusable objects. It can also place bitmap images, but that does not turn a photograph into editable vector shapes automatically. Raster work can remain in a companion editor such as GIMP. Before handing files to another application, preserve the original SVG and check the exported rendering. Some official FAQ sections describe old versions, so current release notes are the better guide to version-specific behavior.
Consider it for
- SVG logos and icons
- Technical diagrams
- Editable vector illustrations
Know the limits
- Raster photographs still need raster tools
- Rendering and fonts should be checked after handoff
- Some official FAQ entries describe old versions
Prices & plans
Published prices keep their original currency and billing terms. Taxes, promotions and checkout prices can differ.
Features and practical details
10 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
Export
Inkscape
The current feature list documents SVG editing and output including PNG, PDF and EPS.
Vendor documentedSource
Project portability
Inkscape
Plain SVG removes Inkscape editing metadata. Keep an Inkscape SVG master when further editing matters.
Vendor documentedSource
Free plan limits
Inkscape
The project is open source and permits use without a paid editing tier.
Vendor documentedSource
Commercial work
Vector construction
Inkscape
Node editing, Boolean operations, shape building and live path effects are documented.
Vendor documentedSource
Bitmap tracing
Automation
Inkscape
Command-line export and a Python extension system support repeatable tasks.
Vendor documentedSource
Release scope
Inkscape
The current download route resolves to 1.4.4. Its notes distinguish the planned 1.5 multipage format.
Vendor documentedSource
| Feature | Inkscape |
|---|---|
| Platforms | Current release downloads are available for Windows, macOS and GNU/Linux. Vendor documentedSource |
| Native format | SVG is the native editable vector format. Vendor documentedSource |
| Export | The current feature list documents SVG editing and output including PNG, PDF and EPS. Vendor documentedSource |
| Project portability | Plain SVG removes Inkscape editing metadata. Keep an Inkscape SVG master when further editing matters. Vendor documentedSource |
| Free plan limits | The project is open source and permits use without a paid editing tier. Vendor documentedSource |
| Commercial work | The official FAQ permits commercial use under its software license. Vendor documentedSource |
| Vector construction | Node editing, Boolean operations, shape building and live path effects are documented. Vendor documentedSource |
| Bitmap tracing | Color and monochrome bitmap tracing are available; a placed bitmap alone remains a bitmap object. |
| Automation | Command-line export and a Python extension system support repeatable tasks. Vendor documentedSource |
| Release scope | The current download route resolves to 1.4.4. Its notes distinguish the planned 1.5 multipage format. Vendor documentedSource |
Compare the alternatives
Sources for this profile
- Inkscape user FAQ (opens in a new tab)
inkscape.org · Fresh Firecrawl retrieval succeeded after web access returned 403. Old platform and PNG-only claims are not treated as current.
- Inkscape features (opens in a new tab)
inkscape.org · Fresh Firecrawl retrieval.
- Inkscape current release (opens in a new tab)
inkscape.org · Fresh retrieval resolved to Inkscape 1.4.4 released 6 May 2026.