Inkscape

Spec sheet

What it does

Inkscape is a free, open-source vector graphics editor for artistic and technical illustrations such as logos, typography, diagrams and flowcharts.Read 15 Oct 2026 · g2.com

Intended users

The site describes Inkscape as a tool for illustrators, designers, web designers, and anyone who needs to create vector imagery.Read 3 Oct 2026 · inkscape.org

Platforms

The project’s installation guide describes stable versions for macOS, Linux, and Windows.Read 3 Oct 2026 · wiki.inkscape.org

Free plan

YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · inkscape.org

Support

User help is community-provided through project-maintained channels including RocketChat and the Inkscape Forum.Read 3 Oct 2026 · inkscape.org

License

The application, packages, extensions and source code are released under the GNU General Public License version 2 or later.Read 15 Oct 2026 · inkscape.org

Founded

The project began as a fork of Sodipodi in late 2003.Read 15 Oct 2026 · en.wikipedia.org

Artwork ownership

The licensing page says files saved or exported from Inkscape belong to their creators or, where derivative works are used, the original authors.Read 3 Oct 2026 · inkscape.org

Chrome extension privacy

The Chrome extension states that it scans browsed URLs on its servers to detect image and vector files, with an option to disable scanning.Read 15 Oct 2026 · chromewebstore.google.com

Command-line API

The command-line interface supports geometry queries, PNG/PDF and other exports, chained actions, stdin/stdout pipes, batch processing and shell mode.Read 15 Oct 2026 · wiki.inkscape.org

Desktop app

YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · inkscape.org

Documentation

Official learning resources include interactive basic, shapes, advanced, bitmap tracing, calligraphy, interpolate and design tutorials plus videos, books and keyboard references.Read 15 Oct 2026 · inkscape.org

Drawing tools

The editor provides pencil, Bézier pen, calligraphy, rectangle, ellipse, star, polygon and spiral tools.Read 15 Oct 2026 · chromewebstore.google.com

Extensibility

The project says users can customize Inkscape with add-ons.Read 3 Oct 2026 · inkscape.org

Extensions

Inkscape supports script extensions, including Python and Perl, and maintains an inkex API for extension authors.Read 15 Oct 2026 · wiki.inkscape.org

File compatibility

Documented import and export formats include SVG, PDF, DXF, EPS, PNG, JPEG, AI, CDR, EMF, WMF, HPGL and HTML5 Canvas.Read 15 Oct 2026 · wiki.inkscape.org

Funding and ownership

Inkscape operates as a community project fiscally sponsored by the Software Freedom Conservancy, a New York nonprofit public-benefit corporation.Read 15 Oct 2026 · alpha.inkscape.org

Illustration tools

YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · inkscape.org

inkex API

The inkex extension API includes style and units APIs, multipage-document support and GTK-based extension user interfaces.Read 15 Oct 2026 · wiki.inkscape.org

Installation

Stable installers are provided as macOS DMGs, Linux packages or AppImages, and Windows archives or installers; development builds are available from GitLab.Read 15 Oct 2026 · wiki.inkscape.org

Integration mention

GetApp user analysis identifies GIMP as a commonly mentioned Inkscape integration, rated 4.6 from 12 mentions.Read 15 Oct 2026 · getapp.com

Latest release listed

The release history lists version 1.4.4 dated May 6, 2026, with crash fixes, performance improvements, a new palette, upright star and polygon rotation and Windows-on-Arm installation support.Read 15 Oct 2026 · en.wikipedia.org

Limit: export crashes

A Trustpilot reviewer reported repeated crashes and slowdowns when exporting SVG files to PNG or JPEG.Read 15 Oct 2026 · trustpilot.com

Limit: learning curve

Reviewers describe the interface and tutorials as unintuitive for beginners and say advanced tools take time to master.Read 15 Oct 2026 · getapp.com

Limit: performance

Reviewers report slowdowns or occasional lockups with complex or high-resolution files.Read 15 Oct 2026 · getapp.com

Limit: professional features

Reviewers cite missing advanced vector controls, gradient mesh, refined navigation and professional print features such as CMYK workflows.Read 15 Oct 2026 · g2.com

Maker identity

LinkedIn lists The Inkscape Project as a nonprofit software-development organization headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, with 51–200 employees.Read 15 Oct 2026 · linkedin.com

Mobile app

NoRead 20 Sep 2026 · inkscape.org

Native format

Its primary document format is the open, XML-based Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) standard.Read 15 Oct 2026 · inkscape.org

Object editing

Objects can be transformed, grouped, layered, aligned and distributed, with fill, stroke, gradients, patterns and markers controls.Read 15 Oct 2026 · chromewebstore.google.com

Operating systems

The project distributes desktop binaries for Linux, Windows and macOS, including Intel and arm64 macOS downloads.Read 15 Oct 2026 · inkscape.org

Output ownership

Files saved or exported from Inkscape belong to the creator or applicable original authors, with users responsible for derivative-work licensing.Read 15 Oct 2026 · inkscape.org

Praise: affordability

Reviewers repeatedly praise Inkscape as a free, open-source alternative to Illustrator and other expensive vector tools.Read 15 Oct 2026 · trustradius.com

Praise: file exchange

Reviewers value broad import/export support, including SVG, PDF, DXF, EPS, PNG and JPEG, for moving work between applications.Read 15 Oct 2026 · getapp.com

Praise: vector output

Reviewers repeatedly praise its high-quality scalable graphics, SVG workflow, node editing and ability to create logos, diagrams and branding.Read 15 Oct 2026 · trustradius.com

Primary format

Inkscape uses SVG as its main format.Read 3 Oct 2026 · inkscape.org

Project affiliation

The Inkscape project is a member of the US 501(c)(3) Software Freedom Conservancy.Read 3 Oct 2026 · inkscape.org

Rating on Capterra

4.4 out of 5 from 518 reviewsRead 15 Oct 2026 · capterra.com

Rating on Chrome Web Store

3.2 out of 5 from 194 ratingsRead 15 Oct 2026 · chromewebstore.google.com

Rating on G2

4.4 out of 5 from 416 reviewsRead 15 Oct 2026 · g2.com

Rating on GetApp

4.4 out of 5 from 518 reviewsRead 15 Oct 2026 · getapp.com

Rating on Software Advice

4.4 out of 5 from 518 reviewsRead 15 Oct 2026 · softwareadvice.com

Rating on Trustpilot

4.3 out of 5 from 12 reviewsRead 15 Oct 2026 · trustpilot.com

Rating on TrustRadius

8.9 out of 10 from 18 reviewsRead 15 Oct 2026 · trustradius.com

Release 1.4

Version 1.4, released October 13, 2024, added a filter gallery, modular and improved axonometric grids, palette improvements, PDF internal links and DXF import.Read 15 Oct 2026 · wiki.inkscape.org

Security and warranty

The GPL license text states the program is provided without warranty, to the extent permitted by applicable law.Read 3 Oct 2026 · inkscape.org

SVG standards work

The project participates in the W3C SVG Working Group and implements many SVG and draft SVG2 features.Read 15 Oct 2026 · inkscape.org

Template library

YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · inkscape.org

Text features

Text supports multiline editing, kerning, letter and line spacing, text on a path and alpha transparency.Read 15 Oct 2026 · chromewebstore.google.com

Vector graphics

It uses vector graphics for sharp printouts and resolution-independent rendering.Read 3 Oct 2026 · inkscape.org

Plans and prices

Every Inkscape plan and price →

Where Specifiction places it

• Graphic Design Software#18 of 1509.0
• Design tools#24 of 1468.9
• Vector Graphics Software#10 of 518.6
• Logo Designing Softwares Software#8 of 238.6
• Free Tools#13 of 318.6
• Designing Solutions#15 of 298.5
• Multimedia Software#16 of 288.3