Inkscape

Version1.3(as of 12/1/2023)
PlatformsWindows, Mac, Linux
LicenseOpen Source
CategoryGraphics
Go to Website
Rating:3.4  |  108 Votes

Main Features

  • Free vector graphics editor
  • Robust suite of drawing and design tools
  • Export graphics in SVG and several other common formats
  • Can edit Illustrator and CorelDraw files

Software Overview

Screenshot of Inkscape 1.3
Screenshot of Inkscape 1.3

Inkscape is a free, open-source vector graphics editor available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It is commonly cited as the best free alternative to Adobe Illustrator and other commercial vector graphics programs.

Digital artists use Inkscape to create layer-based vector graphics, including illustrations, logos, web graphics, diagrams, icons, and more. They do so using a variety of drawing, design, text, and effect tools, which are comparable to the tools available in Illustrator. For example, Inkscape includes 3D shape tools, calligraphy tools, and a wide variety of filters.

By default, Inkscape saves artists' creations as .SVG files. However, it can export graphics in several other formats, including .PNG, .PDF, .JPG, .TIFF, and .WEBP. Inkscape can also import (and allow you to edit) vector artwork created by other vector graphics editors, including Illustrator .AI files and CorelDraw .CDR files.

Summary

While Inkscape is not quite as polished as commercial vector graphics editors, it's close enough to serve as a great free alternative. If you don't want to drop hundreds of dollars on Adobe Illustrator or CorelDraw (or you're a Linux user), Inkscape may be the vector editor for you.

Primary File Type

svg icon.SVGScalable Vector Graphic

Supported File Types

ExtensionFile Type
.SVGScalable Vector Graphic
.AIAdobe Illustrator Artwork
.ANIWindows Animated Cursor
.CCXCorel Clipart File
.CDRCorelDRAW File
.CDTCorelDRAW Template (Legacy)
.CMXCorel Presentation Exchange Image
.CURWindows Cursor Image
.DXFDrawing Exchange Format File
.EMFEnhanced Windows Metafile
.EPSEncapsulated PostScript File
.GGRGIMP Gradient File
.HPGLHP Graphics Language Plotter File
.ICNSmacOS Icon Resource
.ICOIcon File
.JPGJPEG Image
.ODGOpenDocument Graphic File
.PBMPortable Bitmap Image
.PDFPortable Document Format File
.PGMPortable Gray Map Image
.PNGPortable Network Graphic
.SK1sK1 Vector Graphic File
.SVGZCompressed SVG File
.VDXMicrosoft Visio XML Drawing
.VSDMicrosoft Visio Drawing (Legacy)
.VSDMVisio Macro-Enabled Drawing
.WBMPWireless Bitmap Image
.WMFWindows Metafile
.WPGWordPerfect Graphic
.XAMLXAML File

Additional Related File Types

ExtensionFile Type
.INXInkscape Extension Descriptor File
Updated 12/1/2023