# Inkscape Reviews 2026. Verified Reviews, Pros & Cons | Capterra

> Is Inkscape the right Vector Graphics solution for you? Explore 513 verified user reviews from people in industries like yours to make a confident choice.

Source: https://www.capterra.com/p/178240/Inkscape/reviews

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Inkscape

4.4 (513)

[View alternatives](https://www.capterra.com/p/178240/Inkscape/alternatives/)

Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews moderated by our Reviews Verification team. [Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/our-story/)

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Last updated March 13th, 2026

# Reviews of Inkscape

Ease of use

3.9

Customer Service

4.0

## Pros and Cons in Reviews

RA

Rama A

Freelance Graphic DesignerDesign, 11 - 50 employeesUsed the software for: 6-12 months.

“The flexibility is great for logos, icons, and illustrations. Once you get used to it, it becomes a reliable part of the workflow.“

December 23, 2025

CS

Cohen S

Large Format and Apparel PrinterPrinting, 11 - 50 employeesUsed the software for: 1-2 years.

“The other biggest issue I have with Inkscape is its inability to process spot colors which are essential in printing white ink on darker media.“

June 12, 2024

Michelle D

Design and Admin Roles - Multiple positionsRetail, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years.

“I love that it is open source software that allows me to do advanced and professional document creation and design.“

May 8, 2025

DW

Douglass W

Director of EngineeringMechanical or Industrial Engineering, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: Less than 6 months.

“The tutorial cannot be used because the current versions do not even line up with the menus offered in the tutorials. “

April 29, 2025

Michelle D

Design and Admin Roles - Multiple positionsRetail, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years.

“It allowed me to create and edit documents and SVG images that I needed to.“

May 8, 2025

RR

Rafia R

Graphic Designer - Visual BrandingInformation Technology and Services, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: 1-2 years.

“Compared to professional tools, it lacks refinement and advanced vector controls.“

January 16, 2026

JG

James G

IT EngineerInformation Technology and Services, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: 1-2 years.

“I use it all the time, I tried a variety of vector based image editors, as soon as I tried InkScape, I didn't need to try any others.“

May 19, 2025

JW

Jeffrey W

OwnerComputer & Network Security, Self-employedUsed the software for: More than 2 years.

“The cons of using Inkscape I have found are very few 1 is that when opening up a program Inkscape does not have tabs in its layout so if you start a new project it opens up a totally new window.“

June 20, 2024

## Showing most helpful reviews

Showing 1-25 of 513 Reviews

Sort by:

Most Helpful

Rating

Company Size

Reviewer's Role

Length of Use

Frequency of Use

Michelle D.  
Design and Admin Roles - Multiple positions  
Retail  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Inkscape is an excellent graphic design tool. Highly Recommend"

May 8, 2025

5.0

Overall, I had a great experience with Inkscape. It allowed me to create and edit documents and SVG images that I needed to.

Pros

I love that it is open source software that allows me to do advanced and professional document creation and design. It is more advanced than Microsoft Publisher and on par with Corel and Adobe Illustrator for the features I need

Cons

Nothing at all. I have had no issues at any point when I have used this software. It has always done what I want it to. I think maybe one time I had to do an update or something because it wouldn't work right but that was over 5 years ago

Alternatives considered

[Adobe Illustrator](https://www.capterra.com/p/227125/Adobe-Illustrator/)[CorelDRAW](https://www.capterra.com/p/124823/CorelDRAW/)

Reason for choosing Inkscape

Price and features being equivocable. I love Inkscape. I feel it is better suited for me than the higher price alternatives (most are way overpriced in my opinion)

Review Source

JG

James G.  
IT Engineer  
Information Technology and Services  
Used the software for: 1-2 years

### "This powerful for free?"

May 19, 2025

5.0

Very good. I use it all the time, I tried a variety of vector based image editors, as soon as I tried InkScape, I didn't need to try any others.

Pros

Having such a powerful piece of software at my fingertips for free is amazing. Whenever I need to do some quick designing, it's my go to

Cons

I can't think of something I need which I don't have in InkScape. For what I need it to do, it does it well

Switched from

[GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)](https://www.capterra.com/p/168960/GIMP/)

GIMP was not intended for vector based graphics so did not really suit my needs

Review Source

DW

Douglass W.  
Director of Engineering  
Mechanical or Industrial Engineering  
Used the software for: Less than 6 months

### "Disasatisfied with Inkscape"

April 29, 2025

2.0

Very poor. Was initially excited to give it a try but then could not even run the most rudimentary tutorial because the current versions did not correlate to the 10 - 15 year old manual.

Pros

It appears that it might have all the fearures I need for my tasks. The features seems to meet my requrements but was unable to even run treh tutorials.

Cons

The tutorial is next to useless unless you download the version about 10- 15 years old. The tutorial cannot be used because the current versions do not even line up with the menus offered in the tutorials. Typical of open source software. The geeks continue to make changes that are not reflected in the manuals and tutorials.

Review Source

RA

Rama A.  
Freelance Graphic Designer  
Design  
Used the software for: 6-12 months

### "Vector Design"

December 23, 2025

4.0

I’ve used Inkscape for various vector-based tasks, especially when I need a lightweight and cost-free solution.

Pros

It’s powerful for a free tool and handles most vector design needs well. The flexibility is great for logos, icons, and illustrations. Once you get used to it, it becomes a reliable part of the workflow.

Cons

The interface feels less polished compared to paid alternatives. Performance can slow down with complex files, and some advanced features take time to master.

Review Source

SM

Steven M.  
IT  
Building Materials  
Used the software for: 1-2 years

### "Free, powerful software"

March 13, 2025

5.0

Pros

Love the ability to create high quality vector based documents with relative ease of use.

Cons

I would love it if it tabbed multiple documents. Currently another instance of Inkscape has to be open for each different file I'm working on.

Alternatives considered

[Adobe Illustrator](https://www.capterra.com/p/227125/Adobe-Illustrator/)

Reason for choosing Inkscape

I found Inkscape much easier to use, with the added bonus of there being no cost

Review Source

LV

Lizel V.  
Registered Behavior Technician  
Mental Health Care  
Used the software for: 6-12 months

### "The Sky's the Limit"

June 25, 2025

5.0

I enjoy it thoroughly. I use it with the Ink/Stitch extension for my personal embroidery startup. I have made beautiful designs and as I continue to expand my knowledge I will be able to make even more beautiful and complex creations.

Pros

I love that it's a free software that allows you to do the same things as other software that cost $500+.

Cons

There is a learning curve for beginning users. That being, the community has tons of amazing tutorials on how to use this software and the extensions.

Switched from

[Hatch](https://www.capterra.com/p/174914/Hatch/)

My free trial on Hatch ended and I wanted to continue making creations for my business.

Review Source

FR

Flavia R.  
Researcher  
Research  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Good free tool "

March 10, 2025

4.0

It's a good tool in general, it's free and you can do basic design and illustration stuff.

Pros

It is free and has the basic tools for editing and creating figures.

Cons

Not very intuitive to use in terms of location and function of tools

Switched from

[Adobe Illustrator](https://www.capterra.com/p/227125/Adobe-Illustrator/)

For the price. Before I had Adobe included with my institutional email but not anymore so I had to switch to a free alternative.

Review Source

RR

Rafia R.  
Graphic Designer - Visual Branding  
Information Technology and Services  
Used the software for: 1-2 years

### "Inkscape works well for simple vector illustrations"

January 16, 2026

5.0

Inkscape works well for basic vector illustrations and simple branding assets when a free solution is needed.

Pros

It supports scalable vector graphics and handles icons and simple logos well. Being open-source makes it accessible for small budgets.

Cons

Performance can slow down with complex files. Compared to professional tools, it lacks refinement and advanced vector controls.

Review Source

Stephen E.  
Graphic Designer  
Graphic Design  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Inkscape Review"

March 8, 2025

5.0

It makes software design easy and fun because of its unique animations.

Pros

Its durability and price efficiency is a plus

Cons

The software is perfect, its user friendly.

Review Source

Leandro A.  
Developer  
Computer Software  
Used the software for: Less than 6 months

### "Inkscape Review"

December 19, 2025

5.0

Great .I think is amazing .Great support since it is a well know software.Lots of tutorials and documentation

Pros

Free , open source , lightweight , easy to use .One of my main options when I need to design , way better than Adobe

Cons

I don't have any complain.Is way better that other alternatives .Is the only tool I use when I need to manage svg files

Review Source

JW

Jeffrey W.  
Owner  
Computer & Network Security  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "The use of Inkscape."

June 20, 2024

5.0

Since I am predominantly a Linux user this program works well for me. I have used Adobe illustrator in windows on certain projects and I get just the same clean crisp duck with you could get it is much lighter on your resources so it performs faster the learning curve is very small I suggest that you actually graphic designer try it.

Pros

My experience using Inkscape started about 11 years ago I did not have the money to pay for Adobe illustrator being a graphic designer I needed a tool that would give me the same functionality. as Adobe illustrator in my use of Inkscape I found that it had several features that Adobe illustrator lacked such as plugins that would allow you to do tracing and a lot more, I have enjoyed using it I think it is a very professional piece of software. Also, the learning curve is much lower than Adobe illustrator you can open up the program and give right to work.

Cons

The cons of using Inkscape I have found are very few 1 is that when opening up a program Inkscape does not have tabs in its layout so if you start a new project it opens up a totally new window. I myself prefer layout of tabs it is a much cleaner look and it does not clutter up your desktop.

Reason for choosing Inkscape

Adobe illustrator and corel draw can be pricey especially Adobe illustrator although it is the go-to software for professionals you can get the same thing done with this open-source software has just as many tools as Adobe illustrator and the open-source community keeps it up to date.

Switched from

[Adobe Illustrator](https://www.capterra.com/p/227125/Adobe-Illustrator/)

I am a minute you Adobe illustrator did not port over well to linux. Linux provides a program that emulates windows which is called wine but it would not allow the newer versions to run in linux also, Adobe make you subscribe to their programs so you cannot own any of their software at this time, I found that to be quite expensive I began looking for open-source solutions.

Review Source

VR

Verified Reviewer  
Graphic designer  
Graphic Design  
Used the software for: 6-12 months

### "Inkscape is one of the best design tools"

January 1, 2023

5.0

Overall i like inkscape very much. I think that is a big competitor to adobe programs because it can get the same quality of work without over prices of adobe which many people can't afford it

Pros

I like that it is professional. It has alot of options and tools to make my designs look unique and professional. Also, it is very easy to use.

Cons

I don't like the lack of Arabic Fonts which they should give much care because i need it in many projects

Switched from

[Adobe Illustrator](https://www.capterra.com/p/227125/Adobe-Illustrator/)

Because Adobe prices are over and i can't afford it every month

Review Source

SNHS

Syed Najaf Haider S.  
Research Assistant  
Education Management  
Used the software for: 1-2 years

### "Inkscape - a powerful tool of creating graphics"

April 10, 2022

4.0

I use Inkscape for making vector graphics for my research papers and articles. Initially, I was using simple powerpoint to create figures and block diagrams. Whenever I used these images in my research paper, their quality became deteriorated. Then I found Inkscape and my life became easy. Now I can easily create figures and images and export them in .eps format to use them in my research papers.

Pros

It is free and accessible. One can easily get familiar with its tools, because there is a quick support from community in terms of tutorials and guidance. It is backward compatible; files created in svg format in older versions can be opened in newer versions.

Cons

Sometimes, I find it difficult to write text in Latex format. There should be seamless text conversion. Whenever, somebody import figures or images in Inkscape, their sizes or pixels should be automatically adjusted with the existed graphics.

Switched from

[Microsoft PowerPoint](https://www.capterra.com/p/141633/PowerPoint/)

Because I wanted good resolution images for my research articles.

Review Source

LM

Luke M.  
Quality Systems Administrator  
Automotive  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Free Open Source Alternative"

November 28, 2023

4.0

Recommended for those looking to move away from Adobe's subscription model.

Pros

Provides most of the core functionality from other software such as Illustrator without the price tag. Allows for the conversion of Bitmap Images into Vector Images easily. Impressive compatibility with most other Vector Based software file types. Pairs well with GIMP as a free software package.

Cons

UI can be unintuitive at times, lacks the customisability that other software allows for and does not support dark mode. Limited to PNG output for Bitmap Images. Text Editing can be finicky at times, particularly with Spacing between Baselines.

Switched from

[Adobe Illustrator](https://www.capterra.com/p/227125/Adobe-Illustrator/)

Subscription price for Adobe Illustrator was no longer worth it for my use case.

Review Source

kM

kirstie M.  
Owner  
Arts and Crafts  
Used the software for: 1-2 years

### "great for SVGs"

March 26, 2025

4.0

Overall i like this software, especially since it's free. I use this for SVG editing

Pros

Great for editing images & SVGs for my 3D printing

Cons

interface is a little confusing and difficult to understand at first.

Review Source

TJ

Tavaris J.  
Head of Software Development  
Computer Games  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "How to pick a easy graphic software tool"

March 24, 2024

5.0

Inkscape is very good software to use for graphics. All the stuff you make are vector, meaning it uses math to make sure that not matter what size the image is it look good.

Pros

That it's free to use and simple to use for any graphic are design project. Plus there are plenty of videos on how to use the software.

Cons

Sometimes I wish that the font was already included with the software.

Reason for choosing Inkscape

The learning curve is a lot easier to pick up. Plus the community is very helpful.

Review Source

Sébastien L.  
Directeur  
Computer Software  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "To Create High-Quality Vector Images for Free, Look No Further Than Inkscape"

April 18, 2019

5.0

Because Inkscape is able to work with many different image formats, it has enabled me to convert raster images to vectors at work, making it possible to print high quality promotional material. Its ability to open and modify PDF and AI (Adobe Illustrator) files is a real plus, as designers will often send their work in those formats. I have encountered a few frustrations while using it, but my overall experience is definitely positive and I would recommend this software any day of the week to any person getting into vector graphics design. Inkscape is a polished piece of software, working as expected on all major platforms (Windows, MacOS and Linux). For some rare corner cases, it even provides a built-in XML editor, allowing you to edit textually any detail of your creation, which can surprisingly be easier to understand by abstracting away the user interface in a readable format. It can be overwhelming to learn how to use all of its features, but there are great resources available on Internet and in the "Help" menu in Inkscape, including a lengthy manual and tutorials ranging from basic to advanced level.

Pros

One of the features I like the most about Inkscape, apart from the fact that it is an open source (free) software, is its ability to convert bitmap images to vectors, which can be done in a variety of ways depending on the desired result (brightness cutoff, edge detection, color quantization, etc.). The Bezier tool is also very intuitive to use, even more so than in other applications such as GIMP, which doesn't support paths and SVG as well as Inkscape. Using the Bezier, you can either draw an approximate path to be modified later or add precise curves along the way to minimize the work to be done after the path is created. Some tools, like Spray, Eraser and Gradient, provide some handy shortcuts to create absolutely interesting effects without much effort. For instance, Spray can take another object as a selection, the Eraser automatically redraws the modified paths without the erased part and the Gradient tool can take as an argument the average color in a selection. Most of the commonly used tools are present by default, but you can choose to move or remove many of them. Amongst those tools, there are many snapping behaviors available that can be turned on and off quickly along with many more windows that can pop up or be reduced on demand. It takes some time to get used to the way windows can be rearranged, but it provides greater flexibility down the road.

Cons

Inkscape is filled with so many options that the default interface can look like a mess on small resolution screens: hopefully, it is possible to remove less used buttons by customizing the interface. Sometimes, when working with images that render a very high amount of details by applying filters, the software becomes slow and may unexpectedly crash. Unfortunately, it is a hard problem to avoid, the only available choice being to use as few filters as possible until the very end. Without using extensions, it is also hard to position guides according to your needs: you have to do manual calculations to make sure you can properly align guides between them. There are many ways to snap objects together, but it's still tricky to try to center a vertex from one object to the center point between two other points from only a portion of a second object: again, manual calculations need to be involved. On smaller screens of less than 17 inches, many long menus when selecting cover up to the bottom of the screen, making it impossible to read the description for each tool that appears in the bottom part of the main window that stays beneath the menu, leading to forceful experimentation in order to guess what each option does.

Review Source

VR

Verified Reviewer  
Graphic Designer  
Import and Export  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Inkscape is thee free software for all skill levels"

May 10, 2022

4.0

Overall I rate the product highly. It can do almost everything that I need it to do, is easy to learn and is free. There is nothing currently that would make me look for something else.

Pros

I like that it is free, the software is easy to use and there are countless tutorials online on how to use the product. If you want to do anything and do not know how to do it, you can find it on YouTube. That is how I learned and although I would not consider myself and expert, I am good enough.

Cons

There are a few things that I do not like and that is that the software can crash randomly sometimes 10 times in 30 mins. It is infuriating. Also, there can be issues with importing graphics if the formatting is slightly off. Also the options for CMYK colors are limited.

Review Source

FH

Friedman H.  
Musician  
Entertainment  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Inkscape is the best"

December 11, 2022

5.0

I love Inkscape because it is easy to use, its quality is amazing and has a lot of options when you are designing and exporting. I have been using it for illustrating and made a lot of logos including posters. I will keep on using it because all the qualities it contains.

Pros

I love that with Inscape everything is fast, it carries out some heavy dynamics with ease. It's designs are mostly unique based on the access one has to customize almost everything.

Cons

I love everything about it honestly, I wouldn't want to change anything.

Review Source

Angela P.  
Career Coach, Counselor and Art-Therapist  
Human Resources  
Used the software for: 6-12 months

### "Great, even for beginners."

April 19, 2022

5.0

Pros

I am not a graphic designer; I am a coach. I need and want to create materials for my coachee on my own (cards, images stimulating reflections, and solutions). Inkscape offers me the possibility to make all of this. It hasn't been too hard to learn the basics and create satisfying working materials. I appreciate the community that supports the newbies in learning. There are many tutorials, and the manual is well-done and organized.

Cons

At the moment, for the use that I do, I can't find negative aspects! Yes, it takes time to learn because I am not a professional graphic designer, but this is a process required for me.

Review Source

David I.  
Sales / Marketing  
Wholesale  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Open Source Vector Graphics Software"

April 7, 2019

5.0

I really like it over all you can do everything you need that all of the other paid softwares can do with exception to working with CMYK formats, this software is that good that when they get to integrate the CMYK color format as a printout file, a great majority of the people in the printing industry will switch to it. Is so well thought that is possible to designs faster than illustrator and corel draw, many of the tools make the job easier plus you can give a donation of 30 bucks or 100 bucks or 10 a year depending on you, but you get so much power for every cent or dollar you donate to the inkscape team.

Pros

\- The amount of stuff you can do with this Open Source software is outstanding and the quality is superb, you can create all the graphics necessary for your websites, motion graphics, banners, games and animations. - Also is possible to export to a variety of file formats supported by adobe, save images with transparency and even create DXF files for CNC and G code machine cuts, even use your plotter straight out of the software with a plug in.

Cons

\- May have a bit of a steep learning curve since it is open source but there is ton of documentation and videos in youtube to overcome this challenge. - With heavy graphics the program can crash if you do not save your work on layers so you can turn off finished work and work on layers, but can be overcomed with constant saving. - It can be confusing when you select graphics because it’s highlighted only with a dotted box. - Some tools don't work in a logical manner. - It does not support CMYK colors.

Review Source

Steve L.  
Owner  
Internet  
Used the software for: 1-2 years

### "1.0 Version Much Improved"

January 12, 2021

5.0

I have been looking for quite awhile for a replacement for my Adobe Fireworks graphics program. I needed a tool that allowed me to easily manipulate graphics and create new content with ease. I'm not a graphics designer, so I don't need the power and complexity of Photoshop or Gimp, but something that will allow me to do some basic graphics manipulation with ease. Inkscape fits this need well. I also wanted something multiplatform since I work primarily on a Mac with an Ubuntu machine as my alternate. Inkscape runs great on each.

Pros

I like the fact that I can insert basic shapes and manipulate existing images with relative ease. I'm a developer (not designer) so I do get artwork created by others that needs manipulating. Inkscape allows me to resize, reformat and do basic image manipulation with ease.

Cons

I was using the beta 1.0 version previously and am happy to see the release of the official 1.0 version for the Mac that resolved a bunch of issues. I would welcome a more feature rich "magic wand" tool to select objects and be able to manipulate image boundaries. The software is powerful although with power comes complexity at times.

Review Source

Brian B.  
Owner  
Internet  
Used the software for: 1-2 years

### "Inkscape for SVGs"

April 23, 2022

4.0

SVG editing was the main reason I used Inkscape and it has delivered on what it offers.

Pros

For editing SVGs, I find Inkscape to be the 'quick and dirty' tool that I use most often. Adobe Illustrator can do the same things, but Inkscape isn't weighed down by the bloat that Illustrator suffers from. If you just need to trim some space off an SVG, Inkscape will do it in seconds with a single command. Illustrator requires you to jump through hoops to do the same.

Cons

While it's quick and easy to do the small stuff, Inkscape still lacks the tools that Illustrator provides. Inkscape can also feel like a tool that was made to explicitly be different than Illustrator, as not much is laid out the same at all.

Switched from

[Adobe Illustrator](https://www.capterra.com/p/227125/Adobe-Illustrator/)

Ease of use.

Review Source

VS

Vinicius S.  
Software Engineer  
Information Technology and Services  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Review for Inkscape"

April 6, 2022

5.0

115/40 min Describe your overall experience with Inkscape(Optional) It's a powerful and general purpose vector end-user free software, great for a vast professional applications like Web Design, Vector/Graphics Business (cards, flyers, etc.) and so on.

Pros

Easy to download, install and use. Doesn't need of high computer requirements, is a lightweight vector software tool.

Cons

Some functions are a bit confused for starters, but the documentation is great and help a lot to solve most issues.

Alternatives considered

[CorelDRAW](https://www.capterra.com/p/124823/CorelDRAW/)

Reason for choosing Inkscape

Low costs and vast documentation.

Review Source

VR

Verified Reviewer  
Founder  
Health, Wellness and Fitness  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Powerful free software for vector graphic creation"

August 28, 2023

5.0

Inkscape is a standout choice for it's versatility and compatibility with various file formats. While the user interface initially can pose a learning curve, the abundance of features and being completely free more than compensate for it.

Pros

If on a budget Inkscape is a game-changer. For beginners it offers a great alternative to other paid graphic editor software. Its a very valuable tool to create logos and every kind of graphic design tasks from icons to full mockups of websites and pages.

Cons

One drawback to note is that the user interface of Inkscape can be confusing at times, especially for new users. It may take some time to get acquainted with the various tools and features.

Review Source

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