What Is Inkscape? 🤔

Inkscape is a free and open-source vector graphics editor that can be used by designers, illustrators, web designers, or anyone who wants to create any vector imagery.

Created all the way in 2003, Inkscape has a growing international community and a lot of loyal fans.

Something that makes Inkscape unique is its openness to its community. Anyone who wants to get involved and wants to improve the Inkscape project can do so in many ways.

For instance, if you wish to obtain the source code of Inkscape and make some changes or tweaks for personal use, you are more than welcome to do so.

If you want to go a step further and contribute changes to the official source code, you can also implement new features or fix bugs and send a merge request on GitLab.

This way, developers can look at the changes you’ve made to the code and give you feedback on your changes.

It’s also possible to examine their score (9.1 for Inkscape vs. 8.8 for Affinity Designer) and user satisfaction level (100% for Inkscape vs. 100% for Affinity Designer). The scores and ratings present you with an overall idea how both these software products perform. Affinity Designer makes it easy to adjust the thickness of the stroke and you can add a bunch of points to the curve to make it a wild wave. A lot of tools don’t have this pressure attribute for strokes but there are ways around it. Inkscape offers the Path Effect/ Taper stroke, which allows for a similar effect. In CorelDraw it’s called.

• In this video I'll be giving Affinity Designer a look and letting you know what my first impressions are. Affinity Designer is a vector graphics editor simil.
• Inkscape V1.0 and Affinity Designer are free or low-cost alternatives to Adobe Illustrator. This video demonstrates all three packages in operation in order.
• Affinity Designer Inkscape; Responsive design: Clear and fast workflow: Support for Layers: No Subscription: Pixel Persona: Open PSD files: Export to PDF: Snapping: User friendly: Vector strokes: Boolean operations: SVG Support: Vectorize raster images: Bitmap rasterizing: Comma Separated Values: Cross-platform: Curve Manipulation: Drawing.

This desktop app is available on Mac, Windows, and Linux platforms and can be used in over 90 languages. Inkscape offers flexible drawing tools and it is easy to use.

However, even though it is easy to use and offers a simple setup and interface, this tool has its fair share of downsides.

Inkscape Cons 💁🏻‍♂️

• Not easy to learn and master
• Struggles with high volume of data
• Might freeze if you overuse its commands

Unless you are a more experienced designer or illustrator, this option might not be the best one if you are just starting out.

If you are struggling with Inkscape downsides and are looking for a better alternative, be it a paid or a free option, we have selected the eight best alternatives that will be perfect for you.

Important disclosure: we're proud affiliates of some tools mentioned in this guide. If you click an affiliate link and subsequently make a purchase, we will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (you pay nothing extra).

1. Adobe Illustrator

Pricing: $20.99 per month

Free Trial: Yes

Pros:

• Precise and intuitive user interface
• Professional feel
• Offers regular updates
• Allows in-panel editing

Cons:

• Steep learning curve
• Requires a lot of space
• Failry expensive and you cannot buy a single, perpetual license
• Offers different key commands compared to Photoshop and InDesign
• Offers limited support for raster graphics

Inkscape is often suggested as one of the best free alternatives to Adobe Illustrator. However, if you have already been using Inkscape and are looking for something more professional and are willing to pay for it, Adobe Illustrator is the one to go.

This popular vector graphics editor and design program has been around for over 34 years, so it is only natural to give this suggestion first.

Adobe Illustrator is one of the most precise and intuitive tools to use. Its user base ranges from artists to accountants, so you don’t have to be a graphic designer to plunge into the world of Adobe.

If that's not your jam, there are several great Illustrator alternatives out there as well.

2. Vectornator

Pricing: Free

Pros:

• Its auto-trace technology can save you a lot of time
• Offers several social media dimensions templates
• In-depth video tutorials available
• Its creative cloud library allows you to easily switch between devices and pick up where you left off

Cons:

• Only available to Apple users
• Not very customizable

Vectornator launched in 2017, and so far, it has over 3.5 million downloads.

This innovative design software was created for two main reasons:

• To offer graphic designers a software that would simplify their design creation process

➕

• Offer them a new alternative with a more intuitive user interface

Available on macOS, iPadOS13, and iOS13, this Inkscape alternative is one of the most impressive ones.

Not only does Vectornator offer the ability to create sophisticated illustrations, but it is also perfect for Social Media managers who need to use proper dimensions for each social media channel they manage.

If you need to switch between iPad and Desktop all the time, Vectornator is the perfect tool to use.

It doesn’t matter whether you prefer to use a keyboard and mouse, a drawing tablet, a digital pencil, or a touchscreen. Vectornator supports all of them, allowing you to focus only on your creativity.

It also offers video tutorials and allows you to export to JPG, PNG, SVG, and PDF.

3. Affinity Designer

Pricing: One-off payment of $24.99 ($9.99 for iPad)

Free Trial: Yes

Pros:

• Great online help system
• Sleek user interface
• You can press the “undo” button up to 8000 times
• Creating layers of depth is easy, as it allows you to apply numerous strokes and fills to single objects
• Very responsive and can handle thousands of objects at the same time

Cons:

• No realistic perspective grid
• You can apply multiple strokes and fills for one object at a time
• It might be a bit confusing at first
• Converting images to vectors can be challenging
• Export files as AI is not an option at the moment

Affinity Designer is the perfect tool for illustrators and graphic designers, especially the ones who work with vector graphics and raster images at the same time.

It is also an excellent option for web designers and game developers.

If we compare it to Inkscape, this tool is much more professional, but at the same time, more expensive.

However, if you need a tool that offers more advanced features compared to Inkscape but is more affordable than Adobe Illustrator, Affinity Designer is the one you should go for.

Affinity Designer offers a user-friendly interface and allows you to design from wherever you are and on various devices since it is available on macOS, Windows, and iPadOS platforms.

4. Sketch

Affinity Designer Oder Inkscape

Pricing:

• Individuals: $99 one-off payment
• Teams: $9 per contributor per month

Free Trial: Yes

Pros:

• Easy to use and to learn
• Perfect for teams and easy to share
• Intuitive user interface
• Great plugins and integrations

Cons:

• It doesn’t offer all the tools needed for graphic design/illustration
• No automatic layout flowing options
• Lacks cloud file storage
• Only available to Mac users

One of the best things about Sketch is that it's not complicated in any way. Compared to Inkscape, you will not have to look for tutorials or spend time wondering how different parts of it work.

Sketch’s UI is also very intuitive. If you are working in a team and need to constantly share your work and the latest changes, then look no further. Sketch is your answer.

This tool offers great plugins and integrations. However, if you need more advanced features compared to Inkscape, Sketch might not be your best option.

If you are an experienced graphic designer or illustrator, chances are, you will not find all the tools you need once you start working with Sketch.

Another thing to keep in mind about Sketch is that you will need to backup your projects constantly since it lacks cloud storage.

5. CorelDRAW

Pricing:

• $410.99 per year
• $34.23 per month
• $1098.14 (one-off payment)

Free Trial: Yes

Pros:

• Easy to share
• It offers a wide range of fonts
• Perfect for both print and the web
• Offers different levels of difficulty

Cons:

• Struggles with high volumes of data
• Not the best tool for animation
• The freehand brush can become challenging at times

With its intuitive interface, CorelDRAW can be a great alternative to Inkscape. It is very easy to learn as well, so it's perfect for beginners.

One cool feature of CorelDRAW is its AI-powered image solutions. If you need to create page layouts, this tool is perfect for that as well. Unlike Inkscape, CorelDRAW is also securing its place in the photo editing market.

Many users pick CorelDraw as an alternative option to Adobe Photoshop, so if you also need to edit photos, you can take advantage of this extra feature of CorelDraw.

One thing to keep in mind: If you are looking for an Inkscape alternative that handles a high volume of data well, then CorelDraw is not the one you need.

Just like Inkscape, CorelDRAW struggles with high volumes of data, and the rendering of your image might slow down at times.

As mentioned in the pros list, this Inkscape alternative offers different levels of difficulty, so beginners and professional designers can pick the level they feel more comfortable working with.

CorelDRAW is available both on Mac OS and Windows platforms.

6. Gravit Designer

Pricing:

• Basic version: Free
• Gravit Designer Pro: $49.00 per year

Free Trial: Yes

Pros:

• Autosaves every five minutes
• Offers 500MB cloud storage
• Simple PDF export
• Easy to use and learn

Cons:

• Lacks advanced tools
• Not shareable
• You need the Pro version to use offline

Unlike Inkscape, this alternative is very easy to use and offers video tutorials that explain how each of its tools and features.

If we compare Gravit Designer to Sketch, the biggest asset of Gravit Designer is its 500MB cloud storage.

You won't have to worry about backing up your work or save it constantly like you would do if you picked Sketch. Gravit Designer saves any project or file you are working on every five minutes.

In case you are working in a team and need to share your work with others constantly, this tool is not your best pick.

The same goes for offline work. If you stick with the free version of Gravit Designer, you will have to have an internet connection to use it. However, if you get the PRO version, you can work offline as well.

7. Vecteezy

Pricing:

• Basic version: Free
• Vecteezy Pro: $14 per month

Free Trial: Yes

Pros:

• Easy to use and navigate
• No prior editing knowledge needed
• Provides millions of high-quality and free images
• Easy to purchase a license
• Helpful online community of creators

Cons:

• Lacks professional tools
• The free version contains lots of ads and requires credit to Vecteezy
• Layering can become difficult

Vecteezy is an image-sharing platform that aims to inspire and simplify the creative process of designers worldwide.

From images to templates, designers and illustrators can use this tool to find everything they need to do their best work. All of the images are free to use either for personal use or commercial use as long as you credit Vecteezy.

This platform has also set up an immense community of designers and illustrators that are always there for each other and ready to help anyone who wants to use this software.

The ability to interact with the online community of creators is one of the greatest strengths of this Inkscape alternative.

8. Boxy SVG

Pricing: $9.99 per year

Free Trial: Yes

Pros:

• Intuitive user interface.
• Customizable keyboard shortcuts.
• Tutorials available on the website to understand the software.

Cons:

Inkscape Vs Affinity Designer Reddit

• Lacks 2D drawing, animation, and image tracing
• It needs to be installed to be used offline
• The standard version doesn't allow SVG files to be exported into PDFs.

Boxy-SVG is a user-friendly illustration and design program. Offering an intuitive interface, this Inkscape Alternative can be perfect for beginners or anyone who does not need to use advanced tools.

Boxy-SVG also offers many video tutorials that help users understand how the software works, how to customize keyboard shortcuts, and so on.

Nevertheless, this tool might be limiting for experienced designers and illustrators who need to use advanced tools.

Boxy-SVG also has limited capability when it comes to exporting since its standard version does not allow SVG files to be exported to PDF. It is available on Web, Mac OS, and Linux platforms.

Which One Is The Best Inkscape Alternative? 🧐

The best alternative for you depends on so many factors. The first thing to consider is the level of difficulty.

Are you a beginner?

Then the best options for you would be CorelDRAW, Sketch, Gravit Designer, Vecteezy, or Boxy-SVG.

Are you an experienced designer or illustrator?

Then the best options for you would be:

• Vectornator
• Affinity Designer

The second thing to consider is whether you are working on your own or in teams.

Are you working on your own?

Then the best options for you would be:

• Adobe Illustrator
• Vectornator
• Affinity Designer
• Gravit Designer

Are you working in teams?

Then the best options for you would be: Sketch or CorelDRAW

As you can see, there are many factors that you have to consider before picking the Inkscape Alternative that best fits your lifestyle.

Whichever option you go for, make sure you weigh all the pros and cons before making the final decision.

This article was written by Juxhina Malaj. Juxhina is a published writer, book editor, and digital marketer who has traveled to over 20 countries and lived in 5 of them. She is currently finishing her Master's degree in Communication Science at the University of Vienna. When not engaged in research, she likes to oil paint, read, and drink green tea. Rumor says she swears by Google Calendar and Google Docs.

In this post, I’ll compare features of Affinity Designer and Inkscape.

Both software is a Vector editing software.

Affinity designer Is new software from UK company. This software very close to Adobe Illustrator. As AI is very popular Affinity designer created to be a cheaper alternative to Adobe Illustrator.

Inkscape is light and I same time Free vector editing software that very close to CorelDraw and in many cases can easily replace it.

Now Take let’s compare them.

Interface

Affinity Designer interface designed in dark colors and structure of tools developed very close to Adobe illustrator. If you are familiar with AI then you’ll very fast get familiar with AD.

In Affinity, Designer interface can change based on which persona you are using. About persona, you can read here (Click). If you are new in Affinity Designer you’ll need time to get familiar with interface.

Inkscape interface very close to CorelDraw interface. As in CorelDraw, Inkscape interface very simple but in same time functional.

As in Affinity Designer if you are new you’ll need time to get familiar with and find tools that you need faster. Most of the frequently used tools place on visible places in one click long way.

Affinity designer interface more complicated for new beginners that Inkscape interface. But if I’ll compare esthetic view then Affinity Designer interface more stylish.

Working Area

In affinity designer Working sheet limited to artboard size like in Photoshop. This limit very uncomfortable when you are working with too many objects.

But Inkspace working space is limitless. You can create a very big object but the view is limited. While working you can create many different designs without touching other. Of course, Inkscape also has artboard, but artboard here can be used when you are creating something that should be in page (for example book page) or when you’ll print something in particular size like in A4.

Vector Creation and Edit

In both software object creation and modify process easy and comfortable. You can create simple figures in one click and can easily modify them with node editing tool. With a double click, you can create a node on the object and convert it into line, curve or Bezier.

Special Features

Besides Standard features, every software has it is own features.

The main features of Affinity Designer are - you can import and use Brushes, Styles and other importable parts of Adobe Illustrator. Well if you’ll need to migrate from AI to AD then you can make it less painful. Besides of that, this software hasn’t any big features. The biggest minus of AD is it hasn’t tool to trace images into vector. Trace very usable and many designers using it very often. Maybe in future version developers will add this feature.

Inkscape has many different features that can be useful in some technical designs and works like Barcode generation or preparation your files to cut in laser machine and similar works. Besides of build in tools, you can download many different macros from offi the ial website to make your work more comfortable.

Conclusion

Affinity Designer can be good Alternative to Adobe Illustrator in design. As this tool has easy to use tools and ability to use AI parts. This software is very young but despite this, it has good chances to be a good alternative to most popular Adobe Illustrator. Price of this software is about 45 USD for a one-time purchase. If you Compare it to Adobe products it is very cheap.

Inkscape is very close to CorelDraw and can easily replace it. In technical works, it is better than AD. It has a wide range of features that can help you in many situations. Maybe in design process, you’ll need to do some additional actions that you can pass in AD. The best part of Inkscape is it is free.

If you want to check them you can easily download them from official website and test them.

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