Inkscape is a relatively popular open source Illustrator alternative. This free, vector-based graphic program for Windows, macOS, and Linux boasts a range of functions that as almost as large as the Adobe program – all that’s missing is one palette of digital paintbrushes. Aside from that, Inkscape offers all the essential and popular tools for digital illustration. The program also has other special features; for example, it can support the use of a graphics tablet or export graphics as HTML5 canvas elements - an alternative to SVG for website graphics.
With regard to the design options, the market leader Illustrator only just beats the program, Inkscape – considering the vector graphics software is free, this is an extremely impressive feat. It’s even possible to download extensions for the open source application (although, again, there are not quite as many as there are for Adobe Illustrator). As well as the missing paintbrushes, Inkscape falls short in comparison to the market leader in another area: Inkscape cannot print graphics in the CMYK color model. This color model is of huge significance in printing technology, as it is the standard for four-color printing. Inkscape, however, does present various workarounds that can be used to export graphics in the CMYK color model. However, the setup is more cumbersome than with other vector graphics programs, and it can produce bad results if used incorrectly. Inkscape is therefore best suited to creating print templates.
Inkscape supports all common file formats (SVG, PNG, PDF etc.) – this also includes formats of other vector graphics software such as Adobe Illustrator (AI) and CorelDRAW (CDR). This means files created with other graphics programs can also be processed with Inkscape, and also that Inkscape designs can be completed with other programs, such as Illustrator.
When it comes to the program’s operation and usability, the jury’s still out. While some users consider Inkscape to be one of the most user-friendly graphics programs on the market, other users often criticize its operability in comparison to other popular vector-based graphic programs, claiming it’s too complicated to implement, or that the way the tools are used is simply much too different from other programs. The main reason for these complaints is that users are used to other programs, such as Illustrator, Sketch, or CorelDRAW, meaning that they need to reorientate themselves completely when using Inkscape. It’s for precisely this reason that Inkscape has included an article on their Wiki site, which explains the use of the program to users who previously worked mainly with Adobe Illustrator.
Overall, Inkscape can be considered professional and extensive free vector graphics software. Users who have already worked with vector-based images (or, at the very least, are familiar with the basics of image processing) should be able to familiarize themselves relatively quickly with this software – even though the navigation and commands are implemented differently than with most other graphics programs. On the other hand, beginners in this field can be quickly overwhelmed with the large variety of functions and sequences of the individual design processes.