What it does
Inkscape is a GPL-licensed vector drawing application. Its tools include Bézier and calligraphic paths, shape building, linked clones, text, bitmap tracing and SVG editing.
Linked clones keep repeated shapes connected, while Live Path Effects let you revise a path without rebuilding its original geometry. These tools suit icons, diagrams and illustrated patterns that need several related versions.
Save the working drawing as Inkscape SVG to preserve its editing information. Plain SVG is an alternative for passing the file to another vector application. For a PNG, the export controls let you choose the page, the whole drawing, a selection or a custom area, then set the pixel dimensions and destination. The document background's alpha setting determines whether the exported background is transparent.
Strengths
- Linked clones support related repeated elements.
- Live Path Effects keep path changes editable.
Best for
- SVG illustration
- Diagram-like editorial art
Sources
- Features | Inkscape (Oct 25, 2026)
- Google Season of Docs 2024: Inkscape Wiki (Oct 27, 2026)
- Saving your work: Inkscape Beginners’ Guide (Oct 27, 2026)
- Exporting a PNG file: Inkscape Beginners’ Guide (Oct 27, 2026)