Useful Open Source Software: Inkscape
update 6/11/2024: this is a post from a blog that I contributed to in 2011 called TechHacking, it shut down eventually but I was happy to be able to find some of my work through the internet archive.
Inkscape is a free and open source Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) Editor. It it similar to Adobe Illustrator. While it lacks some of the more advanced features of proprietary SVG editors, it still has stunning capabilities allowing you to make brilliant drawings and graphics.
Vector Graphics are basically resolution-independent graphics, in comparison to bitmap graphics which are always bound to their pixels, vector graphics are stored through a mathematical formula in lines, shapes, and colors allowing them to become virtually any size without losing their quality – hence the term scalable (in SVG). Vector graphics can be very useful when developing logos and banners for your website.
Inkscape has recently released a new version (0.48.1) which will be available for download soon. Some new features in version .48 include:
- An improved text tool which allows you to add subscript, superscript, spacing, rotation and more
- Ability to edit multiple paths
- A spray tool (which is demonstrated in the picture above)
- Takes advantage of multi-threading for the Gaussian Blur filter
The new features in 0.48.1 build upon the already wonderful program. As this program continues to be developed in an open source environment, it will be exciting to see its growth. In addition to GIMP and several other graphic design programs (to be covered soon), Inkscape adds a significant piece of software to open source graphical editing capabilities allowing you to create professional graphics without spending any money on software or licenses.
Inkscape is available for download for Mac OSX, Windows, and Linux. If you do any sort of graphic design or have been wanting to try out working with vector graphics, download it today and you will not be disappointed. If you are new to SVG, there are tons of awesome tutorials and guides available to help you get started.
Thank you for reading! Share your thoughts with me on bluesky, mastodon, or via email.
Check out some more stuff to read down below.
Most popular posts this month
- 2024
- Reinstalling Windows at 1am
- SQLite DB Migrations with PRAGMA user_version
- My Custom Miniflux CSS Theme
- How to Disable Wayland in Debian Testing
Recent Favorite Blog Posts
This is a collection of the last 8 posts that I bookmarked.
- Underused Techniques for Effective Emails from Refactoring English
- Death by a thousand slops from daniel.haxx.se
- The AGI economy is coming faster than you think from Freethink
- Rolling the ladder up behind us from Xe Iaso's blog
- In Praise of “Normal” Engineers from charity.wtf
- Reports of Bluesky's death have been greatly exaggerated from The Torment Nexus
- What Would a Kubernetes 2.0 Look Like from matduggan.com
- We Can Just Measure Things from Armin Ronacher's Thoughts and Writings
Articles from blogs I follow around the net
Pluralistic: Boss-politics antitrust and the MAGA crackup (29 Jul 2025)
Today's links Boss-politics antitrust and the MAGA crackup: The Tunney Act stirs the pot. Hey look at this: Delights to delectate. Object permanence: Hearware, 10,000 superballs; Bitcoin is not socialist; Stupid and dangerous video game cheating lawsu…
via Pluralistic: Daily links from Cory Doctorow July 29, 2025What Are We Losing With AI?
Once it’s well integrated into our lives, any new technology can be seen as an exchange. We lose something and get something else in return. When we started using our calculator app, we lost the ability to do basic operations by hand, but we got accurate r…
via Articles on Jose M. July 29, 2025Crypto lender Abra pauses withdrawals for international customers
The Abra cryptocurrency lender sent an email to customers announcing that "Abra Earn international services are currently paused, effective immediately", attributing the decision to "broader risk management efforts" a…
via Web3 is Going Just Great July 29, 2025Generated by openring