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Open source Inkscape alternatives

Top Graphic Design like Inkscape

The most popular alternative to Inkscape is Penpot, which has a free version. Other great alternatives to Inkscape are Scribus, GIMP, and Krita.

Most alternatives to Inkscape are in the Graphic Design category, compared here by price, platform and features.

Inkscape alternatives
AllFreeOpen source
4 apps

All Inkscape alternatives

  1. Penpot

    60.9Kstars

    Penpot is an open source alternative to Figma for designing interfaces and prototypes in the browser. Its data model is based on SVG, CSS and HTML, so developers can inspect designs and copy usable code, while teams work with components, design tokens and real-time collaboration. It is available as a hosted cloud service or can be self-hosted with Docker to keep full control over data.

    10 Penpot alternatives

    Pros

    • Open source and self-hostable for full control over data
    • Built on SVG, CSS and HTML, so developers get usable code
    • Components, design tokens and real-time collaboration

    Cons

    • Performance can lag on large, complex files
    • Smaller plugin ecosystem and fewer community resources than Figma
    Cost / License
    FreemiumOpen source
    Categories
    UI Design & Prototyping
    Platforms
    WebSelf-hosted
    Features
    Design systemsDeveloper handoffInteractive prototypingPlugins & extensionsReal-time collaborationVector editing
    Visit websiteMore about Penpot

  2. Scribus

    Scribus is a free, open source page layout program for Windows, macOS and Linux, used to design newsletters, brochures, posters, magazines and books. It supports CMYK and spot colors, ICC color management, PDF/X export for professional printing and Python scripting. Nonprofits, schools and small publishers use it to produce print-ready files without paid software.

    6 Scribus alternatives

    Pros

    • Free, open source page layout for Windows, macOS and Linux
    • CMYK, spot colors and PDF/X export for professional printing
    • Python scripting to automate repetitive layout tasks

    Cons

    • Interface feels dated and less intuitive than InDesign
    • Fewer templates and tutorials than commercial layout software
    Cost / License
    FreeOpen source
    Categories
    Graphic Design
    Platforms
    WindowsMacLinux
    Features
    LayersPlugins & extensionsTemplates
    Visit websiteMore about Scribus

  3. GIMP

    GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a free, open source image editor used for photo retouching, image composition and digital artwork. It offers layers, masks, selection tools, a wide range of filters and scripts and plugins in Python or Script-Fu. GIMP 3.0 added non-destructive filters and a refreshed interface, and it is a common Photoshop alternative for people who want to avoid subscriptions.

    12 GIMP alternatives

    Pros

    • Free, open source and available on Windows, macOS and Linux
    • Layers, masks, filters and scripting in Python or Script-Fu
    • Non-destructive filters since version 3.0

    Cons

    • Interface and workflows differ from Photoshop, which slows switchers
    • Fewer AI and generative tools than commercial editors
    Cost / License
    FreeOpen source
    Categories
    Photo Editing
    Platforms
    WindowsMacLinux
    Features
    AI image editingDigital paintingLayersNon-destructive editingPlugins & extensions
    Visit websiteMore about GIMP

  4. Krita

    Krita is a free, open source digital painting program developed by the KDE community for illustrators, comic artists, concept artists and texture painters. It offers customizable brush engines, a brush stabilizer, layers and masks, a wrap-around mode for seamless textures and frame-by-frame 2D animation. It runs on Windows, macOS and Linux, with a version for Android tablets and Chromebooks.

    8 Krita alternatives

    Pros

    • Free, open source painting app with powerful brush engines
    • Brush stabilizer and wrap-around mode for seamless textures
    • Frame-by-frame 2D animation built in

    Cons

    • Not designed for photo editing
    • Can be demanding on hardware with large canvases
    • No version available for iPad
    Cost / License
    FreeOpen source
    Categories
    Photo EditingGraphic Design
    Platforms
    WindowsMacLinuxAndroid
    Features
    AnimationDigital paintingLayersPlugins & extensions
    Visit websiteMore about Krita

Inkscape vs its alternatives at a glance

Pricing, platforms and the key features of Inkscape, compared with its most popular alternatives.

Inkscape vs its alternatives at a glance
AppPricingPlatformsLayersOffline modePlugins & extensionsVector editing
InkscapeFreeOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux
PenpotFreemiumOpen sourceWeb, Self-hosted
ScribusFreeOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux
GIMPFreeOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux
KritaFreeOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux, Android

Inkscape alternatives: frequently asked questions

What is the best alternative to Inkscape?

The most popular alternative to Inkscape is Penpot: Open source design and prototyping platform built on web standards. Other great alternatives are Scribus, GIMP, and Krita.

Is there a free alternative to Inkscape?

Yes, 4 alternatives are free or have a free plan, including Penpot, Scribus, GIMP, and Krita.

Is there an open source alternative to Inkscape?

Yes, 4 open source alternatives are listed, including Penpot, Scribus, GIMP, and Krita.

Is Inkscape free?

Yes, Inkscape is free to use.

Compare Inkscape with its alternatives

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