Inkscape
Free vector graphics editor for Mac for logos, illustrations and SVG files, an Adobe Illustrator alternative.
Adobe IllustratorInkscape is a vector graphics editor that uses SVG as its native format. People use it for logos, icons, illustrations, diagrams and other artwork that has to scale cleanly.
Drawing tools include the Pen tool with Bezier, Spiro, B-Spline and straight line modes, a Pencil for freehand paths, a Calligraphy tool, and shape tools for rectangles, ellipses, stars, polygons and spirals. The Text tool supports multi-line text, text on a path, text inside a shape and variable fonts. Clones and symbols keep linked copies in sync, and layers, alignment, snapping and grids help with precise layouts.
For editing paths there are node tools, Boolean operations, a Shape builder and Live Path Effects such as Power Stroke, Offset, Rotate copies and Envelope deformation, which change shapes without destroying them. Bitmap tracing turns raster images into vector paths. Inkscape exports PNG, PDF, EPS, PostScript, AI, DXF and more, supports command line export, and can be extended with Python extensions. The interface can be themed, including a dark mode, and rearranged with dockable dialogs.
Inkscape is free and open source. The full program is distributed under GPL-3.0 or later, with most source files under GPL-2.0 or later. Version 1.4.4 came out on 6 May 2026 with crash fixes and performance work, and the Mac download comes as separate Apple Silicon and Intel builds.
Frequently asked questions
Is Inkscape free?
Yes. Inkscape is free and has no paid edition. The project is funded by donations and sponsors.
Is Inkscape safe and open source?
Inkscape is open source, with its code on GitLab, and the program is distributed under GPL-3.0 or later. Since version 1.4.3, the official macOS builds block extensions when Inkscape is started from the command line, as a fix for a security issue.
How do I install Inkscape?
Download the Apple Silicon or Intel .dmg from inkscape.org and drag Inkscape to Applications, or run brew install --cask inkscape in Terminal. The cask also adds an inkscape command for exports from the shell.
What macOS version does Inkscape need?
The Inkscape 1.4.4 macOS download page offers separate Apple Silicon and Intel builds but does not list a minimum macOS version. Check the release notes on inkscape.org if you use an older Mac.
How does Inkscape compare to Adobe Illustrator?
Adobe Illustrator is sold as a Creative Cloud subscription, with a 7-day free trial. Inkscape is free, works natively in SVG and can export AI, PDF and EPS files. Illustrator remains the standard in many design studios, so check which formats your clients or printers expect.
Can Inkscape turn an image into vectors?
Yes. Bitmap tracing converts a raster image into editable vector paths, in colour or monochrome. You can then clean up the result with the node tools and path simplification.
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