A professional free vector graphics editor for Mac

Inkscape for Mac
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Inkscape for Mac

  -  152.23 MB  -  Open Source
Free Download

Security Status

  • Latest Version

    Inkscape 1.4.3 LATEST

  • Review by

    Sophia Jones

  • Operating System

    macOS 10.13 High Sierra or later

  • User Rating

    Click to vote

  • Author / Product

    Inkscape Team / External Link

  • Filename

    Inkscape-1.4.333103_x86_64_lVG7DLz.dmg

  • MD5 Checksum

    0168a98b249f77cd776853286e41f985

Inkscape for Mac is an open-source vector graphics editor, similar to Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, and Affinity Designer. It allows users to create scalable graphics using SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) as its primary format.

The software supports advanced vector editing tools, making it suitable for professional graphic designers, web designers, and illustrators.

Originally released in 2003, Inkscape for macOS is continuously updated by a community of developers, ensuring that it remains competitive with commercial alternatives. Its key selling point is that it is completely free, making professional-grade design accessible to everyone.

Key Features

1. Vector Editing Tools

Pen tool (Bezier and Spiro curves)

Pencil tool (freehand drawing with smoothing options)

Calligraphy tool for artistic strokes

Shape tools (rectangles, circles, stars, spirals, and polygons)

2. Path Operations and Boolean Functions

Union, Difference, Intersection, Exclusion, and Division tools

Node editing to refine vector paths

Advanced path effects for artistic manipulation

3. Text and Typography Support

Full SVG text editing with kerning, spacing, and text-on-path options

Support for OpenType features

4. Fill and Stroke Capabilities

Gradient, pattern, and texture fills

Transparency and blending modes

Custom stroke styles

5. Filters and Effects

Drop shadows, blurs, and distortions

Custom filter editor for advanced effects

6. Import and Export Options

Supports SVG, PDF, EPS, PNG, DXF, and more

Can export to various file formats, making it versatile for different design needs

7. Extensions and Customization

Extensive support for plugins and extensions

Highly customizable interface

User Interface

The Inkscape UI might feel a bit overwhelming for beginners, but it is highly functional and customizable.
  • The main canvas is surrounded by toolbars and dockable panels for easy access to tools and settings.
  • The left sidebar contains the drawing and editing tools.
  • The top menu provides access to file operations, layer management, and customization settings.
  • The right sidebar features color swatches, object properties, and alignment tools.
Users familiar with Adobe Illustrator will find some similarities, but this app has its own unique approach to UI design.

Installation and Setup
  • Download this program from the official website or FileHorse.
  • Choose the appropriate version for Windows, macOS, or Linux.
  • Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
  • Launch this program and configure preferences as needed.
  • Since the app is open-source, no activation or subscription is required.
How to Use

Getting Started
  • Open the app and create a new document.
  • Select a shape tool (rectangle, ellipse, or polygon) and draw on the canvas.
  • Use the Fill and Stroke panel to adjust colors and outlines.
  • Apply transformations such as scaling, rotating, and skewing.
Creating a Simple Logo
  • Use the text tool to type a brand name.
  • Customize the font and size in the text properties panel.
  • Convert text to a path (Path > Object to Path) for further manipulation.
  • Add a simple icon using the shape or pen tool.
  • Export the final design as an SVG or PNG file.
FAQ

Is Inkscape for Mac completely free?
Yes! this program is open-source and available at no cost.

Can Inkscape open Adobe Illustrator (AI) files?
It can import AI files but may lose some formatting. It is better to use SVG or PDF for compatibility.

Is Inkscape good for professional use?
Yes, many designers use Inkscape for professional projects, though it lacks some advanced features of Illustrator.

Does Inkscape work on Mac?
Yes, but the Mac version may require additional setup (such as XQuartz for older versions).

Can I use Inkscape for print design?
Absolutely! It supports CMYK colors through plugins, making it viable for print projects.

Alternatives

Adobe Illustrator – The industry standard for vector graphics.

CorelDRAW – A feature-rich alternative for professionals.

Affinity Designer – A budget-friendly yet powerful choice.

Krita – Free and open-source painting software.

Pricing

Completely FREE! Since the app is open-source, there are no hidden costs, subscriptions, or trial limitations.

System Requirements
  • OS: macOS 10.12 or later
  • Minimum RAM: 2GB (4GB or more recommended)
  • Storage: At least 500MB free space
PROS
  • Free and open-source
  • Powerful vector design tools
  • Supports various file formats
  • Active community and frequent updates
  • Lightweight and does not require a high-end system
CONS
  • Learning curve for beginners
  • Lacks some advanced features of Illustrator
Also Available: Download Inkscape for Windows

Download Inkscape for Mac Latest Version
Why is this app published on FileHorse? (More info)

  • Inkscape 1.4.3 Screenshots

    The images below have been resized. Click on them to view the screenshots in full size.

    Inkscape 1.4.3 Screenshot 1
  • Inkscape 1.4.3 Screenshot 2
  • Inkscape 1.4.3 Screenshot 3
  • Inkscape 1.4.3 Screenshot 4

What's new in this version:

- Inkscape 1.4.3 is maintenance and bugfix release, which brings you fixes for many critical or irritating bugs, and even a few new features
- It is also a bridge release in the sense that it can be used to convert the planned Inkscape 1.5 multipage file format to the pre-1.5 multipage format. Versions lower than Inkscape 1.4.3 will not be able to interpret pages created in Inkscape versions 1.5 and upwards. Opening a document in Inkscape 1.4.3 and saving it will convert it to the current ('old') page format (MR #7608).
- Background: While the 'old' format of pages in Inkscape is a custom addition that only works in Inkscape, the new format will make use of the svg:view element, which is standardized and can work in other SVG viewers, too. Find more information about this in MR #7525.

The most important fixes and changes in this release are:
- 24 crash/freeze fixes many of which prevented users from opening certain files or exporting certain objects with Inkscape 1.4.2

almost 100 bug fixes and small improvements, among them:
- JPEG/JPG export works again on Windows
- The problem with user interface text showing up as rectangles ('tofu') instead of letters if certain fonts are installed on macOS is finally resolved
- Ungrouping big groups is faster again
- All pasting options ('on page', 'width'/'height'/'size'/…) are now accessible from the right-click menu on canvas
- The Measure tool snaps again at its end point, so you can make accurate measurements again
- The LPE dialog now offers to convert Line, Polyline or Polygon SVG objects to paths before applying a path effect to them
- When resizing the Inkscape window, the buttons in the Commands bar (copy, paste, open, dialog shortcuts) show up one by one instead of waiting for the window to get big enough to show the second half at once
- When converting strokes to paths, patterns and gradients are no longer lost
- Aligning on a circle or arc now works more reliably
- Text on Path now also works with rectangles
- Many improvements have been made to the PDF import
- Results from path operations no longer end up at the bottom of the object stack unexpectedly and the Split Path operation has learnt to better handle nested shapes
- The current layer by default is now the one where you have last selected an object (might need a preferences reset to apply)
- Whether the current page is changed when you select an object on it has been made optional
- You can now make small changes to how Inkscape looks without needing to modify the full theme file
- The bug that sometimes made it impossible to make gradients and patterns fully opaque has been prevented from reaching adulthood (it has been around since 2007!)
- and 25 updated interface languages as well as 13 updated documentation languages

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