Inkscape

Inkscape is an open source vector graphics editor with capabilities similar to apps like Adobe Illustrator, Freehand, CorelDRAW and Xara X. The program, offering a range of tools for both artistic illustration and technical drawing, allows you to convert any sketch or drawing into professional quality work, ready to be published on any web page or printed out.

Create vector images from scratch

With Inkscape you can either create your own vector graphics from scratch, or import images in any format to work on. The app supports all common image formats including PNG, JPG, BMP and TIFF. Import any document in any of these formats and work on it seamlessly. Once you have completed your work, you can save it in SVG format to continue working on it later, or export it to a number of different formats, such as PNG, PDF, DXF or EPS.

SVG, the vector standard

The main format you can work with on Inkscape is SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics). The advantage of this format, which aims to represent 2D graphics on a screen without any loss of quality, is that it is perfectly compatible with other similar apps and even most browsers. SVG files can also be searched for, indexed and compressed, all without losing quality.

All the tools you need

The range of quality tools available in Inkscape is so great that it would be almost impossible to list them one by one. The app itself has a Wiki and a tutorial that presents a detailed breakdown of each of its tools. In the menu to the left, you can find all of Inkscape's editing and drawing tools, which allow you to create shapes or draw freely using the cursor. On the right, on the other hand, you will have layer controls and tools to group, clone or duplicate objects. You will find filters at the top of the interface.

The best Inkscape extensions

Inkscape has a very useful resource, its extensions. Extensions are add-ons, typically created by the community, that you can easily install to add certain features. Keep in mind, however, that for an extension to install correctly, you will first have to restart the program. This is very important. The extensions you have installed will not work until you restart Inkscape. You can find hundreds of extensions ready to install on the tool's official website.

Learn the most useful keyboard shortcuts

As is typical of most editing programs on Windows, Inkscape has dozens of keyboard shortcuts which allow you to perform virtually any action in half the time. On the program's Wiki you will find not only a tutorial, but also a complete table with all the keyboard shortcuts. Knowing the keyboard shortcuts of your most frequently used tools can save you a lot of time.

The king of vector editing

Download Inkscape and discover a drawing and design tool that is as powerful as it is convenient. With this program you can create professionally finished works on your desktop PC, with only the help of a keyboard and mouse. The app also has a huge user community that regularly contributes tips, tricks and new tutorials in the official forums and channels.