It’s 2025, and Inkscape Linux is your go-to vector graphics editor for countless Linux users. Why?
Because one, it’s open-source, you get professional-grade features that integrate seamlessly with multiple Linux environments. This makes it a perfect alternative to proprietary tools such as the Adobe Illustrator.
So, give this guide a read. It doesn’t matter if you’re a designer, illustrator, or hobbyist. Why not learn the best way to install and use an amazing tool like Inkscape Linux, when we’re making it so easy for you?
System Requirements for Running Inkscape on Linux
Before installing Inkscape on Linux, here are some prerequisites that you must ensure your system meets:
- OS: Linux (Ubuntu 20.04+, Fedora 38+, Debian 11+, Arch Linux, openSUSE, RHEL).
- CPU: 1 GHz processor or faster.
- RAM: 4 GB minimum (8 GB recommended for large projects).
- Storage: 1 GB free disk space.
- Display: 1024×768 resolution or higher.
- Dependencies: GTK3, Python 3, Cairo, and other libraries (usually pre-installed on major Linux distros).
How To Install Inkscape on Linux?
Inkscape Linux Installation methods depend on your Linux distribution and preferences.
Using APT (Debian/Ubuntu)
sudo apt update
sudo apt install inkscape -yUsing DNF/YUM (Fedora/CentOS/RHEL)
For RPM-based systems:
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sudo dnf install inkscape -yOn older RHEL/CentOS systems:
sudo yum install inkscape -yUsing Snap Package
Snap packages work across many distros:
sudo snap install inkscapeNow To run it:
snap run inkscapeUsing Flatpak
flatpak install flathub org.inkscape.Inkscape
flatpak run org.inkscape.Inkscape<br>
Compiling from Source (Advanced Users)
Use this if you want the latest development version:
git clone https://gitlab.com/inkscape/inkscape.git
cd inkscape
mkdir build && cd build
cmake ..
make
sudo make installHow to Launch and Use Inkscape Linux After Installation?
Inkscape Launching from the Application Menu Inkscape Launching from the Terminal
Select Inkscape under Applications > Graphics.
inkscapeMaking Inkscape the SVG Editor of Choice
When you right-click on a.svg file, select Properties → Make Inkscape the default program.
Using Inkscape Basic on Linux to Create and Edit SVG Files
Launch Inkscape → File > New → Select a template.
To create vectors, use programs like Shapes, Bezier, and Pencil.
Exporting to PDF, PNG, and Other File Types
File → PNG Image Export (web).
File → Save As → Select from EPS, PDF, and other compatible formats.
Keyboard Shortcuts to Streamline Workflow
Align and Distribute using Ctrl+Shift+A
- Ctrl+G → Group items
- Ctrl+Shift+G → Ungroup objects
- Ctrl+D → Copy
Summary!
Now you know why Inkscape Linux can be the right tool for your design journey. It’s a flexible tool for making artwork, providing scalability, import/export features, and rendering vector shapes and text.
It works with different formats and is compatible with Windows, Mac OS X, and GNU/Linux.
Also, Linux Inkscapes’ Latest version, Inkscape 0.92.0, has bug fixes, updated translations, and improved documentation. It is perfect for illustrators, graphic designers, and web designers.
FAQ’s
What is Inkscape?
Inkscape is a free vector graphics editor, similar to Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, Freehand, or Xara X, that uses Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG), an open XML-based W3C standard.
What platforms does Inkscape run on?
We offer source tarballs for Linux (with binary packages provided by the distributor), as well as flatpak and snap packages, and a PPA for Ubuntu. There are also packages for Windows (both 32bit and 64bit, including a portable app, a fully self-contained installer, and a binary version without installation) and Mac OS X (in DMG format, plus MacPorts and Homebrew from community members). Inkscape is also known to work well on FreeBSD and other Unix-like systems. Please note that Windows 98/Me and 2000 are no longer supported.
What formats can Inkscape import/export?
Inkscape natively opens or imports various formats such as SVG, PDF, AI, and from version 0.91, also CDR and VSD files.
It can handle additional vector formats through extensions and requires specific applications for formats like Dia, XFig, or Sketch.
Inkscape natively imports most raster formats as bitmap images but only exports PNG bitmaps.
It does not plan to export other raster formats besides PNG, advising users to utilize other software for conversion to formats like JPEG.
Can Inkscape make webpages?
Sort of.
Many web authors use Inkscape for creating webpage mockups and web elements such as banners and logos. With improved SVG support in modern browsers, using SVG directly on the web is increasingly viable, and SVG can potentially be combined with XHTML in the same document for further exploration.
Can Inkscape create animations?
Yes and no. Inkscape does not currently support animation, but it may in the future. Until then, there are various methods to animate either SVG images or raster images originally made with Inkscape, using other technologies.
