Inkscape vs. Illustrator: Battle of the Vector Graphics Software

Inkscape vs. Illustrator: which is the better vector graphics software? Discover the answer in this video.

In this video, we’ll take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of Inkscape vs. Illustrator. We’ll check things out from multiple angles too, such as Inkscape vs. Illustrator for beginners and Adobe Illustrator Live Trace vs. Inkscape Trace Bitmap.

Both of these tools have tons of potential, and there are many reasons to give both a try. Inkscape-Illustrator compatibility is something to consider too, as both can work with files like SVG. ‌

How much does Inkscape cost? Well, Inkscape is free vector graphics software, whereas Adobe Illustrator has a monthly subscription. As you might expect, this means Inkscape has fewer features than Illustrator, but don’t underestimate Inkscape. It’s quite feature-rich for its price tag. Likewise, don’t cancel your Illustrator subscription just yet. Illustrator has many pros that can make that price tag worth it for your workflow.‌

Ready to explore Inkscape vs. Illustrator? Here's what we'll cover in the video:

0:00 - Introduction
1:10 - What Is Inkscape?
2:24 - What Is Adobe Illustrator?
3:20 - Inkscape vs. Illustrator: Pricing
4:24 - Inkscape vs. Illustrator: For Beginners
5:28 - Inkscape vs. Illustrator: Tracing Imagery
6:02 - Inkscape vs. Illustrator: Web & Print
6:48 - Inkscape vs. Illustrator: Quality & Formats
7:27 - Inkscape Pros and Cons
8:20 - Illustrator Pros and Cons

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[Burak-dfgw]

Inkscape sounds like Blender from 3d world :D These open source softwares make me excited and proud. I feel power of open source communities! :)

[DaviesMediaDesign]

Inkscape has definitely been closing the gap, especially with Inkscape 1.3 just being released.

[RayOfSunlight]

Main Difference here:

Adobe Ilustrator: Rental, requires a strong computer to run, only run if your job demands it

Affinity Designer: Pay once, and the copy is yours.

Inkscape: Free as In freedoom, can run on weaker computers.


Inkscape 1.3 now has the shapebuilder tool and a lot more :D

[ekids.bassment]

I started with Illustrator many decades ago, now I use Inkscape and I love it. I try to avoid anything Adobe, it's not a good company.

[fanialivio]

Inkscape is a very powerful and complete vector software once you understand the logic behind it. I've been using it professionnally for several years now and it keeps improving at each new release.

[GraphicdesignforFree]

Inkscape now also has a Shape Builder tool :)

[bkgraphs]

Adobe Illustrator, CorelDraw, Affinity Designer and Inkscape each has its own big advantages. That's why it's hard to choose when you know it. Would be better if you just pick one and work on it

[lomaasama]

Why didn't I know that this channel gives very useful tutorials!! 😭

[hasibmahadi]

Inkscape is soon going to introduce shape builder, the development version 1.3 already has it. Again trace bitmap is far more developed now. The bitmap feature you showed is from the previous versions.

[scottvandevondervoort]

Inkscape has a Shape builder tool now in update 1.3 🎉

[paulbruce]

I use both, also CMYK is currently being worked for Inkscape, overhauling the code and making it cleaner when this is released this truly will give a fantastic reason to use Inkscape 👍 even more

[koshisunuwarrai]

the answer vary person to person, depending on how comfortable the individual feel with the tool.

[injusticemobile]

I cant create guilloche patter in illustrator can you suggest me any software for guilloche design

[techofe-anopensourcebasedd]

Now looking for GIMP vs PS of the raster gfx software 🤔

[Vancha]

So, inkscape for everything, and illustrator if you really need to export for printing? Nice ^^

[biggordo]

Adobe software was good when they were selling a permanent license for single owners, this monthly license is a trick to make more money. Everybody can't pay that so inkscape is a better solution for independent graphics designer like me

[commonwunder]

Brushes, brushes, brushes... for professionals, that's the real deal breaker. How good are the brushes?
That a paid-for-package like Affinity Designer doesn't have true vector brushes... is near criminal.

[rgbcom]

Great video. I’ll dump AI and try Inkscape.

[bobotube]

In CorelDraw there was more functionality and possibilities, when in Illustrator there was no idea to put them yet.

[billps]

Inkscape has a Shape Builder tool now.