Software · head to head
Inkscape vs Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Illustrator
Software
Professional vector graphics software
- From
- $22.99/month
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Only Inkscape has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
- Each has a real cost: Inkscape no CMYK color mode support, making it unsuitable for professional print workflows requiring full color management; Adobe Illustrator listed on UK G-Cloud as part of Adobe Creative Cloud (which bundles Illustrator) at £58 to £80 per licence per month, via reseller ServiceKey
- They diverge on capability: Inkscape covers Vector editing, Adobe Illustrator covers Vector drawing.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Inkscape and Adobe Illustrator actually diverge.
| Attribute | Inkscape | Adobe Illustrator |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free | $22.99/month |
| Pricing model | free | subscription |
| Free tier | Yes | No |
| Platforms | Linux, macOS, Windows | Windows, Macos, Ios |
| Founded | 2003 | 1982 |
Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).
What each one covers
Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.
Only in Inkscape
- Vector editing
- Bezier curves
- Text tools
- Object manipulation
- Path operations
- Extensions
- Scripting
- Import/export filters
Only in Adobe Illustrator
- Vector drawing
- Bezier tools
- Shape tools
- Typography
- Gradients & effects
- Symbols & instances
- Artboards
- 3D capabilities
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Inkscape
- Logo design
- Icon creationnot Adobe Illustrator
- Web graphicsnot Adobe Illustrator
- Print design
Adobe Illustrator
- Logo design
- Vector illustrationnot Inkscape
- Icon designnot Inkscape
- Print design
Both are used for logo design, print design, on those jobs the choice comes down to price and fit rather than capability.
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Inkscape
- No CMYK color mode support, making it unsuitable for professional print workflows requiring full color management
- Lacks advanced features like 3D effects, Live Paint, and Live Trace found in Adobe Illustrator
- Extension ecosystem is smaller and more fragmented than Illustrator's built-in advanced capabilities
Adobe Illustrator
- Listed on UK G-Cloud as part of Adobe Creative Cloud (which bundles Illustrator) at £58 to £80 per licence per month, via reseller ServiceKey
Pricing, plan by plan
Inkscape
Free- Open SourceFree
- Complete vector editor
- SVG native format
- Professional tools
Adobe Illustrator
$22.99/month- Single App$22.99/month
- Illustrator desktop app
- 100GB cloud storage
- Adobe Fonts
- All Apps$59.99/month
- All Creative Cloud apps
- 100GB cloud storage
- Adobe Stock trial
Which should you pick?
Choose Inkscape if
- You need vector editing.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Linux, macOS, Windows.
- You also want bezier curves.
Choose Adobe Illustrator if
- You need vector drawing.
- You work on Windows, Macos, Ios.
- You also want bezier tools.
Questions people ask
- Is Inkscape or Adobe Illustrator better?
- Neither clearly leads. Inkscape starts at Free and Adobe Illustrator at $22.99/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Inkscape or Adobe Illustrator?
- Inkscape has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Inkscape and $22.99/month for Adobe Illustrator.
- Does Inkscape or Adobe Illustrator run on more platforms?
- Inkscape runs on Linux, macOS, Windows. Adobe Illustrator runs on Windows, Macos, Ios.
- Can I use Inkscape for free?
- Yes. Inkscape has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Adobe Illustrator starts at $22.99/month.
- What is Inkscape best used for?
- Inkscape is most often used for logo design, icon creation, web graphics, print design. Of those, icon creation and web graphics are not what Adobe Illustrator is typically brought in for.
- What can Inkscape do that Adobe Illustrator cannot?
- Inkscape covers Vector editing, Bezier curves, Text tools, Object manipulation. Adobe Illustrator covers Vector drawing, Bezier tools, Shape tools, Typography.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
Inkscape: Is Inkscape free and open source?
Yes, Inkscape is completely free and open source under the GPL license. There are no licensing fees or subscription costs.
SourceInkscape: What file formats does Inkscape support?
Inkscape's native format is SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics). It can import and export AI, EPS, PDF, PS, PNG, and many other formats.
SourceInkscape: Can Inkscape be used for professional print design?
Inkscape lacks CMYK color mode, which is required for professional print work. Adobe Illustrator is better suited for print design due to superior color management and CMYK support.
SourceInkscape: What platforms does Inkscape run on?
Inkscape is available for Linux, macOS, and Windows. It runs on all major operating systems and is fully cross-platform.
SourceInkscape: Does Inkscape have extensibility and plugins?
Yes, Inkscape has an extension system with community-built plugins. Extensions can be installed from the Extension Manager or downloaded manually, including tools for GCode generation, embroidery design (Inkstitch), and more.
Source