Software · head to head
Inkscape vs Lunacy
The short version
- Each has a real cost: Inkscape no CMYK color mode support, making it unsuitable for professional print workflows requiring full color management; Lunacy desktop application only, not cloud-based like Figma, limiting accessibility across different computers
- They diverge on capability: Inkscape covers Bezier curves, Lunacy covers Auto layouts.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Inkscape and Lunacy actually diverge.
Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), 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
- Bezier curves
- Text tools
- Object manipulation
- Path operations
- Extensions
- Scripting
- Import/export filters
- Open source transparency
Only in Lunacy
- Auto layouts
- Components
- Real-time collaboration
- Built-in photos & icons
- AI background remover
- AI upscaler
- Sketch file support
- Sketch files
Both cover
- Vector editing
- Windows support
- Macos support
- Linux support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Inkscape
- Logo designnot Lunacy
- Icon creationnot Lunacy
- Web graphicsnot Lunacy
- Print designnot Lunacy
Lunacy
- UI/UX designnot Inkscape
- Web designnot Inkscape
- Mobile app designnot Inkscape
- Icon designnot Inkscape
- Marketing graphicsnot Inkscape
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
Lunacy
- Desktop application only, not cloud-based like Figma, limiting accessibility across different computers
- Animation capabilities are basic, lacking timeline-based animation editing or spring physics available in modern design tools
- Paid collaboration features, unlike Figma's free cloud-based team collaboration
Pricing, plan by plan
Inkscape
Free- Open SourceFree
- Complete vector editor
- SVG native format
- Professional tools
Lunacy
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the Lunacy review.
Which should you pick?
Choose Inkscape if
- You need bezier curves.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Linux, macOS, Windows.
- You also want text tools.
Choose Lunacy if
- You need auto layouts.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Windows, macOS, Linux.
- You also want components.
Questions people ask
- Is Inkscape or Lunacy better?
- Neither clearly leads. Inkscape starts at Free and Lunacy at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Inkscape or Lunacy?
- Inkscape starts at Free and Lunacy at Free.
- Does Inkscape or Lunacy run on more platforms?
- Inkscape runs on Linux, macOS, Windows. Lunacy runs on Windows, macOS, Linux.
- Can I use Inkscape for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What is Inkscape best used for?
- Inkscape is most often used for logo design, icon creation, web graphics, print design. Of those, logo design and icon creation are not what Lunacy is typically brought in for.
- What can Inkscape do that Lunacy cannot?
- Inkscape covers Bezier curves, Text tools, Object manipulation, Path operations. Lunacy covers Auto layouts, Components, Real-time collaboration, Built-in photos & icons. Both handle Vector editing, Windows support, Macos support, Linux support.
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.
SourceLunacy: Is Lunacy free to use?
Yes. Lunacy is absolutely free for personal and commercial use. There is no subscription required or trial period limitation.
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.
SourceLunacy: Can Lunacy open and work with Sketch files?
Yes. Lunacy has smooth integration with Sketch files, allowing designers to import and collaborate on Sketch projects without requiring a Sketch subscription.
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.
SourceLunacy: Does Lunacy require internet connection to work?
No. Lunacy can work offline, allowing designers to work without an internet connection. It is a desktop application that runs locally on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
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.
SourceLunacy: What are Lunacy's hardware requirements?
Lunacy is not demanding on hardware and runs smoothly even on moderate laptops. It has minimal system requirements compared to resource-intensive design tools.
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.
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