Inkscape is a free, open-source vector graphics editor. It uses SVG as its native file format, so drawings stay sharp at any size, which makes it a common choice for illustrations, logos, icons and diagrams. Its tagline is “Draw Freely”. It is a strong fit for hobbyists, students, designers on Linux and anyone who wants professional vector tools without a subscription.
How to get the official version
The current stable release when we checked was Inkscape 1.4.4, released on 6 May 2026. Choose your system on the release page:
- Windows: 64-bit builds for x86_64 (the “choose if unsure” option) and, new in 1.4.4, ARM64 for devices such as Snapdragon-based Surface Pro. Each comes as an .exe installer, an .msi package or a .7z archive. Inkscape is also in the Microsoft Store for free.
- macOS: separate DMG files for Intel and Apple Silicon (arm64).
- Linux: AppImage, Flatpak, Snap, or the Personal Package Archive for Ubuntu.
The Windows page advises removing the previous version before updating, and using the .7z archive if you want two versions installed side by side.
Price and account
Inkscape is free software under the GPL. There are no ads, accounts, subscriptions or paid tiers, including in the Microsoft Store. The project is funded by donations.
What 1.4.4 changes
The release notes describe a maintenance release with 20 crash fixes, more than 25 bug fixes and performance improvements, a new palette, a button to rotate stars and polygons back to an upright position, and Windows on ARM installers. It is also a bridge release: it can convert the multipage format planned for Inkscape 1.5 back to the older format. Versions before 1.4.3 cannot read pages created in 1.5 and later.
Known issues
- On macOS, if you start Inkscape from the command line, extensions and many Python-based import/export formats do not work. This is a side effect of a security fix for CVE-2025-15523 added in 1.4.3.
- On Wayland, depending on the GTK version, moving a docked tab or closing a floating dialog can crash Inkscape.
- The project said the Windows Store update to 1.4.4 could be delayed by about a month.
System requirements
The Windows page notes that Inkscape 1.3.x requires at least Windows 8.1, and that 0.92.3 was the last version for Windows Vista and XP. Current Windows builds are 64-bit only.
Questions
Can I keep two Inkscape versions installed?
Yes. The Windows page recommends the .7z archives for parallel installations: extract each into an empty folder and create shortcuts yourself.
Is the Microsoft Store version free?
Yes. The Store listing is free and published by Inkscape, but it can lag behind the website release.
Should I use a development snapshot?
Only for testing. The release page separates the current stable version from unstable development snapshots.
