When it comes to open-source vector graphics software there’s perhaps nothing else as well known or as well made for the task than Inkscape – and a brand new version is now released.
Inkscape 1.4 adds a crop of new features and improves accessibility buffs, with bug fixes, code cleanups, stability tweaks, and performance tune-ups (including faster extensions) also included.
A new Filter Gallery dialog is, Inkscape say, “your new entry point into the world of filters. Head to the Filters menu to find it and your favorites more easily, with previews by category or by typing key words in the search bar”.
Design work involving symmetry or evenly spaced/arranged/ordered elements is easier when working with an on-screen grids.
Inkscape has long-supported grids but the process of finding the right grid for a task is much improved in v1.4, while the new modular grids let you to dial-in exact parameters you need, such as a set heights/widths, vertical gap size, etc.
Plus, if you’re working on cool isometric designs (like 3D icons) then you’ll be pleased to hear Inkscape 1.4 has improved axonometric grids by allowing you set grid angle by ratio.
The size, colour, stroke width, outline and opacity of on-canvas handles can be customised, with changes made to the underlying CSS file reflecting ‘live’ in the app without needing to restart it. Not that you need customise them: default handles have a new look.
Fonts are a major part of design work, so Inkscape 1.4 offers some typographic enhancements with an improved SVG font editor and a feature-packed font-browser with visual previews of fonts, the ability to set your own sample text, and find glyphs faster.
Other changes in Inkscape 1.4:
- Swatches dialog redesigned
- Shape Builder Tool for clipping raster graphic into multiple parts
- Hold
alt+ctrlto draw squares using Rectangle tool - Unified Object Properties dialog
- New icon set ‘Dash’
- Support for Affinity Designer files1
- Internal link support in PDF exports
- Folding booklet templates
- New options for Ruler and Taper Stroke LPE
- Spray tool now shows outline preview
Like the sound of all that?
Download Inkscape 1.4
Inkscape is free, open-source software available for Windows, macOS, and Linux (of course).
Download Inkscape from the official website, where Linux users have the option of using a distro-agnostic AppImage file.
Linux users can find Inkscape on Flathub and the Canonical Snap Store but, as of writing, those are on v1.3 – if you want Inkscape 1.4 NOW, use the AppImage – and perhaps install Gear Lever to easily manage, integrate, and update AppImages on Ubuntu.
- Added as part of a GSoC project by Manpreet Singh (more details on their blog) ↩︎