That 3 years wait was not in vain as Inkscape 1.0 comes with a lot of improvement starting with using a more recent version of the software used to build the editor’s user interface (GTK+3). Inkscape uses the SVG format but it supports other formats, and it can be extended by installing add-ons. Graphics professionals use vector graphics because the format doesn’t depend on resolution. Overall, the developers promise that the new Inkscape delivers a smoother, higher performance experience on Linux and Windows, HiDPI support, and better system integration on macOS. It offers 32-bit and 64-bit versions for Windows, and it’s compatible even with Windows 7.
Download the new Inkscape 1.0 and learn about what’s new
1. New toolbox
First, you will appreciate the new reorganized toolbox, with many new and improved Live Path Effect (LPE) features. You’ve got a new searchable LPE selection dialog that looks a lot better, and it comes with descriptions, and now you can mark your favorite LPEs. The developers say that you will also notice performance improvements when you need to edit node-heavy objects, using the Objects dialog, and when grouping/ungrouping.
2. Freestyle options and canvas manipulation
If you’re a freestyle artist you can now mirror and rotate the canvas and check out the Xray and Split-view modes. Also, if you’re using the software with a tablet, the new PowerPencil mode of the Pencil tool provides pressure-dependent width, and you will discover that it’s possible to create closed paths. Of course, as you would expect, the new Inkscape 1.0 lets you vectorize line drawings in the new unified Trace Bitmap dialog. Also, the new path effects that will appeal to the artistic user include Offset, PowerClip, and PowerMask LPEs.
3. Technical drawing tools
For technical drawings, you will be able to create a duplicate guide, to align grids to the page, and the Measure tool’s path length indicator. You will probably also like the new Corners (Fillet/Chamfer) LPEs for even rounding / cutting of path corners, Ellipse from Points for construction of circles and ellipses. You can now create closed arcs (fillets) with the click of a button using the Circle Tool.
4. PDF export, text & document fixes
You can now export your work in PDF version with clickable links and metadata. There are also new palettes, mesh gradients compatible with web browsers, and an on-canvas alignment for objects. In the new Inkscape, they also improved text wrapping. There are also new templates for different screen sizes, margin guides, and a colorful checkerboard background.
5. Customize the UI, themes, icons and fonts
If you like having your own customized place to work, Inkscape 1.0 comes with a lot of suck adjustments. Just click on Edit > Preferences and a new window of opportunities will open. Literally. Menus and toolbars, page sizes, custom font directories, and after you finish tinkering with them, you can save it as a new template so you can always find it and modify it as you please.
6. Not all third-party extensions are still compatible
The extension system has changed significantly in version 1.0. Inkscape migrated towards Python 3 and a more logical and fully tested extensions API. However, they didn’t bring forward all the third-party extensions. That means that 1.0 may not allow some users to continue with their normal extensions workflow. All you need to do is download the new Inkscape 1.0 and see how it goes. Don’t forget to drop us a line in the comments section with questions, suggestions, or thoughts about this.
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