Inkscape vs Boxy SVG: Which One Is Better in 2024?

Inkscape and Boxy SVG are essential tools for businesses and designers, offering powerful vector graphics capabilities. We'll compare their features, user interface, performance, compatibility, cost, and community support to determine the best option for your needs.

A Quick Overview of Inkscape and Boxy SVG

What is Inkscape?

Inkscape is a free and open-source vector graphics editor that provides powerful design tools for illustrators, designers, web designers, and anyone needing to create vector imagery.

Inkscape offers flexible drawing tools, broad file format compatibility, and a powerful text tool. Its unique feature is being free and open-source, allowing users to access and modify the source code, contributing to its development and customization.

What is Boxy SVG?

Boxy SVG provides a Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) editor designed for creating and editing vector graphics. The company focuses on delivering a tool that simplifies the process of working with SVG files.

Boxy SVG offers a user-friendly interface that is accessible to both beginners and professionals. A unique feature is its integration with cloud storage services, allowing users to save and access their work from anywhere.

Features of Inkscape and Boxy SVG

Similarities

Inkscape and Boxy SVG share several key features that make them both powerful tools for vector graphic design. Here are the most important similarities:

• Flexible Drawing Tools: Both applications offer a variety of drawing tools that allow users to create complex vector graphics.
• Broad File Format Compatibility: They support multiple file formats, making it easy to import and export designs.
• Powerful Text Tool: Both tools provide robust text editing capabilities, allowing for detailed typographic work.
• Bezier and Spiro Curves: Both support advanced path operations, including Bezier and Spiro curves for precise control over shapes and lines.
• Layer Support: They offer layer management, enabling users to create complex compositions with ease.

Differences

When comparing Inkscape and Boxy SVG, several distinct features set them apart. Here are the most significant differences:

• Plug-ins and Extensions: Inkscape supports a wide range of plug-ins and extensions, allowing for extensive customization and added functionality. Boxy SVG does not offer this level of extensibility.
• Advanced Path Operations: Inkscape includes advanced path operations like Bezier and Spiro curves, providing more precise control over shapes and lines. Boxy SVG lacks these advanced path tools.
• Text Tool Capabilities: Inkscape's text tool is more powerful, offering advanced typographic features. Boxy SVG's text tool is simpler and less feature-rich.
• File Format Compatibility: Inkscape supports a broader range of file formats, making it easier to import and export various types of designs. Boxy SVG has more limited file format support.
• Community and Development: Inkscape, being open-source, has a large community contributing to its development and customization. Boxy SVG, while user-friendly, does not have the same level of community-driven enhancements.

User Interface and Usability

Inkscape's user interface is complex, with numerous tools and options that can be overwhelming for new users. The layout is cluttered, making it difficult to navigate and find specific features. The user experience is hindered by the steep learning curve, requiring users to invest significant time to become proficient. Overall usability is affected by the lack of intuitive design, which can be frustrating for those seeking a straightforward tool.

Boxy SVG, on the other hand, offers a more streamlined user interface. The design is minimalistic, focusing on essential tools that are easily accessible. This simplicity enhances the user experience, making it more approachable for beginners. The overall usability is improved by the clean layout and straightforward navigation, allowing users to quickly accomplish tasks without unnecessary complexity.

Boxy SVG has a better user interface and usability compared to Inkscape.

Collaboration

Inkscape does not offer built-in collaboration tools, relying instead on community features like forums, chat, and mailing lists for user interaction. This approach means that while users can share ideas and seek help, real-time collaborative editing is not supported. Users must rely on external tools for direct collaboration on projects.

Boxy SVG also lacks specific collaboration features within the application. Users can save and access their work through cloud storage services, which allows for some level of file sharing and version control. However, like Inkscape, it does not support real-time collaborative editing, requiring users to use other platforms for teamwork.

Neither Inkscape nor Boxy SVG is particularly strong in facilitating direct collaboration.

Inkscape and Boxy SVG Pricing

Inkscape is entirely free to use, with no associated costs for subscriptions, one-time purchases, or trials. This open-source model allows users to access all features without any financial commitment, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious designers.

Boxy SVG, in contrast, operates on a subscription-based model, with different pricing tiers to access its features. While it offers a more streamlined user experience, the cost may be a consideration for some users. Overall, Inkscape provides better pricing as it is completely free.

Comparing Inkscape and Boxy SVG to Piktochart

Piktochart transforms complex ideas into captivating visuals that inform and engage your audience. With Piktochart AI, you can create stunning infographics, reports, and presentations in seconds, perfectly aligned with your brand. No design experience required.

Pros of Piktochart

• AI-Powered Design Generator: Piktochart's AI-powered design generator allows users to create stunning visuals from simple prompts, significantly enhancing productivity and creativity.
• Wide Range of Visual Tools: From infographics to social media posts, Piktochart offers a comprehensive suite of tools, including an Infographic Maker, Banner Maker, and Brochure Maker, catering to diverse design needs.
• Customizable Templates: The platform provides a vast array of customizable templates, saving users time and ensuring professional-quality results for various use cases.
• Video Editing and Content Repurposing: Piktochart includes accessible video tools like a Screen Recorder and Social Media Video Maker, making it easy to edit and repurpose content for different platforms.
• Support for Multiple Sectors: Piktochart is designed to support various sectors, including education, healthcare, marketing, and nonprofits, offering tailored solutions to meet specific industry needs.

Piktochart's Pricing

• Free: $0 (Free forever)
• Pro: $14 per member/month, billed annually
• Business: $24 per member/month, billed annually
• Enterprise: Custom Pricing

What Are Others Saying?

Inkscape Reviews

Overall, users have given Inkscape a rating of 4.4 out of 5. While many appreciate its affordability and vector design capabilities, frustrations include a steep learning curve and poor usability.

• "The interface is cluttered and not intuitive, making it hard to find tools." - John D., 3.5/5
• "Importing files can be problematic, often leading to errors." - Sarah K., 3/5
• "The learning curve is steep, especially for beginners." - Mike L., 2.5/5

Find more of Inkscape reviews on G2!

Boxy SVG Reviews

Overall, users have given Boxy SVG a rating of 4.5 out of 5. While many appreciate its simplicity and clean SVG output, frustrations include missing basic functionalities and bugs.

• "The default fill setting for shapes created with the spline tool is annoying." - JRinAZ, 3/5
• "Inconsistent display of imported SVGs compared to other programs." - banjohij, 3/5
• "Missing basic functionalities like adding drop shadows or blur to lines." - Dennis Matthew Dewey, 3.5/5

Find more of Boxy SVG reviews on G2!

Piktochart Reviews

Our users have given Piktochart an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5. They appreciate the platform's ease of use, professional-quality templates, and versatility in creating various types of visuals.

• "Easy to create content even if you're not a designer." - Jessica D.
• "My Go-To for ALL Professional Presentations!" - Jennifer K.
• "Piktochart offers good looking pre-built templates for creating graphics." - Meenakshi J.

Find more of our reviews on G2!

Why choose one over the other?

Why a consumer might want to use Inkscape over Boxy SVG:

• Consumers who need advanced path operations, extensive plug-ins, and a powerful text tool would prefer Inkscape. This is ideal for illustrators, designers, and web designers who require a free, open-source solution with broad file format compatibility.

Why a consumer might want to use Boxy SVG over Inkscape:

• Consumers looking for a user-friendly interface with easy navigation and cloud storage integration would choose Boxy SVG. This is perfect for beginners and professionals who need a streamlined tool for creating and editing SVG files.

Why a consumer might want to use Piktochart over Boxy SVG and Inkscape:

• Consumers who need to create a variety of visuals quickly and without design experience would opt for Piktochart. This is suitable for communications professionals, educators, marketers, and anyone looking for an easy-to-use platform with customizable templates and AI-powered design tools.

Inkscape, Boxy SVG, or Piktochart: Which is the best platform for you?

Whether you're an illustrator, designer, or someone who needs to create stunning visuals quickly, Inkscape, Boxy SVG, and Piktochart each offer unique strengths. While all three tools are excellent choices, we believe Piktochart stands out for its ease of use, professional-quality templates, and AI-powered design tools. Give Piktochart a try and see how effortlessly you can transform complex ideas into captivating visuals.